Soul Friend: Spiritual Direction in the Modern World

A classic on the Christian practice of spiritual direction.Leech's scholarly, yet accessible, exploration examines the climate in which spiritual direction takes place today-the influence of the drug culture of the 1960's, Eastern influences on prayer and spiritual practice, the Pentecostal movement, and others. He provides background on the history of spiritual direction, both Protestant and Catholic, from the earliest Church through the twentieth century. Leech also explores other questions of interest to directors and those seeking out direction: the relationship between counseling and direction; the practice of prayer in Christian spiritual tradition; and the prophetic role of the spiritual director, not just for the individual but for the larger society. An excellent course book, and a fascinating book for those contemplating direction, Soul Friend will continue to be a classic for years to come.

Kenneth Leech (1939-2015) was the founder of Centrepoint, one of the biggest programs for homeless youth in Europe, and former field officer for racial justice for the Church of England and community theologian at St Botolph's Church in Aldgate, London. He is the author of many highly regarded books, including Soul Friend, The Eye of the Storm, True Prayer, and the award-winning Care and Conflict.