The untold story behind modern spiritual direction

In The Making of Modern Spiritual Direction, Paul Burgmayer pulls back the curtain on a quiet revolution that reshaped one of the most intimate practices of the spiritual life.

What emerges is a story few have told: spiritual direction as we know it is largely a 20th-century creation—forged in the tension between tradition and innovation, theology and psychology, authority and personal experience.

Drawing on a decade of research, rare archival discoveries, and interviews with key voices, Burgmayer introduces the pioneers who reimagined spiritual direction—and asks what their legacy means for us now.

Inside, you'll discover:

The surprising origins of modern spiritual direction training programs
The "hidden heroes" who shaped today's practices—and why they matter
How psychology transformed (and sometimes challenged) spiritual guidance
Why spiritual direction looks so different across traditions
The ongoing tension between guidance, companionship, and authority
What the future of spiritual direction may demand from today's practitioners

If you are a spiritual director, clergy member, seminarian, or serious seeker, this book will challenge your assumptions, deepen your practice, and expand your understanding of what spiritual direction can be.

Sign up now to get the most out of Books2Read

Discover something great at Books2Read.

Thanks for signing up for Books2Read notifications!