How to Practice Discernment: a conversation with Adam Shields

Practice Not Perfect

Adam Shields is a book blogger (at Bookwi.se) and a spiritual director (at aspiritualdirector.com). In this episode we discuss the nature of Spiritual Discernment, what it is, why it is an important part of Christian Spirituality, and what are some misunderstands, obstacles and limitations to discernment.

You can catch up with Adam on his blog or on his socials. His handle is AdamRShields, and he is most active on Twitter and Threads.

Some books and resources discussed in the Podcast:

Anderson, Hanna, All That’s Good. Chicago, Moody, 2018.

Anderson, Laura, When Religion Hurts You: Healing from Religious Trauma and the Impact of High-Control Religion. Grand Rapids, Brazos Press, 2023.

Beck, Richard, Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age. Minneapolis, Broadleaf, 2021.

Brooks, David “David Brooks on How to Know A Person” The Russel Moore Show, produced by Russell Moore, January 3, 2024, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-brooks-on-how-to-know-a-person/id1074011166?i=1000640420856

Gallagher, Timothy, OVM, The Discernment of Spirits: an Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living. New York, Crossroad, 2005.

Graves, Marlena, Bearing God: Living a Christ-Formed Life in Uncharted Waters. Colorado Springs, NavPress, 2023.

Howatch, Susan (Starbridge Series, various)

Ignatius of Loyola, Personal Writings. New York, Penguin, 1996.

MacIntyre, Alasdair, After Virtue. South Bend, University of Notre Dame Press, 1981.

Martin, James, SJ. Becoming Who You Are: Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and Other Saints. Mahwah, Paulist Press. 2006.

McConnaughey, Janyne, Trauma in the Pews: the Impact on Faith and Spiritual Practices. Glendora, Berry Powell Press, 2022.

Winner, Lauren, The Dangers of Christian Practice: On Wayward Gifts, Characteristic Damage and Sin. New Haven, Yale University Press