SOUL MAKING

by Alan W. Jones

A leading spiritual writer recovers "The Desert Way of Believing" -- the spiritual pathway discovered by early Christian monks who lived in the Egyptian desert that is still relevant to Christians today. Alan Jones distills the elements that made this fully orthodox way of inner transformation a unique and important part of the early church. Refreshingly readable and filled with rich insights, Soul Making draws together the spirituality of modern literature and elements of psychology. Jones shows how the desert way can become for any spiritual seeker a soul-stretching means of experiencing the "wonder, mystery, and awe" at the heart of the Christian faith.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith, Psychology, Christian

222 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[John Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 25-year-old book was recommended to me, and I'm grateful. Jones says, "one of the ways by which we are encouraged to forget our true worth and are seduced into trying to build up our 'dignity' is in the practice of religion." Jones admits to finding it increasingly difficult to feel at home with fellow Christians while becoming more comfortable with non-Christians. The two characteristics he admires most in both kinds of people are honesty and reverence. Jones is saddened by Christians who have repeated a simple formula designed to get them into heaven, then live an unfruitful life characterized by judging others and seeking revenge. The two marks of the Christian, he says, are joy and penitence. Jones shows that the Christian life is full of sorrow, and that we don't really grow unless we empty ourselves to God's will: "Christianity is a shocking religion, although many if its adherents have managed to protect themselves from its terrible impact. Tears, an awareness of one's psychic fragility and a deep sense of peace and joy are not the most obvious marks of believers today." Even sin can result in good, Jones says, because it is the knowledge of the sin that releases tears.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about confronting the ambiguities and complexities of the spiritual life. I can't think of anybody who shouldn't read this. Jones grounds his perspective in the life of the ancient desert-dwelling monks who were confronted with their own personal difficulties regularly, but who also learned that by putting to death their fleshly tendencies, they were able to experience the true love of God and communal interdependence. This is a great book for any Christian who feels like their expression of Christianity isn't working, or isn't answering the deeper questions of their soul that keep dogging them. Alan Jones is a wonderful guide through this journey.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most impacting books when I moved from being Baptist to Anglican. Such startling and comforting revelations about the cyclical nature of spiritual growth. Or I guess I should say spiral as you may end up back where you started, but you are definitely in a different place.

[Linda]

this book came to me when i most needed it. it is full of lovely as well as excruciating wisdom. it had the effect of soothing my soul and helping my spiritual growth and renewal.
i recommend Soul Making for anyone in search of honesty and authenticity.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn't surprise me that reviews are split on this one. Simply put, if you are in (or have ever found yourself) in the 'desert,' then Jones' book will be powerful and reassuring. But if you've not (yet) gone through that experience, it probably won't make much sense to you. Also, Jones doesn't pull any punches with his critique of the way religion is typically practiced, which will make some readers uncomfortable.

There were many parts of this book that I absolutely adored (the way he ties psychoanalysis into spiritual practice, his critique of simple religion, and the idea of the "three conversions" were profound to read), but I do agree with some other reviewers that the book meanders slightly at times, and does tend towards repetitiveness.

That being said, this is an easy recommendation (even a high one) for anyone trudging through the "dark night of the soul." Especially those of us who have had to unpack our evangelical baggage will find powerful and penetrating wisdom, and even freedom, in these pages.

[Mikey Rogers]

I read this for my Spiritual Formation class. There are definitely some confusing and maybe unhelpful tangents taken in the book. However, there is a whole lot of really helpful truth in this book. Jones writes to encourage the modern Christian that she does not need to have everything figured nor even to be happy to be considered a Christian. Rather, she must have faith in the one, namely Christ, who willingly entered suffering and grief and the unknown so that we might become whole.

Memorable quote: “In Jesus Christ we no longer have to lie.”

[Kenzie King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in college & wanted to reread out of curiosity. I didn’t realize how much I’d been subconsciously influenced by the concept of “desert spirituality” or how it’s shaped my internal world. Rereading felt like revisiting my grandmothers house as an adult — everything was familiar but I was seeing it with different eyes. That being said, though I think this book has a lot of good “sound bites” or quotes, it’s a bit redundant and could have been summed up in half the pages.

[Debra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contained some gems, but they were hard to uncover amidst the circuitous writing, use of quotes and metaphors that are as clear as mud, and pontificating against "believers." If I didn't have to read this book for a class, then I would not have finished it.

[Phyllis Fredericksen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay book. Hard to get into it for me.

[Charlanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could potentially give this book more stars because I love the point this author makes, but it gets lost a little in his language and non-linear expression. So, some artsy and poetic and such would enjoy his metaphors in the desert way of faith and belief, or the desert journey to faith, but it can be hard to follow. Plus, he uses many psychological references which aren't as accessible to everyone.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am editing my initial response to this book. i loved it last year, but it's interesting b/c my response is different this year. i don't really want to hear the voice of a skeptic...not that i'd say he is a skeptic...but, he walks a line that if he leaned slightly to one side, he could easily capture and enter that voice. we'll see.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a while to get through this non-fiction book. It is rather deep and thought provoking. Some themes in the book that touched me were "joy", "shame" and different meanings and levels of "conversion".

[Kj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to re-read this.

[Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Exhausting read. Clearly, this author was struggling with his own issues. Exhausting.

[Kate Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read an article for CSL528: Interpersonal Foundations. Definitely need to read more of this!!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll reread this for the rest of my life.

[Charles Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just had a hard time with this book - often, I didn't understand where he was going.