Gerald G. May (1940–2005)

Comprehensive and clearly written, Care of Mind/Care of Spirit never reduces religion to psychology, but treats religious experience as the truly unique thing that it is. Reflecting an impressive theological and psychological competence, May's carefully balanced, groundbreaking study offers much needed assistance to the growing ranks of those who counsel others on their religious quest, whether spiritual director, pastoral counselor, religious educator, therapist, minister, priest, or religious. It also offers insight to all who are interested in the dynamics of spirituality.… (altro)

May made Theresa of Avila's works (and presumably John of the Cross) more comprehensible to a modern reader than Miribai Starr's recent translations of My Life and The Interior Castle. John's "Dark Night" referring to the obscurity of God within us rather than depression or God seemingly ignoring us was encouraging as was the idea that prayer life is not a linear progression but goes up and down, loops back to be beginning and the stages often overlap. He also contrasts meditation, inward focus to the exclusion of everything else, with contemplation, opening one's awareness to encompass everything happening around which I found interesting and had never heard before.… (altro)