I’ve been reading about Ignatian spirituality for about 20 years now, so when this book first came out, I didn’t pick it up because I thought it would be too remedial for me. I’m glad I eventually gave it a look. There is so much good information here for anyone who is just starting to learn about Ignatian spirituality, as well as those who are already familiar with the concept.

The book follows an A-Z format like a glossary or mini-encyclopedia. It is interesting enough to read straight through, or can be used simply to look up a few terms here and there.

Terms and topics include the obvious: Jesuit education, Ignatius Loyola, Society of Jesus, and discernment. Several informative biographical entries are also included. Many entries, though, seemed a bit ambiguous and general, such as boldness, conversation, and zeal. But many others, such as Cura Personalis, Cristo Rey, and Men and Women for Others, that are essential to the understanding of what Ignatian spirituality is all about, are included here.

One thing I’m tired of lately is seeing this trend of authors and editors embedding themselves too heavily in books. For example, the section Jesuits I Have Known could’ve been left out of here. I also felt the Ignatian Reading List included at the end was a little heavy on Loyola Press titles and authors, and simply seemed like an advertisement for the publisher.

Overall, though, this is an enjoyable and informative look at Ignatian spirituality. It would make an excellent gift for anyone from high school students, to those looking for different aspects of the Catholic faith, or those who have been practicing Catholics for years.

Going into the book, I thought this book was about Ignatius of Antioch, the church father. I was disappointed to see that it was about the Jesuit Ignatius.

The problem with writing a book in the form of an alphabet is just not that interesting. The topics seem disjointed and some of them a little too far fetched, as if the author couldnt come up with anything for one of the letters of the alphabet.

I am giving it a couple of stars because I did get one or two things from the book which were useful, such as the principle that whenever you feel uncomfortable with a spiritual discipline, do it more.

The book ‘Ignatian Spirituality A to Z’ by Jim Manney, really delivers as advertised.
It was a fun read for me, as I studied philosophy and (some of my) theology at the Jesuit-run Saint George’s Seminary in Frankfurt, Germany. It not only had me revisit well-known and comfortable practices such as the examination of conscience (Examen) and the Spiritual Exercises (Exerzitien), but also deepened my knowledge and familiarity of Jesuit Saints and other more obscure Principles.
This book could definitely be used as a glossary or reference book only, but I believe the author intended for the book to be read from A-Z. The writing is very easy to follow and the author does a great job of explaining these fundamentally important tenets of Ignatian spirituality. Jim Manney covers everything from AMDG (ad majorem Dei gloriam), gratitude, the fourth vow, “praying as if everything depends on you”, and doesn’t shy away from mentioning the conspiracy theories that (still) surround the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

All in all, a good and (at times) lighthearted approach to Ignatian spirituality that will appeal to lots of people. If you’ve been wondering about the Society of Jesus, this would be a great first contact. If the reader feels a ‘calling’ to the spiritual Exercises or the Jesuits as an Order, I recommend you to get into contact with a Jesuit priest.
Happy Reading and God bless!

Summary: An introduction to Ignatian spirituality in the form of a glossary of commonly used terms and key people.

Ignatian spirituality has been gaining in interest in recent years. Pope Francis, a Jesuit, is steeped in this tradition. The hunger for a deeper spirituality extends far beyond Catholic circles and it is increasingly common to encounter some of the practices of Ignatian spirituality like examen or terminology like consolation and desolation in many retreat setting. Or you will hear of some who has done the spiritual exercises. It can all sound a bit like “inside baseball,” an experience author Jim Manney had. He looked for a guide that explained or defined these terms, and ended up writing it.

Manney has compiled an “A to Z” glossary of terms related to Ignatian spiritualty that includes history and biography of key figures from Ignatius, Xavier, and Peter Faber down to Fr. James Martin, Teilhard de Chardin, and Pope Francis, all Jesuits We learn the connection between the Society of Jesus and Ignatian spirituality. Manney has fun along the way. One of his entries is “Basketball,” highlighting the long tradition of outstanding Jesuit college teams, players, and coaches. He writes:

“Why this digression into basketball in a book about Ignatian spirituality? Because basketball is a city game, and cities are where you find Jesuits. The early Jesuits set up shop in the cities of Europe; the countryside was for monks and hermits. The Jesuits have been in the cities ever since. Most of the twenty-eight Jesuit colleges in the United States are located in urban areas, often right downtown. Basketball is a game of constant motion; it blends teamwork, individual skills, improvisation, and finesse. If you want a metaphor for Ignatian spirituality, basketball is a good one.”

Some of the terminology is in Latin, and some of it is important to understanding Ignatian spirituality. One example is agere contra, which means “do the opposite.” It is the idea that, when tempted, we desire the opposite, When tempted by riches, seek poverty. Engaging in self-pity? Go find someone to help. Another is cura personalis or “care of the entire person.” Unlike other traditions that sought spiritual progress through asceticism, Ignatius insisted that Jesuits live balanced lives and practice good self-care.

Along the way we learn that the Jesuits were suppressed for a time, for fear of their power both by secular rulers and in the church. And yet these were the missionaries of the church. The “Fourth Vow” is one of “special obedience to the sovereign pontiff with regard to missions.” At points, this vow aroused suspicion, and yet they’ve played a vital role in both the mission and reform of the church.

I found this the ideal guide for a “newbie” to Ignatian spirituality. Manney doesn’t assume anything, he keeps the text accessible and light-hearted (he even includes an entry on “Jesuit jokes”). Yet it is clear that as an editor for Loyola Press, a frequent speaker, and lay volunteer, we are learning from someone whose life has been shaped by the spirituality of which he writes. His book is no substitute for working with an Ignatian director. Rather, I suspect it will leave many wanting to.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.