How Then Shall We Guide?

“This welcome book is a reminder that history always impacts theology and in turn shapes spirituality. Jimmy Tan’s insightful comparative study of Ignatius of Loyola and John Calvin provides rich wisdom for both Christian spirituality and spiritual direction. I hope this excellent resource will guide ecumenical conversations in spiritual direction. The church will be the healthier for it. Strongly recommended!”


—Tom Schwanda, associate professor emeritus of Christian formation and ministry, Wheaton College





“In this comparative study of Ignatius Loyola and John Calvin as spiritual guides, Jimmy Tan has shown that there are deep spiritual affinities as well as significant differences. The study is especially important in our day when spiritual guides tend to be rather careless in their use of sources. They would do well, following the lead of the author, to engage in some spiritual exercises in Ignatian and Calvinist discernment.”


—Simon Chan, editor, Asia Journal of Theology





“This is a very important, substantial, and well-written book in the area of spiritual direction and formation. It clearly and helpfully describes and compares the spiritual guidance approaches of Ignatius of Loyola and John Calvin from the tri-perspective of history, theology, and method. Highly recommended as essential reading!”


—Siang-Yang Tan, senior professor of clinical psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, and senior pastor emeritus, First Evangelical Church Glendale





“In response to the common tendency to take a smorgasbord approach to a buffet spread of spiritual direction practices, Jimmy Tan’s timely and essential book offers an approach that takes seriously the historical and theological roots of various models so that these can be faithfully and effectively employed. He demonstrates this by examining the Ignatian and Reformed traditions, showing their similarities and differences, and how bridges can be built for mutual enrichment.”


—Robert Solomon, bishop emeritus, The Methodist Church in Singapore





“We urgently need a recovery of biblical spirituality and a rediscovery of spiritual disciplines, unencumbered by misconception and prejudice. In this book, Jimmy Tan helps us navigate our way through the Catholic and Protestant milieu, bringing history, theology, and methodology into what he calls ‘a trinocular vision’ arising from both Ignatian and Reformed traditions.”


—David Wong, general secretary, Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore





“Burgeoning interest in Christian spirituality is no evidence of its informed practice. Jimmy Tan’s timely book addresses the neglect of historical context and theological foundations in the practice of spiritual guidance. Offering critical and comparative accounts of Ignatius and Calvin on spiritual direction, Tan demonstrates how the threefold perspective of method, history, and theology enriches its practice across the Ignatian and Reformed traditions. I commend this sure-footed study that recovers themes of considerable importance for anyone interested in spiritual theology and formation.”


—Edwin Tay, principal, Trinity Theological College