Part depth psychology, part psychiatry, and part spiritual direction, Adventures in Soulmaking is an inspiring, evocative, and at times simply fascinating book/workbook that depends upon the Christian contemplative tradition. That tradition may seem strange to some, but my own background in spiritual direction makes this one of those books I'll reach for again and again. Caldwell's devotion to Christ, combined with his years of training in psychiatry, help us discern what makes us "tick" spiritually and psychologially, and points us toward that wholeness that is the salve in salvation.
Caldwell, though, refuses to travel the tracks of "pop psychology", instead offering an adventure on the path to God -- searching for "ultimate meaning" by looking again at Christian Scripture and tradition. That makes the second half of the book -- particularly chapters 8-19 -- extremely helpful for newcomers to that contemplative Christian tradition.
This is a book I'll recommend quite a bit in the future, for those who want to explore what their "next steps" in the Christian life might be.
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I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, as part of the Speakeasy book review program, in exchange for my honest review here.