Understanding Our Story: The Life's Work and Legacy of Adrian van Kaam in the Field of Formative Spirituality Paperback – February 28, 2017

I came to appreciate Adrian van Kaam’s work through a spiritual direction training program. Reading this book, which summarizes much of his prolific writings, helped solidify what I have learned through that program. It also helped me see the process of my own spiritual journey and the journeys of others more clearly. This isn’t an easy read by any means, but it is definitely worth the effort if you want to understand the human life as a spiritual journey toward oneness with the Divine Mystery and a means by which we are transformed into the God-created persons we are meant to be.

Although the book could have benefited from more engaging writing and clear structure, it does an incredible job summarizing the work of spiritual formation genius Adrian van Kaam! Everyone hypes up Dallas Willard, but van Kaam should be honored for his incredible contributions to the field as well! Thank you for this incredible book! May van Kaam’s name continue to be remembered for generations to come!

Rebecca Letterman is a friend and the topics on formation in this book speaks to holistic approach to spiritual formation.