Guidance from the Darkness: The Transforming Power of the Divine Feminine in Difficult Times

Shelton, a leader with the United Church of Religious Science and an instructor at the Holmes Institute School of Ministry in Seattle, writes to those who are experiencing pain and suffering--or, perhaps, to other spiritual advisors. Like other books in this popular genre, hers proposes a formula for survival garbed in encouragement and inspiration. The first part narrates experiences of darkness derived from her years of working with parishioners in pastoral care situations. Shelton presents these stories to demonstrate the variety of human suffering, implying that her method of approaching pain will encompass and treat them all. Then, in the second part, she details her method, describing seven qualities of being--attention, intention, choice, practice, surrender, intuition and trust--which she views as tools for successful growth out of darkness. Throughout, the authoremphasizes that the key to discovering a new life in the midst of pain and suffering comes from opening to the Divine Feminine, the feminine aspect of the Presence of God. Although the book seems well intentioned, it is marginal and forgettable at best. (Mar.)