A LIBRARIAN’S ORIENTATION
What this book explores
A psychiatrist and contemplative interprets John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila as guides through spiritual darkness and transformed desire.
EDITORIAL NOTE
Why it’s in the Library
It helps travelers distinguish spiritual darkness from punishment, failure, or the simple loss of belief. Its most important boundary is equally clear: mystical interpretation must not erase psychological, medical, or relational realities.
Good starting place if…
Familiar spiritual consolation has disappeared and you want a careful modern guide to John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila on darkness, desire, and release.
Know before you begin…
May interprets classic Christian mysticism through his experience as a psychiatrist and contemplative. Depression, trauma, medication effects, abuse, and other crises should not be relabeled as a mystical dark night or left without appropriate care.