God and I
Exploring the Connections Between God, Self and Ego
by Philip St. Romain
God and I
Exploring the Connections Between God, Self and Ego
by Philip St. Romain
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What do we mean when we use the terms “God,” “Self” and “Ego”?
To what experiences do these terms point? What are the relationships between them?
This book by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min., goes beyond semantics to provide an experiential approach to understanding “God,” “Self” and “Ego.” It also situates this understanding in an anthropology that will be agreeable to most psychologists and Christian spiritual directors. Different “zones of intimacy” between God, Self and Ego are identified, each with differing requirements. Questions for reflection and discussion conclude each chapter, along with several suggested spiritual exercises.
Published by Contemplative Ministries, Inc., 2016 (2nd edition)
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Contents
Preface
1. God
Existence and Non-Existence. Existence and God. Revelation and Relationship. Summary. Reflection and Discussion. Spiritual Exercises.
2. Self
Levels of Consciousness. Human Consciousness. Self. Self and God. Summary. Reflection and Discussion. Spiritual Exercises.
3. Ego
Reflecting and Non-Reflecting Consciousness. Ego and Reflecting Consciousness. The Development of Ego. Zones of Consciousness. I and Me. Ego and Identity. Summary--God, Self and Ego. Reflection and Discussion. Spiritual Exercises.
4. False Self System
Conditional Love. The Wounding of the Ego. Summary. Reflection and Discussion. Spiritual Exercises.
5. Journey to Egoic Authenticity
The Meaning of Authenticity. Being Attentive. Being Intelligent and Reasonable. Being Responsible. Summary. Reflection and Discussion. Spiritual Exercises.
6. Journey to Individuation: Ego-Self
Egotism, Egoism and Individuation. Windows of Opportunity. Looking Through the Window Panes. The Open, Individuating Ego. Other Approaches. Summary. Reflection and Discussion. Spiritual Exercises.
7. Journey to Belonging: Ego-God
Relationship with God? The God Who Loves Egos. The Response of Faith. Love’s Boundaries. The Spirit-Centered Ego. Theosis: Being-in-Love. Summary. Reflection and Discussion. Spiritual Exercises.
8. Journey to Mystical Union: Self-God
The Prayer of Quiet. Prayer of Union and Beyond. Direct Approaches. Summary. Reflection and Discussion. Spiritual Exercises.
9. Spiritual Transformation: God-Self-Ego
1. The Ego is Not the Problem. 2. Ego Authenticity is Foundational to Spirituality. 3. Opening to God’s Loving Influence Sustains Us. 4. We Discover Our True Identity in God. 5. We Consent to the “Dark Nights” of Healing. 6. We Strive to “Be All That We Can Be.” Summary. Reflection and Discussion. Spiritual Exercises.
References Cited in Footnotes
About the Author
Notes on Publication