Journal for Spiritual Development: Seven Steps to Discipleship

Anna Marie Eloisa Hernandez
Xulon Press (2010)
ISBN 9781615798063
Reviewed by Marissa Libbit for Reader Views (06/10)


“Journal for Spiritual Development: Seven Steps to Discipleship” by Anna Marie Eloisa Hernandez is a guide to improving one’s life, spiritually, emotionally, financially, and physically.  Seven principles to put into practice are divided in the book.  Principles include: “rebirth, answering the call, networking, understanding and dedication, and selfless love, living witness of the gospel.”  Within each chapter there are Bible verses followed by reflection sections, bulleted “to do” lists, study questions, and activities.

The author suggests the book can be used for individual or group study.  The read is simple, quick and nicely structured.  I do take issue with the book being called “seven steps to discipleship” as there are really hundreds listed within the book in easily read bulleted sections.  In my mind “steps” are the actions one takes to spiritual development and the steps are really these bullet points.  I understand why the author groups them is seven sections, but personally the specific steps are much more than the titles of each section. 

The study questions in “Journal for Spiritual Development: Seven Steps to Discipleship” are a nice opportunity for the reader to reflect on his or her life in regards to how he/she deals with challenges, spends money, appreciates others, etc.  However, the guide can also overwhelm the reader.  It is very easy to say things like, “Pay off all debts like credit cards and loans; juice your vegetables to cleanse your digestive tract; and overcome family problems by learning to communicate,” and quite another thing to actually implement them.  God loves us, faults and all.  Use the steps as a guide, but cut yourself some slack for your imperfections.

Make comment on weblog

FTC Disclosure