The untold story behind modern spiritual direction In The Making of Modern Spiritual Direction, Paul Burgmayer pulls back the curtain on a quiet revolution that reshaped one of the most intimate practices of the spiritual life. What emerges is a story few have told: spiritual direction as we know it is largely a 20th-century creation-forged in the tension between tradition and innovation, theology and psychology, authority and personal experience. Drawing on a decade of research, rare archival discoveries, and interviews with key voices, Burgmayer introduces the pioneers who reimagined spiritual direction-and asks what their legacy means for us now. Inside, you'll discover:The surprising origins of modern spiritual direction training programs The "hidden heroes" who shaped today's practices-and why they matter How psychology transformed (and sometimes challenged) spiritual guidance Why spiritual direction looks so different across traditions The ongoing tension between guidance, companionship, and authority What the future of spiritual direction may demand from today's practitioners If you are a spiritual director, clergy member, seminarian, or serious seeker, this book will challenge your assumptions, deepen your practice, and expand your understanding of what spiritual direction can be.