by John Sanford
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The stories and parables of Jesus are beloved teachings that impart spiritual truth and offer glimpses into the reality of God’s kingdom.
In his book, The Kingdom Within, Jungian analyst and Episcopal priest John Sanford presents the perspective that Jesus’ teachings are intended to be internalized, encouraging individuals to cultivate awareness of the Kingdom of God as an inner reality.
Sanford asserts that Jesus’ message regarding the kingdom is meant to be about the present moment, emphasizing personal growth rather than the anticipation of a future event that will come from the outside.
With a balance of scholarship and contemplative nuance, Sanford delves into the parables and stories of Jesus by expressing concern that many Christians may have become disconnected from their inner selves and may not interpret these stories as originally intended by Jesus. According to Sanford, these accounts are designed to resonate with our internal experiences and foster a deeper understanding that the kingdom of God originates within each individual.
Sanford says in his 2009 Harper One publication, “We are living in enslavement to what we don’t know about ourselves…that the kingdom is both that which we find within ourselves as an inner treasure and that which is searching to find us, who, when found, become something of supreme value in the eyes of God. We are the fine pearls if the kingdom can take root within us, and to us God gives a place of supreme value in creation.”
For the individual on a journey towards wholeness and holy awareness, or leaders of spiritual formation, this book makes a good companion, as it reminds us of the need for understanding the inner work we are called to do.
The Kingdom Within emphasizes and affirms our place as individuals in the Kingdom of God. As individuals, we are called by God; we are allowed communion with God; we are restored to wholeness by God, and God is aware of us as individuals.
This book was required reading for my Spiritual Director certification. It was the most meaningful and inspiring book that I read throughout my entire coursework.
Ruth DuCharme is a teacher and spiritual director living in Macon, GA.