Knowing Ourselves to Know God BetterMuch is said in Christian circles about knowing God. But Christians throughout the ages have agreed that there cannot be deep knowledge of God without deep knowledge of the self. Discerning your true self is inextricably related to discerning God's purposes for you. Paradoxically, the more you become like Christ, the more you become authentically yourself.In this profound exploration of Christian identity, psychologist and spiritual director David G. Benner:- Illuminates the spirituality of self-discovery,- exposes the false selves that you may hide behind, and- calls you to discover the true self that emerges from your uniqueness in Christ.Freeing you from illusions about yourself, Benner shows that self-understanding leads to the fulfillment of your God-given destiny and vocation. Rest assured, you need not try to be someone you are not. But you will deepen your experience of God through discovering the gift of being yourself.This expanded edition, one of three titles in The Spiritual Journey trilogy, includes a new epilogue and an experiential guide with questions for individual reflection or group discussion.

David G. Benner (PhD, York University) is an internationally known depth psychologist, transformational coach and author whose life passion has been helping people walk the human path in a deeply spiritual way and the spiritual path in a deeply human way. Some of his books include Presence and Encounter, Spirituality and the Awakening Self, Sacred Companions and Soulful Spirituality.Pennington, O.C.S.O., is abbot of the Abbey of Blessed Mary of Saint Joseph and author of Centering Prayer.

Foreword by M. Basil Pennington
Preface: Identity and Authenticity
1. Transformational Knowing of Self and God
2. Knowing God
3. First Steps Toward Knowing Yourself
4. Knowing Yourself as You Really Are
5. Unmasking Your False Self
6. Becoming Your True Self
Epilogue: Identity and the Spiritual Journey
Appendix: For Reflection and Discussion
A Six-Session Discussion Guide to The Gift of Being Yourself
A One-Session Discussion Guide to The Gift of Being Yourself
Notes
About the Author
Books by David G. Benner