Many Christians enter a dark night at some point during their lives, a period when they feel abandoned by God and experience a dryness in their spiritual lives. But even as they live through it, few Christians know what the dark night is or understand what God is trying to accomplish in this unique, life-giving experience.

In this book, I try to demystify this quite common phenomenon, which is often confused with depression. I root the dark night experience in Scripture, but also explore how it can express itself in one’s vocation, marriage and family life, and even in the life of a congregation. In this unique approach, the book connects the dark night with Christian discipleship and God’s mission of creating shalom. The dark night can function a bit like a second conversion. It strengthens faith, deepens friendship with God, and propels believers into countercultural mission. The dark night is ultimately a gift from God.

The book is intended for spiritual directors, pastors, contemplatives, and other readers interested in Christian formation and spirituality. 

Click on the links below to read published reviews:

• Mennonite Weekly Review, by Katie Funk Wiebe
• Mennonite Brethren Herald, by Sandra Reimer

Contents include:s what Schrock means as he explores the

Part 1: Jesus and the Call to Follow

1. Jesus’ Godforsakenness

2. Embracing the Cross                      

 

Part 2: The Night’s Role

3. Learning to Know God     

4. Feeling Abandoned           

5. Receiving God       

6. Emerging into the Dawn    

7. Responding to the Night   

 

Part 3: The Night’s Other Appearances

8. The Dark Night in Vocation          

9. The Dark Night in Families

10. The Dark Night in Groups           

 

Part 4: The Night’s Conversions

11. Faith in the Face of Suffering      

12. New Friendship with God and Creation 

13. Countercultural Mission   

Reviewers Say

“One never has to guess what Schrock means as he explores the

dark night. He is always clear, and he writes with a fresh, engaging,

and even passionate style. Moreover, Schrock wears his wisdom

lightly. He has a profound respect for those whom he pastors;

warmth for his readers permeates every page of this book.”

          —KEITH J. EGAN, Carmelite Institute and St. Mary’s College

 

“Dan Schrock offers us a rare gift. He shepherds us into this dark

terrain and brings light and understanding to this puzzling and

oft-times misunderstood experience. He invites us to observe

and listen to others walking this path. Schrock also companions

us, and helps uncover God’s presence and loving design in it all.”

          —WENDY MILLER, Eastern Mennonite Seminary

 

“Dan Schrock presents us with the radical good news of the Christian

spiritual path. Especially helpful are his descriptions of the

signs of the dark night, the ways it can show up in our work and

relationships, and some vital steps for navigating it. I am grateful

for this clear, practical guide to an often misunderstood dimension

of the Christian journey.”

          —ANDREW DREITCER, Claremont School of Theology