Introduction to the Devout Life

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Summary: Illuminating information for the obtainment of inner peace.
Review: Saint Francis de Sales-patron saint of authors and writers and eminent Doctor of the Catholic Church-is quite deserving of his posthumous honors and titles, for with Introduction to the Devout Life (among his numerous other books and pamphlets), he gives to not only Catholics around the world but humanity in general, a religious, imformative yet readable work of theology that will aid in answering some of the fundamental questions of human existence. But more importantly, in the Introduction to the Devout Life, "St. Francis de Sales gives one of the clearest statements in religious literature of the theory and practice of the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way, the three levels of thought and conduct that are required for a completely moral and religious life..." Page 14. That is the gist of this work; for those individuals (which would indeed, unfortunately, be a large numer) who are not destined for a religious vocation or a life of monastic contemplation, the lessons contained within the Introduction to the Devout Life (if at least minutely adhered to) can become a moral and religious compass for individuals who are frightfully lost as a result of the freewheeling sexualization of society, unrepentant, insolent amour propre, the rise of unceasing materialism and other debasing wounds that can cause spiritual deadness and thus can become none too quick to heal. Written in a similar style to that of the Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena, the book, however, is in the format of St. Francis writing down answers to a female pupil named Philothea and not a one-on-one conversation as in the Dialogue, but Introduction to the Devout Life is similar in idea. One of the many pleasant aspects of this work is that it does not sermonize extreme ways for acquiring grace, but for people who have lived on the opposite side of the moral spectrum far longer than they care to acknowledge, bits of the book may seem very extreme. However, it is not meant to be interpreted that way, merely as a catalyst to a newer and brighter beginning. If there ever was a much required and sincere "how-to" guide to bring people back to God while also repairing the interior damage of the self as a result of environment, people and inborn human flaws, Introduction to the Devout Life would be and is, very high on the list, for as he gloriously writes on page 291: "Such are the joys that lure my sight,/All pains grow sweet, all labors light. Live, Jesus! to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and throughout the endless ages of eternity. Amen."

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Summary: Dated but full of charm and good advice
Review: St. Francis de Sales is one of the greatest of spiritual writers and writers, period. It is easy to be charmed by this guide to the spiritual life. He inspires the reader with a gentle, loving touch which I found delightful. He was also a very learned and experienced adviser when it came to things of the spirit. He seemed to have known about every difficulty that one has in the spiritual life and offers practical and wise solutions that anyone can carry out. If you are interested in reading the great spiritual classics, be certain not to miss this one. It will be well worth your time. I cannot imagine anyone finishing this volume without obtaining some excellent advice from it and also without making progress just from reading it. The only drawback is that it IS several hundreds years old and some of the theology is dated and will seem strange to modern, post Vatican 2 Christians. Do not let that keep you from this book, just keep it in mind when reading it. Highly recommended.

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Summary: A spiritual treasure for Everyman by a gifted saint
Review: St. Francis' Introduction contains masterful yet accessible guidelines for improving one's relationship with God, as well as overcoming temptations and imperfections that separate us from Him. His use of analogy - usually from nature - clarifies his points beautifully. The love of God that is evident in St. Francis' words will inspire anyone to contemplate His Divine Love and Mercies.

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Summary: Still relevant today
Review: This book although old...has nothing but priceless counsel for the believer who eagerly yearns to experience a daily dying of the sin nature & to see all worldliness washed away. I've owned this book for 15+ yrs..& it's still one of my very favorite Christian books. I continually go back to it for guidance, spiritual refreshment, encouragement & discipline. De Sales obviously had a heart burning with desire to please & elevate Christ to the highest possible place in every area of his own life. He also addresses his brethren as "Philothea" throughout the book..speaking to us lovingly..with a pure heart to see each reader transformed. That theme of love is prevalent throughout this book..& although there's some unusual Catholic sayings...thoughts & ideas within the text that are outdated...it in no way takes away from the impact & power of this mans witness. De Sales mercilessly, efficiently & repeatedly tears the common man's most pitiful vices..limb from limb...so as to leave one no choice but to surrender. De Sales gets into every nook & cranny of our being..leaving nothing in the dark...exposing those things we try so hard to hide. To read this & act upon it..can only mean allowing our Lord to reign supreme over every facet of our lives. Read this book regularly...with an open mind & heart.. let it do the deep & painstaking work it was intended to do...to help believers relinquish all control..& begin living a holy & devout life..to the glory of God.

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Summary: Great spiritual advice from a great saint
Review: This book is a good one for anyone wanting to draw closer to God. Even though this book was written almost fourhundred years ago the topics discussed here are as applicable today as they were then. Francis wrote these collections of spiritual instructions to teach as many people as possible to lead a devout life. The book talks of sin and how it affects our relationship with God, and then goes into the necessity of prayer and gives practical advice on how to pray. Some other topics covered are the necessity of living the virtues such as purity, humility and courage. This book will help you learn how to be more focused on God in the midst of every day life which sometimes can make it hard to stay focused on the most important thing.

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Summary: Great spiritual advice from a great saint
Review: This book is a good one for anyone wanting to draw closer to God. Even though this book was written almost fourhundred years ago the topics discussed here are as applicable today as they were then. Francis wrote these collections of spiritual instructions to teach as many people as possible to lead a devout life. The book talks of sin and how it affects our relationship with God, and then goes into the necessity of prayer and gives practical advice on how to pray. Some other topics covered are the necessity of living the virtues such as purity, humility and courage. This book will help you learn how to be more focused on God in the midst of every day life which sometimes can make it hard to stay focused on the most important thing.

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Summary: Inspiring after 9/11/2001
Review: This book is timeless. If you have gone to the well and are dry, this will wet your thirst. Then if you want more, look into becoming a member of the Association of St. Francis de Sales.

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Summary: Practical Spirituality
Review: This book was a required text for a Catholic Spirituality class that I took from Franciscan University of Steubenville. I absolutely loved the reading for several reasons: it helped transform my understanding of the spiritual life. Many think that a devout life is reserved only for those who have formally committed to that way of life, i.e., priesthood or religious life. However, St. Francis De Sales gives very practical guidelines for the spiritual life, helping his readers understand that the spiritual life is intended for ALL, and can be lived successfully by all. I suggest this book to anyone, in any walk of life, that is seeking direction in how to make great progress in their spiritual life.

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Summary: St. Francis de Sales a uniqe individual
Review: This book will help any one get through hard times, good times, loving times, bad relationships, and will basically help you through every day life. It is so deep and so well written by St. Francis de Sales. In the beggining it might be a little hard to read but after going through it, you feel better as a human being. When I first heard about this book I didn't think it would be great, and I thought it would be St. Francis de Sales lecturing me on how I can become more like Jesus Christ. But as I went through the book page by page I started to realize how much I needed this book in my life. The best part about it is that you dont have to read it cover to cover. You just think about some troubles in your life and then you look them up in the table of contents. You only have to read things you would like to read at that particular moment in your life. As I said before, I love the book and anyone who doesn't own it does not know how much closer you become to God after reading it. So next time you have a chance, do yourself a favor, pick up a copy.

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Summary: Excellent: for any Catholic Christian who desires Peace.
Review: This is an excellent book. It is truly written for the imperfect Christian who wants to be devout, but needs help focusing their life. In the first few chapters I have found a tremendous wealth of good advice. When I read this book I feel I am getting advice from a friend. After comparing this unabridged version with one of the abridged versions of this book, I found some valuable information missing from the abridged version.