The Spiritual Life

Rating:
Summary: A must have
Review: This book is simply a must have for the spiritual life. It is long but it is definately worth the read.

One reason this book is set above others is that it goes through all the doctrinal and dogmatic foundations of the spiritual life giving us the reasons why we should serve and love God. The author says himself that he doesn't think a work on the spiritual life should omit a review of what exactly God has done for us. Also placing himself on solid dogmatic grounds the author avoids falling into subjectivism or a undue focus on ourself. This is the first (and shortest) part of the book.

Secondly the author goes in depth to the three ways. That is, the purgative, the illuminative, and the unitive. He thoroughly treats all of them so you can get plenty of help in the one that you may happen to be in, but you will also learn to look forward to what may come. It is, of course, important to know what you are working towards in addition to knowing what to do in your present state.

The author treats just about everything imaginable in the spiritual life. He treats the gifts of the Holy Ghost, meditation, contemplation, perfection, interior graces, mystical phenomena, trials, the "dark nights", beginning the SL, advancing in virtue, Communion/confession, combatting the passions, growing in charity, and many other things.

The author bases his teaching mainly on Scripture, Saint Thomas, the so-called "french school" (Olier,Berulle,Eudes, etc,), Saint Theresa and Saint John of the Cross, and Saint Francis de Sales. Although he does quote many others and has a very wide knowledge of spiritual authors.

The author also maintains the traditional teaching on the spiritual life: that love of God is perfection. The modern era has made achieving various "mental states" as perfection. This is of course very wrong. This book will help you to grow in love for God. Whether you acieve any extraordinary gifts is God's decision. God's free gifts cannot be attained by any "technique".

Finally I would recommend this book because it not only only inflames your will with a desire to love God and serve Him as some books do, it also give real concrete steps to achieve this. God Bless.