Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel-On Prayer

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Summary: I prefer the orginal writings of the three saints
Review: I bought this book because its title made me think that it would help me learn about the contemplative experiences of three spiritual heavy weights. It did, and it also inspired me to read their testamonies written in their own hand. But, I wasn't aware until I got into it that Father Dubay's real purpose in writting the book was to teach a fundamental Catholic type of contemplation. Some people seem to like this, but I follow a path that wanders a bit from fundamental Catholocism. So, I preferred books the testamonies written by the saints themselves (eg. Dark night of the Cross, Crystal Palaces).

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Summary: Want to really understand the life of prayer?
Review: This book is a phenomenal introduction to some of the best writers of the spiritual life--John of the Cross and his contemporary Theresa of Avilla. This book will give everyone a clear, susinct, insight into these giants of spirituality whose writings have stood the test of time. The book discusses their lives, and their writings and compares it to the gospel understanding. The author, DuBay, rightly concludes that EVERYONE is called to be a mystic! Then explains what that process is! A msut read for anyone who wants to grow in their relationship to God!

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Summary: A How to Guide about being a Christian Mystic
Review: This book is basically a How-to guide on how to be a Christian mystic, focusing on the writings and life of John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. It is a very concise book, and is not light reading, but I enjoy that fact. I highly recommend this book for the individual interested in deepening their experiences with the Triune God.

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Summary: Radically changed my life!
Review: This is a wonderful book for those interested in Christian mysticism and/or Carmelite spirituality. My faith in the Lord, understanding of the Gospel and of contemplative prayer has deepened as a result of reading about the lives and teachings of Saint Therese and Saint John of the Cross. This book served to inspire and motivate me to to relinquish everything that gets in the way of love of God, and to devote my entire life to this end.