The Spiritual Life: A Treatise On Ascetical And Mystical Theology Paperback – January 1, 2001

In a land far away and long ago I was required to read this. It was the early '60's and I was in novitiate in Ohio trying to get holy. (Those suspected of reading Pierre de Chardin had to pack their bags and head home in those pure days of orthodoxy.) Tanquery was part of the standard diet back then. I devoured it whole believing it really had something to say to a "celibate" guy in his early 20's seeking the Face of God and doing it all for Jesus. It was not until I began to write and teach in the area of spirituality that I was taken back to the book to examine it again nearly five decades later with children and grandchildren in my history. Yes, it is well researched in the great Sulpician manner and carefully presented. What's wrong with this picture?I devoured it in the first place because I was raised Jansenist Catholic. The more self-inflicted punishment the better in that setting. The French, 19th century author echoes this theme throughout the book. It was a mirror of my childhood on steroids. No wonder I had "failed" the system. I hadn't punished myself enough. Religious life has a long history of propagating this mistaken sense of who we are and Whose we are.If this book supports your sense of God's infinite love for human life in creation, seek the help of a spiritual director who will get you out of it. Please! The only people in the New Testament that Jesus seemed to have trouble with were religious because they laid a negative trip on people. It's a religious problem and not a religious virtue.

The Spiritual Life is literally a treatise on how to know God. It covers instructions from beginners to those walking with our Lord all their lives. And, it is written by a man blessed with priestly ordination who has taught at the seminary level for most of his priestly life. Anyone looking for the ABCs of the life of true Catholic spirituality should get this one on his bookshelf.

A Catholic priest recommended The Spiritual Life to me. The book is both a great guide to Christian Mysticism, and to the Catholic faith. The descriptions of the spiritual journeys of various saints described in the book are fascinating.

THEY USED THIS TO TRAIN THE CLERGY IN THE MONASTERIES I UNDERSTAND

book is OK

The book is an excellent reference book.I suggest it should be in the library of everyserious theology student.

For any serious person looking to learn about mystical theology. This author is awesome and right on in his writings. This book is a must for home and religious libraries. Thank you

Perfect condition- thank you!

This wasn't supposed to arrive for another 3 weeks or so, so that's really cool. Very nice edition, I'm glad it was available. Thanks!