Bernard of Clairvaux


Book Description

Two lengthy letters from the abbot of Clairvaux illuminate the transition in theological method in the mid twelfth-century. In this letter to the bishop of Sens on the responsibilities of his office, Bernard articulates his monastic conviction that authority in the Church must be accompanied by contemplative virtues, especially a deeply ingrained humility. Pastors who do attend to their own spiritual health, he explains, are incapable of caring for others. In his letter of baptism, written to Hugh of Saint Victor, Bernard seeks to refute what he considered the doctrinal error of an unnamed scholar-likely Peter Abelard-and assails a theological method he deemed likely to mislead the faithful, because-as Emero Stiegman says in the Introduction-he considered all theological questions 'in the perspective of God's love'. These two letter-treatises (42 and 77) are not included in Bruno Scott James' English translation of The Letters of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.







The Family that Overtook Christ


Book Description

This book is the fascinating account of a family that took seriously the challenge to follow Christ… and to overtake Him. With warmth and realism, Venerable Tescelin, Blesseds Alice, Guy, Gerard, Humbeline, Andrew, Bartholomew, Nivard and St. Bernard step off these pages with the engaging naturalness that attracts imitation. Here is a book that makes centuries disappear, as each member of this unique family becomes an inspiration in our own quest of overtaking Christ. One of the Biggest figures in this book is Bernard of Clairvaux. He was called the man of his age, the voice of his century. His influence towered above that of his contemporaries, and his sanctity moved God Himself. Men flocked to him¬—some in wonder, others in curiosity, but all drawn by the magnetism of his spiritual giant hood. Bernard —who or what fashioned him to be suitable for his role of counseling Popes, healing schisms, battling errors and filling the world with holy religious and profound spiritual doctrine? Undoubtedly, Bernard is the product of God's grace. But it is hard to say whether this grace is more evident in Bernard himself or in the extraordinary family in which God chose to situate this dynamic personality.




Celebration of Discipline


Book Description

Richard J. Foster’s Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth is hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality with millions of copies sold since its original publication in 1978. In Celebration of Discipline, Foster explores the "classic Disciplines," or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith to show how each of these areas contribute to a balanced spiritual life. Foster, the bestselling author of several books (Prayer and Streams of Living Water) and intrachurch movement founder of Renovaré, helps motivate Christians everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth.




Befriending Silence


Book Description

Winner of the 2016 Georgia Author of the Year: Inspirational-religious books. Respected speaker, author, and Patheos blogger Carl McColman introduces Cistercian spirituality as "the hidden jewel of the Church," presenting a surprisingly contemporary path grounded in monastic tradition. This accessible and comprehensive guide highlights a unique focus on simplicity, living close to the earth, and contemplative prayer, all of which make Cistercian spirituality relevant today. Steeped in chant and silence, grounded in down-to-earth work and service, and immersed in the mystical wisdom of teachers ancient (Bernard of Clairvaux) and modern (Thomas Merton), Cistercian spirituality's beautifully humble path has for centuries made monasteries places of rest, retreat, and renewal. Now, Carl McColman offers the first practical introduction to this ancient, contemplative spirituality for all people. Hailed by reviewers of his many books as playful, and profound, McColman draws on his experience as a lay Cistercian to provide insight into the relevance of the tradition to contemporary issues and spiritual practice. He explains how silence, simplicity, stability, stewardship of the earth, contemplation, ongoing conversion, and devotion to Mary combine to offer a rich and unique path to discipleship and intimacy with God.




Immortal Combat


Book Description

Today, far too many leading Christians water down the robust teachings of our Faith. Ignoring Christ's clear example and constant demand that we boldly confront evils, they preach an amicable, nonconfrontational, feel-good gospel. Instead of teaching the faithful to edify and enjoin the wayward, they urge them to pacify and submit . . . with catastrophic results personally, for the Church, and for society at large. Now comes Fr. Dwight Longenecker with this potent book that shows how, by engaging in the lost art of spiritual warfare, good Christians can cure this trend and repair the extensive damage it has caused. Here, without fear or favor, Longenecker maps out the myriad places where evil lurks in our world, shines a light on its many faces, and details the countless clever tricks it uses to hide. He delineates ten sturdy principles that must motivate all Christian warriors who hope to expunge evil and stop it from returning. And finally, he explains in fascinating detail the art of immortal combat, showing how self-sacrifice and contemplation of the Cross can bring victory over any evil, no matter how hidden or how grave. Be forewarned: this book calls you to sanctity and is not for wimps. For sanctity is impossible apart from heroic virtue, and heroic virtue is impossible apart from spiritual warfare. As Fr. Longenecker puts it, “Find a saint, and you'll find a warrior.” These pages are a mighty guidebook for souls hungry to follow the way of the Christian warrior by taking up their crosses and following into immortal combat the King of the Universe, Jesus Christ, our Lord.







Christian Spirituality


Book Description

Christian Spirituality is a concise and accessible overview of the ways Christians over the centuries have approached God in prayer and practice. In ten chapters, Lawrence Cunningham and Keith Egan explain the dynamics of spiritual life, each chapter exploring a single theme such as scripture, journeying, meditation & contemplation, asceticism, mysticism, solitude & community, friendship, eucharist. The themes are not mutually exclusive since believers frequently embrace several or all of these "ways" at once. But in different times and places people have tended to focus on one or another, so that they have become discernible paths to the Holy. The authors explore each theme in depth, tracing its evolution over the centuries. Within this historical framework, the book provides the reader with a "taste" of the different ways Christians have sought or lived in the presence of God. Each chapter concludes with a list of selected works for further reading and with exercises intended to provide a personal experience of the "way".




Steps to Spiritual Perfection


Book Description

"Steps to Spiritual Perfection gathers eight studies into a single work that can serve as a companion volume to Ad Monachos in the Ancient Christian Writers series (Paulist Press). The book treats the following major themes of fourth-century Egyptian monasticism - spiritual progress, exegesis, purity of heart, and monastic prayer - and thereby bridges the distance between ourselves and this treasure from another time."--BOOK JACKET.




Graceful Living


Book Description

From Johnnette Benkovic bestselling author and host on the EWTN Global Catholic Network comes these short but powerful daily meditations taken from Scripture and the writings of the saints. Designed as a day-by-day spiritual resource, this book features 365 quotes along with a short meditation to enrich your mind, lift your spirit, and feed your soul.