Most helpful customer reviews
|
|
5.0 out of 5 stars
Overwhelming in its Depth, May 27 2004
By A Customer
As many fools as there are in the Catholic faith, one cannot deny that it has produced some of the world's greatest mystics: Bl. Henry Suso, St. Teresa of Avila, Archbishop Francois Fenelon, Bl. Ruysbroeck, Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa, St. Catherine of Genoa, Thomas Kempis, St. Augustine, the writers of the Theologica Germanica and the Cloud of Unknowing, St. Catherine of Siena, Thomas Merton, and of course, St. John of the Cross! -- a man that this book of his collected works exults in all his holiness and insight. A central theme I've noticed throughout the collected works of St. John of the Cross is his insightful circumspection, marked by a humility which few people ever attain to. With regards to this subtle element of his spiritual genius, this book is certainly a "safe" read in every way imaginable, for we are being guided by a master. After reading this, I can honestly say that few people among the Christian Mystics could ever rival St. John in terms of discernment and mystical theology.
|
|
|
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Contemplative Guidebook, Mar 27 2004
By A Customer
I was a little reluctant to purchase "The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross" at first. I am glad I did! The author knew the Lord and I believe this book is one of the more authoritative editions on this great mystic.
However, I do have one criticism. The editors give John a bit too much of a sophisticated voice, and at times the reading is "muddy". The wording is often complex and you sometimes have to really dig in your heels to understand it. That being said, it is well worth it to have all of John's works in one volume.
I love it!
|
|
|
5.0 out of 5 stars
a spiritual classic that is beyond description, Mar 16 2004
St. John of the Cross, a friend and contemporary of St. Teresa of Avila, was a sixteenth-century Carmelite monk. He possessed unparalleled vision and wisdom about the Carmelite experience, the "way of unknowing" that leads to our all-knowing God. His writings are challenging, wherever a person may be on his/her spiritual journey, but they are bounteously rewarding to the dedicated reader. The human heart does not change, and you will be surprised how much the people of the 1500s resemble the people of 2004; you will also nod in agreement and amazement at the extreme accuracy of St. John's observations. Highly recommended to anyone interested in developing a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.
|
|
|
Most recent customer reviews
|
by of Avila, Saint Teresa
