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The Classics Made Simple: The Spiritual Combat: and a Treatise on Peace of the Soul
We are proud to introduce The TAN Classics Made Simple - a brand-new companion series to our bestselling TAN Classics collection.TAN Classics Made Simple booklets are designed to give you an orientation course before you embark on an exploration of the great works of Catholic literature found in our best selling TAN Classics line.
Each full-color booklet covers the highlights of TAN Classics in 32 easy-to-read pages. Designed to provide you with the vital facts and features about the life of the Saint, their work, their call to Holiness and the events of their time.
Including: Introduction to the TAN Classic, Major Events Timeline, Author Biography, How to Read a TAN Classic section, Words to Know, And much more!
Perfect for parishes, schools, or simply a personal introduction to the TAN Classics, these booklets will provide you with a map and compass for navigating the best of Catholic writing!
Each full-color booklet covers the highlights of TAN Classics in 32 easy-to-read pages. Designed to provide you with the vital facts and features about the life of the Saint, their work, their call to Holiness and the events of their time.
Including: Introduction to the TAN Classic, Major Events Timeline, Author Biography, How to Read a TAN Classic section, Words to Know, And much more!
Perfect for parishes, schools, or simply a personal introduction to the TAN Classics, these booklets will provide you with a map and compass for navigating the best of Catholic writing!
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1589
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2098 people want to read
About the author
Lorenzo Scupoli
121 books22 followersDom Lorenzo Scupoli was born in Otranto, Italy in 1530 and died in Naples in 1610. Nothing is known about his early life. At about the age of 40, he entered the Theatines and made his novitiate under St. Andrew Avellino. He was ordained in 1577. It is said that he met St. Francis de Sales in Padua between 1589 and 1591 and gave him a copy of The Spiritual Combat. For some reason that has never been revealed, he was laicized in 1585 and lived in retirement in Theatine houses until his death. Some sources say that his name was cleared at the end of his life, though he offered no defense of himself. The first edition of The Spiritual Combat bearing Scupoli's name was published in the year of his death 1610.
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March 28, 2025
My father has found Peace unknowingly in the doctrine of non-overlapping magisteria. I, too, as I gain more understanding of the simple facts in my life, see the relevance of that theory to my own attitudes. And this writer would have gained from its insights.
This book depicts the spiritual struggle from INSIDE and it is hence invaluable; but the law of non-overlapping magisteria defuses key components of that struggle OBJECTIVELY - by reworking them from the OUTSIDE.
Let me explain what this theory means to us...
And what it can mean to YOU.
For a long time my Dad has been working on a theory which clarifies the process of Creation, or Abiogenesis - in scientific terms.
But the writer Stephen Jay Gould in fact DID somewhat clarify it, in a completely Different Way - and he puts it all down to Non-Overlapping Magisteria.
Magisterium is the Church’s Moral Authority, and one reason for my becoming Catholic. Magisteria is just the plural form of that word. In a word, it’s the teachings of religion.
Fine…
But Gould says Science possesses Factual Authority. And he says that NEED NOT conflict with Religious Authority.
The two are Basically Non-Overlapping. For Science doesn’t necessarily decry religious Moral Authority, because it remains Objective.
The two authorities can thus each stand mutually unprovoked.
Now, as for the two of us, my Dad and myself...
My Dad underwent a physical and moral crisis in 2018. He had reached an impasse in his physical and psychological health, as a result of his increasing infirmity, and then-recent personal insights.
But his health issues are now resolved, and his condition, while still medically terminal, is healthily stable.
For he has just taken his insights under his belt and put them down to experience, and is now free to keep up with recent scientific progress in his science magazines.
Practically he’s resolved his health crisis in his own way.
Isn’t that the way our key insights work? They just become part of ourselves - in fact, a more forgiving and complete self.
His own brand of Non-overlapping Magisteria.
Because he knows the Faith he’s always possessed has resolved his conflicting insights - and that the forgiveness it teaches extends to our personal failings as well.
Giving him more freedom for unimpeded enjoyment of new research developments. And, at 96, it almost obviates further development of his theory, tempting as it may still be to him to finish it.
And me?
A lifetime introvert, I habitually always preferred music and emotion combined with religious faith to hard facts.
But I’ve lately come to see tangible hard everyday facts as in fact an irreducible part of me.
My health and outlook have improved - in spite of my rapidly flagging energy, for all of that comes with age.
So my Dad and I are becoming two peas in a pod.
Becoming? Not quite yet, though.
For I haven’t yet learned to renounce my will to fight my impediments and LIVE A FULL LIFE.
In a faith WITHOUT imaginative embellishment.
For, as THIS author says, we must renounce our will - but ONLY by strictly conforming to the Will of God can we do it.
If I understand him correctly, he infers that we must sometimes mistrust our selves - so, that, by and by we’ll come a simpler, and humbler version of our personal reality.
WITHOUT all our Multiple Modern Bells and Whistles.
See what I mean, fellow Web Junkies?
It’s the ONLY way to peace of mind! And most of us just haven’t yet found that yet.
It takes time. But books like this one puts the process into real focus in the meantime. For the struggle is ongoing - and it is REAL.
This book tells you how to deflate your fears and traumas by Streamlining and Simplifying your life. Your ogres decrease exponentially with your diminishing desires.
Like the ancient athletes who stripped down exteriorly for combat in the Arena, so too we must “tighten our lusts and luxuries” - as Eliot puts it - for our encounters with evil.
“Ours is only the trying...” until that day when we are able to say: “Not MY will, Lord. but YOURS, be done!”
And really MEAN it.
So, anyway, one Christmas, I sent my then-94-year-old (and avid reader) Dad the book in which non-overlapping magisteria got their start - Stephen Jay Gould’s Rocks of Ages -
Another REALLY Essential Book for our Spiritual Combat!
This book depicts the spiritual struggle from INSIDE and it is hence invaluable; but the law of non-overlapping magisteria defuses key components of that struggle OBJECTIVELY - by reworking them from the OUTSIDE.
Let me explain what this theory means to us...
And what it can mean to YOU.
For a long time my Dad has been working on a theory which clarifies the process of Creation, or Abiogenesis - in scientific terms.
But the writer Stephen Jay Gould in fact DID somewhat clarify it, in a completely Different Way - and he puts it all down to Non-Overlapping Magisteria.
Magisterium is the Church’s Moral Authority, and one reason for my becoming Catholic. Magisteria is just the plural form of that word. In a word, it’s the teachings of religion.
Fine…
But Gould says Science possesses Factual Authority. And he says that NEED NOT conflict with Religious Authority.
The two are Basically Non-Overlapping. For Science doesn’t necessarily decry religious Moral Authority, because it remains Objective.
The two authorities can thus each stand mutually unprovoked.
Now, as for the two of us, my Dad and myself...
My Dad underwent a physical and moral crisis in 2018. He had reached an impasse in his physical and psychological health, as a result of his increasing infirmity, and then-recent personal insights.
But his health issues are now resolved, and his condition, while still medically terminal, is healthily stable.
For he has just taken his insights under his belt and put them down to experience, and is now free to keep up with recent scientific progress in his science magazines.
Practically he’s resolved his health crisis in his own way.
Isn’t that the way our key insights work? They just become part of ourselves - in fact, a more forgiving and complete self.
His own brand of Non-overlapping Magisteria.
Because he knows the Faith he’s always possessed has resolved his conflicting insights - and that the forgiveness it teaches extends to our personal failings as well.
Giving him more freedom for unimpeded enjoyment of new research developments. And, at 96, it almost obviates further development of his theory, tempting as it may still be to him to finish it.
And me?
A lifetime introvert, I habitually always preferred music and emotion combined with religious faith to hard facts.
But I’ve lately come to see tangible hard everyday facts as in fact an irreducible part of me.
My health and outlook have improved - in spite of my rapidly flagging energy, for all of that comes with age.
So my Dad and I are becoming two peas in a pod.
Becoming? Not quite yet, though.
For I haven’t yet learned to renounce my will to fight my impediments and LIVE A FULL LIFE.
In a faith WITHOUT imaginative embellishment.
For, as THIS author says, we must renounce our will - but ONLY by strictly conforming to the Will of God can we do it.
If I understand him correctly, he infers that we must sometimes mistrust our selves - so, that, by and by we’ll come a simpler, and humbler version of our personal reality.
WITHOUT all our Multiple Modern Bells and Whistles.
See what I mean, fellow Web Junkies?
It’s the ONLY way to peace of mind! And most of us just haven’t yet found that yet.
It takes time. But books like this one puts the process into real focus in the meantime. For the struggle is ongoing - and it is REAL.
This book tells you how to deflate your fears and traumas by Streamlining and Simplifying your life. Your ogres decrease exponentially with your diminishing desires.
Like the ancient athletes who stripped down exteriorly for combat in the Arena, so too we must “tighten our lusts and luxuries” - as Eliot puts it - for our encounters with evil.
“Ours is only the trying...” until that day when we are able to say: “Not MY will, Lord. but YOURS, be done!”
And really MEAN it.
So, anyway, one Christmas, I sent my then-94-year-old (and avid reader) Dad the book in which non-overlapping magisteria got their start - Stephen Jay Gould’s Rocks of Ages -
Another REALLY Essential Book for our Spiritual Combat!
August 10, 2024
This book is amazing. St. Francis de Sales is supposed to have carried it around with him for 18 years when he was a Bishop and recommended it to everyone and I know why! It is a book that if you master it (and that will only be by the grace of God!) you will BE a saint. This book is S-E-R-I-O-U-S business about living a Holy life and it is getting second place on my bedside table under the Bible, although my Divine Office will probably upstage it occasionally simply because I have to use it several times a day.
GREAT BOOK! 10+ stars. Want to get to Heaven? Read it!
I will be rereading it more slowly very soon and outlining Scupoli's main points. The most important thing I immediately took away was this:
Scupoli gives a beautiful prayer of Spiritual Communion at the end of the text if you do not have your own, but the chapter he writes on this subject is a lovely treatise itself.
Introductory Notes: This is another on Fr. Lawrence Daniel Carney III's list of spiritual classics to read which I am working my way through and the one which I think I need the most right now.
GREAT BOOK! 10+ stars. Want to get to Heaven? Read it!
I will be rereading it more slowly very soon and outlining Scupoli's main points. The most important thing I immediately took away was this:
'Although actual reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist is limited to once a day, you are nevertheless at liberty to communicate in spirit every hour. And nothing except your own negligence can prevent you from receiving the inestimable benefits to be derived from such a union with Him. It is worth noting that spiritual communion is sometimes of greater benefit to the soul and more acceptable to God than many sacramental Communions received with little preparation and less affection.'
Scupoli gives a beautiful prayer of Spiritual Communion at the end of the text if you do not have your own, but the chapter he writes on this subject is a lovely treatise itself.
Introductory Notes: This is another on Fr. Lawrence Daniel Carney III's list of spiritual classics to read which I am working my way through and the one which I think I need the most right now.
October 2, 2014
"The Spiritual Combat" is a manual of the spiritual life written by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, an Italian abbot, in the 16th Century. Early in his life, St. Francis de Sales was given a copy of this book, and for the next 20 years St. Francis kept a copy on him constantly, reading small passages on a daily basis. This book was his spiritual handbook, and with an endorsement like that, who can argue that this book is a classic?
This book is a how-to manual on how to grow on the road to holiness. Just as a soldier carries a book of tactics which shows him how to engage the enemy in any given circumstance, so this book gives the Catholic practical advice about how to pray, how to practice the virtues, and how to avoid evil in one's life. Even though this book was written by an abbot for monks, it is very applicable to the lives of lay people as well. And even though it was written 500 years ago, it's relevance today is still amazing.
Scupoli pulls no punches in this book. He reminds the Christian that nobody should be surprised when he finds himself in sin. Everyone sins, and without the Grace of Christ we are powerless to resist it. The important thing is not to rely on our own good works or virtues, rather it is to rely on God with the same vigor that a baby relies on its parents for its basic needs.
I would highly recommend that all Christians read this book as frequently as possible. When you read it, do as St. Frances de Sales did, in small chunks with lots of meditation on each reading. Let the words sink in, and practice its good counsels as often as you can. In doing this, even the greatest sinner can reach the heights of sanctity.
This book is a how-to manual on how to grow on the road to holiness. Just as a soldier carries a book of tactics which shows him how to engage the enemy in any given circumstance, so this book gives the Catholic practical advice about how to pray, how to practice the virtues, and how to avoid evil in one's life. Even though this book was written by an abbot for monks, it is very applicable to the lives of lay people as well. And even though it was written 500 years ago, it's relevance today is still amazing.
Scupoli pulls no punches in this book. He reminds the Christian that nobody should be surprised when he finds himself in sin. Everyone sins, and without the Grace of Christ we are powerless to resist it. The important thing is not to rely on our own good works or virtues, rather it is to rely on God with the same vigor that a baby relies on its parents for its basic needs.
I would highly recommend that all Christians read this book as frequently as possible. When you read it, do as St. Frances de Sales did, in small chunks with lots of meditation on each reading. Let the words sink in, and practice its good counsels as often as you can. In doing this, even the greatest sinner can reach the heights of sanctity.
September 17, 2020
This book defies reviewing. If you are serious about getting to closer to Jesus now, going to Heaven, spending Eternity with God and helping your loved ones come with you, read it. If not, well then there are plenty of other books out there.
April 29, 2022
A Christian classic on spirituality that strongly influenced St. Francis of Sales. A reinvigorating read, full of great suggestions and guidance for the Christian life, despite some repetitions and an abysmal structure that doesn't make it easily readable.
Also, I thought I could detect a sort of “lack of joy” throughout the book, a kind of darkness that maybe comes from medieval customs, maybe from the author’s excessively harsh personality, but that doesn’t paint a fulsome picture of Christianity, a religion that is based on profound inner joy and not only on combating evil, as important as that is.
Also, I thought I could detect a sort of “lack of joy” throughout the book, a kind of darkness that maybe comes from medieval customs, maybe from the author’s excessively harsh personality, but that doesn’t paint a fulsome picture of Christianity, a religion that is based on profound inner joy and not only on combating evil, as important as that is.
January 21, 2015
Need I say more.....
Just read it for yourself. I'm not articulate enough to give a worthy account of this book.
Just read it for yourself. I'm not articulate enough to give a worthy account of this book.
August 10, 2023
ITALIAN: Destinato a una "sorella in Cristo" senza nome, che probabilmente era una suora, questo libro offre una serie di suggerimenti per la vita cristiana, alcuni dei quali sono ovviamente diretti a persone dedicate esclusivamente alla vita religiosa. È sufficiente, ad esempio, sottolineare che la parola "matrimonio" non appare nel libro, poiché la destinataria probabilmente aveva fatto un voto di celibato.
Molti dei suggerimenti, tuttavia, possono essere di utilità generale. Allego alcune citazioni interessanti dal libro:
Non ti allargare in lunghi ragionamenti con chi ti ascolta mal volentieri, per non infastidirli; e fa' la stessa cosa con chi ti dà ascolto, per non eccedere i termini della modestia.
Fuggi il parlare con eloquenza e ad alta voce, perché l'una e l'altra cosa è assai odiosa ed è indizio di presunzione e di vanità.
Di te... non parlare mai, se non per pura necessità e quanto più brevemente e ristrettamente potrai. Se ti pare che un altro parli di sé eccessivamente, sforzati di trarne buon concetto ma non imitarlo, sebbene le sue parole tendano alla propria umiliazione e all'accusa di se stesso.
ENGLISH: Addressed to an unnamed "sister in Christ", probably a nun, this book offers a series of tips for the Christian life, some of which are obviously addressed to people in a exclusively religious life. For example, the word "marriage" does not appear in the book, for the intended reader had probably made a vow of celibacy.
Many tips, however, may be of general use. Here are a few interesting quotes:
Indulge not in lengthy conversations with those who are bored thereby, lest you weary them, nor with those who like to listen to you, lest you go beyond the bounds of modesty.
Do not speak loudly, or in a dictatorial manner, which is odious to others and a mark of presumption and vanity.
Never speak of yourself... unless there is real necessity for doing so, and then be as brief, as reserved as possible. If others seem to you to talk too much about themselves, try to view their conduct in a favorable light; but do not copy it, even though their words may tend to self-humiliation and self-condemnation.
ESPAÑOL: Dirigido a una "hermana en Cristo" innominada, que probablemente era monja, este libro ofrece una serie de consejos para la vida cristiana, algunos de los cuales se dirigen evidentemente hacia personas dedicadas exclusivamente a la vida religiosa. Basta, por ejemplo, señalar que la palabra "matrimonio" no aparece en el libro, puesto que la destinataria había hecho, probablemente, voto de celibato.
Muchos de sus consejos, sin embargo, pueden ser de utilidad general. Adjunto algunas citas entresacadas del libro:
No participes en conversaciones largas con quienes se aburren con ellas, para que no los canses, ni con quienes gustan de escucharte, para que no vayas más allá de los límites de la modestia.
No hables en voz muy alta o de manera dictatorial, pues es odioso para los demás, e indica presunción y vanidad.
Nunca hables de ti mismo... a menos que sea realmente necesario hacerlo, y si lo es, sé lo más breve y reservado posible. Si te parece que otros hablan demasiado de sí mismos, trata de ver su conducta bajo una luz favorable; pero no la copies, aunque sus palabras se dirijan a la auto-humillación y la auto-condena.
Molti dei suggerimenti, tuttavia, possono essere di utilità generale. Allego alcune citazioni interessanti dal libro:
Non ti allargare in lunghi ragionamenti con chi ti ascolta mal volentieri, per non infastidirli; e fa' la stessa cosa con chi ti dà ascolto, per non eccedere i termini della modestia.
Fuggi il parlare con eloquenza e ad alta voce, perché l'una e l'altra cosa è assai odiosa ed è indizio di presunzione e di vanità.
Di te... non parlare mai, se non per pura necessità e quanto più brevemente e ristrettamente potrai. Se ti pare che un altro parli di sé eccessivamente, sforzati di trarne buon concetto ma non imitarlo, sebbene le sue parole tendano alla propria umiliazione e all'accusa di se stesso.
ENGLISH: Addressed to an unnamed "sister in Christ", probably a nun, this book offers a series of tips for the Christian life, some of which are obviously addressed to people in a exclusively religious life. For example, the word "marriage" does not appear in the book, for the intended reader had probably made a vow of celibacy.
Many tips, however, may be of general use. Here are a few interesting quotes:
Indulge not in lengthy conversations with those who are bored thereby, lest you weary them, nor with those who like to listen to you, lest you go beyond the bounds of modesty.
Do not speak loudly, or in a dictatorial manner, which is odious to others and a mark of presumption and vanity.
Never speak of yourself... unless there is real necessity for doing so, and then be as brief, as reserved as possible. If others seem to you to talk too much about themselves, try to view their conduct in a favorable light; but do not copy it, even though their words may tend to self-humiliation and self-condemnation.
ESPAÑOL: Dirigido a una "hermana en Cristo" innominada, que probablemente era monja, este libro ofrece una serie de consejos para la vida cristiana, algunos de los cuales se dirigen evidentemente hacia personas dedicadas exclusivamente a la vida religiosa. Basta, por ejemplo, señalar que la palabra "matrimonio" no aparece en el libro, puesto que la destinataria había hecho, probablemente, voto de celibato.
Muchos de sus consejos, sin embargo, pueden ser de utilidad general. Adjunto algunas citas entresacadas del libro:
No participes en conversaciones largas con quienes se aburren con ellas, para que no los canses, ni con quienes gustan de escucharte, para que no vayas más allá de los límites de la modestia.
No hables en voz muy alta o de manera dictatorial, pues es odioso para los demás, e indica presunción y vanidad.
Nunca hables de ti mismo... a menos que sea realmente necesario hacerlo, y si lo es, sé lo más breve y reservado posible. Si te parece que otros hablan demasiado de sí mismos, trata de ver su conducta bajo una luz favorable; pero no la copies, aunque sus palabras se dirijan a la auto-humillación y la auto-condena.
March 14, 2024
5/5⭐
“ Qué fácil es proponerse heroísmo con lo que no se tiene, pero en cambio qué difícil es tener generosidad con lo que sí se posee.”
🧉El combate espiritual es un excelente libro para su época. Con 59 capítulos breves pero muy profundos, con verdades directas que en ésa época no sé cuán aceptables habrán sido. Y hoy, algunas de ellas que se mencionan en el libro continúan siendo fuertes. Otras, hay que agarrarlas con pinzas y variaaasss hay que descartarlas porque en pleno 2024 que me digas cómo actuar para llegar a la santidad ronda lo tóxico y patológico. Quien haga uso del sufrimiento por el solo hecho de sufrir necesita psicólogo urgente.
Publicado en 1589, es muy importante tener en cuenta la época en que se publicó porque MUCHAS cosas que dice… Son insostenibles hoy; de mi parte, no son creíbles, las siento escrupulosas y hasta risorias algunas.
🧉El autor es bravo y en todo lo que duró la lectura coincidí con el autor, en otras partes rotundamente NO, en algunas me hizo parir (en términos espirituales a tal punto que me dije: “¿Qué estoy leyendo”?) y también me trajo recuerdos de San Ignacio de Loyola cuando habla de temas como la tentación, el examen de conciencia y qué hacer con ella.
🧉El Padre Lorenzo Scúpoli nos lleva por el combate espiritual y sugiere que no confiemos en nosotros mismos, aunque los que han iniciado el camino hacía Dios de manera sería, su objetivo ya es Cristo, el alma es tan sensible que muchas veces por más que se quiera ser sencilla se eleva y llega a confiar en sí misma abandonando al Dios bondadoso. Asegura que verdaderamente no somos más que nada, no obstante no dejamos de concebir una falsa estimación de nosotros mismos, y persuadiéndonos sin fundamento que somos algo, presumimos vanamente de nuestras propias fuerzas.
🧉Autor del Siglo XVI. Obra clásica de la ascética cristiana, que ha influido notablemente en autores posteriores, una sinopsis dice que “es un verdadero manual de estrategia espiritual para intentar alcanzar la perfección cristiana a la que todas las personas son llamadas por Jesucristo”. 😲 NO concuerdo por los tiempos que hoy corren (por suerte). Utilizando la imagen de la batalla, Lorenzo Scupoli propone un camino de ascesis, mostrando los pasos que hay que dar para vencer en la lucha contra las tentaciones y el pecado, los medios para adquirir las virtudes propias del alma y las armas más eficaces que tiene el cristiano para lograr la victoria: la oración, la eucaristía, la intercesión de la Virgen María, los ángeles y los santos, el examen de conciencia y la imitación de las virtudes de Cristo.
🧉Todo venía bien hasta el capítulo 9. En dicho capítulo se va al carajo (en mi opinión) y en capítulos que le siguen también. Pero debo reconocer que entre medio, varios párrafos me llegaron al alma, me identifiqué con algunas cosas que menciona porque tampoco puedo negar que temas como los prejuicios los considero aprendizajes; Totalmente de acuerdo cuando refiere a que “hemos condenado en nuestro entendimiento o con palabras a los demás. "¿Cómo me puedo atrever a juzgar y condenar a los otros si yo tengo los mismos defectos y peores inclinaciones que ellos? ¿Si tengo una viga en mis ojos, por qué criticar a los que tienen una basurita en los suyos?” TIENE TODA LA RAZÓN. También enseña las dos clases de oración y cómo hacerlas. Y así, entre temas que parecía que se iba al carajo, luego el autor regala capítulos interesantes como el referido a la Virgen María y ni hablar del capítulo referido al sacramento de la eucaristía.
🧉En lo que NO COINCIDÍ para nada es cuando habla de la lectura. Cito: “A ciertas personas principiantes les llega tal fervor por la lectura (al notar que las buenas lecturas elevan su espíritu y transforman su alma) que se dedican con demasiada voracidad a leer y leer hasta cansarse mentalmente(...)Pero en algunas personas sí se da el caso de que les llega un apetito desordenado de leer y leer, de todo, y casi sin digerir lo que leen, y con afán y precipitación y queriendo llegar a la máxima sabiduría en muy poco tiempo, y lo que obtienen es un cansancio mental. Así como el no leer o el leer muy poco lleva al raquitismo mental y al enanismo espiritual, el leer demasiado y con precipitación y afán, lleva al cansancio y agotamiento. Con razón dice el Libro de los Proverbios:
"La miel es sabrosa y provechosa, pero si se come en demasía empalaga. Debes comer únicamente lo suficiente, porque si exageras te producirá hartura y hasta vómito" (Pr 2, 16). Y una miel muy provechosa para el alma son las buenas lecturas. Claro está que para la inmensa mayoría de los católicos, más que avisarles que no lean demasiado, lo que hay que aconsejarles es que lean un poco más, porque leen demasiado poco, y quizás el 90% de lo que leen es más alimento de animales que manjar para el espíritu. Leen noticias, curiosidades, escándalos y otras cosas mundanas, pero lecturas que lleven al alma hacia la santidad, ¡qué poquitas son en realidad las que leen! Un gran director espiritual aconseja siempre: "Lean, lean libros religiosos, y prefieran siempre los de aquellos autores que tienen detrás de su nombre una S., o sea libros escritos por santos".
🧉Es un libro que puede servirnos en algunos de sus 59 capítulos para reflexionar, aprender y conocer las herramientas ante un combate espiritual, pero seguirlo al pie de la letra pienso que no. En mi opinión un par de fragmentos me sonaban a sectas, pero claro, estamos ante un libro publicado en 1589. Pero de ahí a llevarlo consigo y hacer de él un manual NO. El capítulo más fuerte es el 47 que refiere a meditar a Jesús crucificado y no sé, sentí rechazo a lo que aconseja.
🧉Me gustó leer frases de algunos santos como San Agustín y de los Padres de la antigüedad (no los menciona) y me dejó con la duda: A día de hoy, ¿Cómo es recomendado éste libro? ¿Simple lectura para conocer? y sí algunos temas son interesantes y van directo a la verdad. Pero, aquella persona que se dedica a la vida religiosa como estilo de vida (sacerdote, monja, monjes) ¿Qué importancia tiene? Espero que poca y nada. Y no, el autor no me dio respuesta a éstas preguntas.
“ Qué fácil es proponerse heroísmo con lo que no se tiene, pero en cambio qué difícil es tener generosidad con lo que sí se posee.”
🧉El combate espiritual es un excelente libro para su época. Con 59 capítulos breves pero muy profundos, con verdades directas que en ésa época no sé cuán aceptables habrán sido. Y hoy, algunas de ellas que se mencionan en el libro continúan siendo fuertes. Otras, hay que agarrarlas con pinzas y variaaasss hay que descartarlas porque en pleno 2024 que me digas cómo actuar para llegar a la santidad ronda lo tóxico y patológico. Quien haga uso del sufrimiento por el solo hecho de sufrir necesita psicólogo urgente.
Publicado en 1589, es muy importante tener en cuenta la época en que se publicó porque MUCHAS cosas que dice… Son insostenibles hoy; de mi parte, no son creíbles, las siento escrupulosas y hasta risorias algunas.
🧉El autor es bravo y en todo lo que duró la lectura coincidí con el autor, en otras partes rotundamente NO, en algunas me hizo parir (en términos espirituales a tal punto que me dije: “¿Qué estoy leyendo”?) y también me trajo recuerdos de San Ignacio de Loyola cuando habla de temas como la tentación, el examen de conciencia y qué hacer con ella.
🧉El Padre Lorenzo Scúpoli nos lleva por el combate espiritual y sugiere que no confiemos en nosotros mismos, aunque los que han iniciado el camino hacía Dios de manera sería, su objetivo ya es Cristo, el alma es tan sensible que muchas veces por más que se quiera ser sencilla se eleva y llega a confiar en sí misma abandonando al Dios bondadoso. Asegura que verdaderamente no somos más que nada, no obstante no dejamos de concebir una falsa estimación de nosotros mismos, y persuadiéndonos sin fundamento que somos algo, presumimos vanamente de nuestras propias fuerzas.
🧉Autor del Siglo XVI. Obra clásica de la ascética cristiana, que ha influido notablemente en autores posteriores, una sinopsis dice que “es un verdadero manual de estrategia espiritual para intentar alcanzar la perfección cristiana a la que todas las personas son llamadas por Jesucristo”. 😲 NO concuerdo por los tiempos que hoy corren (por suerte). Utilizando la imagen de la batalla, Lorenzo Scupoli propone un camino de ascesis, mostrando los pasos que hay que dar para vencer en la lucha contra las tentaciones y el pecado, los medios para adquirir las virtudes propias del alma y las armas más eficaces que tiene el cristiano para lograr la victoria: la oración, la eucaristía, la intercesión de la Virgen María, los ángeles y los santos, el examen de conciencia y la imitación de las virtudes de Cristo.
🧉Todo venía bien hasta el capítulo 9. En dicho capítulo se va al carajo (en mi opinión) y en capítulos que le siguen también. Pero debo reconocer que entre medio, varios párrafos me llegaron al alma, me identifiqué con algunas cosas que menciona porque tampoco puedo negar que temas como los prejuicios los considero aprendizajes; Totalmente de acuerdo cuando refiere a que “hemos condenado en nuestro entendimiento o con palabras a los demás. "¿Cómo me puedo atrever a juzgar y condenar a los otros si yo tengo los mismos defectos y peores inclinaciones que ellos? ¿Si tengo una viga en mis ojos, por qué criticar a los que tienen una basurita en los suyos?” TIENE TODA LA RAZÓN. También enseña las dos clases de oración y cómo hacerlas. Y así, entre temas que parecía que se iba al carajo, luego el autor regala capítulos interesantes como el referido a la Virgen María y ni hablar del capítulo referido al sacramento de la eucaristía.
🧉En lo que NO COINCIDÍ para nada es cuando habla de la lectura. Cito: “A ciertas personas principiantes les llega tal fervor por la lectura (al notar que las buenas lecturas elevan su espíritu y transforman su alma) que se dedican con demasiada voracidad a leer y leer hasta cansarse mentalmente(...)Pero en algunas personas sí se da el caso de que les llega un apetito desordenado de leer y leer, de todo, y casi sin digerir lo que leen, y con afán y precipitación y queriendo llegar a la máxima sabiduría en muy poco tiempo, y lo que obtienen es un cansancio mental. Así como el no leer o el leer muy poco lleva al raquitismo mental y al enanismo espiritual, el leer demasiado y con precipitación y afán, lleva al cansancio y agotamiento. Con razón dice el Libro de los Proverbios:
"La miel es sabrosa y provechosa, pero si se come en demasía empalaga. Debes comer únicamente lo suficiente, porque si exageras te producirá hartura y hasta vómito" (Pr 2, 16). Y una miel muy provechosa para el alma son las buenas lecturas. Claro está que para la inmensa mayoría de los católicos, más que avisarles que no lean demasiado, lo que hay que aconsejarles es que lean un poco más, porque leen demasiado poco, y quizás el 90% de lo que leen es más alimento de animales que manjar para el espíritu. Leen noticias, curiosidades, escándalos y otras cosas mundanas, pero lecturas que lleven al alma hacia la santidad, ¡qué poquitas son en realidad las que leen! Un gran director espiritual aconseja siempre: "Lean, lean libros religiosos, y prefieran siempre los de aquellos autores que tienen detrás de su nombre una S., o sea libros escritos por santos".
🧉Es un libro que puede servirnos en algunos de sus 59 capítulos para reflexionar, aprender y conocer las herramientas ante un combate espiritual, pero seguirlo al pie de la letra pienso que no. En mi opinión un par de fragmentos me sonaban a sectas, pero claro, estamos ante un libro publicado en 1589. Pero de ahí a llevarlo consigo y hacer de él un manual NO. El capítulo más fuerte es el 47 que refiere a meditar a Jesús crucificado y no sé, sentí rechazo a lo que aconseja.
🧉Me gustó leer frases de algunos santos como San Agustín y de los Padres de la antigüedad (no los menciona) y me dejó con la duda: A día de hoy, ¿Cómo es recomendado éste libro? ¿Simple lectura para conocer? y sí algunos temas son interesantes y van directo a la verdad. Pero, aquella persona que se dedica a la vida religiosa como estilo de vida (sacerdote, monja, monjes) ¿Qué importancia tiene? Espero que poca y nada. Y no, el autor no me dio respuesta a éstas preguntas.
August 1, 2023
I was anticipating The Spiritual Combat and A Treatise on Peace of Soul to be a guide for spiritual warfare but it turned out to be more of a handbook for combatting sin and replacing them with their opposing virutues. It contained a plethora of practical advice pertaining sloth, impurity, pride, and impatience and emphasized the importance of tackling these vices head-on. Scupoli masterfully navigated taking personal responsibility for sin yet completely relying on the Lord to rid us of our imperfections. He was eternally optimistic about our fate in this battle which was a refreshing tone to hear in such a spiritually heavy book. Even his section providing meditations on death somehow managed to have a positive and, dare I say, cheerful outlook.
Additionally, Scupoli uses the most beguilling analogies to capture how we should approach spiritual combat. For example, on spiritual slothfulness he says “Do not defer making your wedding garment until you are called upon to go forth and meet the Heavenly Bridegroom.” It is very clear when reading this book that Scupoli’s writing was very influential on the likes of St. Francis de Sales (who apparently kept a pocket-edition of this book with him at all times—perhaps I should consider doing the same).
Finally, Scupoli included a multitude of unique, descriptive, and heart-breaking meditations on the life and passion of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of calling upon Jesus’ example when combatting sin. I will certainly need to return to these in the future (especially during the Lenten season) to fully saturate my thoughts with these reflections.
Additionally, Scupoli uses the most beguilling analogies to capture how we should approach spiritual combat. For example, on spiritual slothfulness he says “Do not defer making your wedding garment until you are called upon to go forth and meet the Heavenly Bridegroom.” It is very clear when reading this book that Scupoli’s writing was very influential on the likes of St. Francis de Sales (who apparently kept a pocket-edition of this book with him at all times—perhaps I should consider doing the same).
Finally, Scupoli included a multitude of unique, descriptive, and heart-breaking meditations on the life and passion of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of calling upon Jesus’ example when combatting sin. I will certainly need to return to these in the future (especially during the Lenten season) to fully saturate my thoughts with these reflections.
June 2, 2017
This book is a treasury of brilliant spiritual advice!! It's a must-read for every serious Catholic! Now I think that I picked it up a bit late.. >.< I wish I had known some of its more important admonitions much earlier. The book treats kinds of temptations separately; for example, this is the first I read that explains how sexual temptation is unique in that it is to be always avoided immediately instead of be faced like most other temptations. I have never read such specific advice in any other spiritual literature.
I believe there are two versions of this book that are circulating. One is by TAN Books and one by Scriptoria Classics (the one I'm reviewing). I much prefer the Scriptoria version. It's a very good translation that balances poetry and understandability. It makes the book faster to read and easier to grasp. The one by TAN leans more to the poetic side and at times makes it more boring than piercing.
I believe there are two versions of this book that are circulating. One is by TAN Books and one by Scriptoria Classics (the one I'm reviewing). I much prefer the Scriptoria version. It's a very good translation that balances poetry and understandability. It makes the book faster to read and easier to grasp. The one by TAN leans more to the poetic side and at times makes it more boring than piercing.
October 23, 2016
One of the three great introductions to the spiritual life, along with the "Imitation of Christ" and St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life," Scupoli's "Spiritual Combat" is my favorite. I have profited much from the emphasis on the basics of the spiritual life, beginning with a distrust of self and confidence in God, as well as the many practical suggestions and penetrating insights. This is a book that can either be read quickly or savored over time as a series of 66 meditations. I read it first in 2007 and all my experiences since that time confirm all its wisdom. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to grow in holiness.
March 21, 2014
Excellent book for spiritual growth. Challenges the reader in lots of ways, and isn't always easy to read (in the sense that incorporating the suggestions might pull one out of his/her comfort zone). Most chapters are very short, but packed with great snippets. My sister and I did this as a weekly book study, reading and reflecting on one or more chapters at a time. Highly recommend for advancing spiritual life.
April 26, 2018
I read this book last year in my own mother tongue. I loved this book a really good spiritual books with a lot of insights about how to overcome the temptations in this world.
May 29, 2024
What a beautiful book full of such holy wisdom! I had to read this slowly and often reread passages over again to fully grasp the wisdom that was being passed on. Although written 500 years ago during the Counter-Reformation to strengthen spirituality and combat heresy, it is equally relevant today as Truth is timeless and often twisted by the enemy.
February 2, 2020
I liked these short meditations very much.
They are perfect to read a couple per day and they often were what I needed at the moment.
They are perfect to read a couple per day and they often were what I needed at the moment.
March 12, 2019
There is good reason that St. Francis de Sales recommended this as a regular reading companion for the spiritual life. Scupoli's work will go down in history as one of the greatest spiritual writings gifted to the Church.
This is not something I recommend attempting to read quickly, but rather reading slowly, prayerfully, intentionally. The chapters are all broken up into small bite-size chunks that offer a powerful punch with plenty of content to reflect upon. The writings are one gut punch after the other. Scupoli does a fantastic job reminding the reader of their sinful wretchedness, but also of the infinite love of the triune God.
I highly recommend any Catholic (or non-Catholic Christian) to pick this up and read through it, asking for the intercession of the saints for guidance throughout this book. It is a true gift.
This is not something I recommend attempting to read quickly, but rather reading slowly, prayerfully, intentionally. The chapters are all broken up into small bite-size chunks that offer a powerful punch with plenty of content to reflect upon. The writings are one gut punch after the other. Scupoli does a fantastic job reminding the reader of their sinful wretchedness, but also of the infinite love of the triune God.
I highly recommend any Catholic (or non-Catholic Christian) to pick this up and read through it, asking for the intercession of the saints for guidance throughout this book. It is a true gift.
April 26, 2021
3,5 per una visione del peccato troppo invasivo, soprattutto nella seconda parte. Nella prima parte ci sono degli spunti interessanti e ancora validi per progredire nella vita spirituale. Ad ogni modo è una lettura istruttiva per chi si interessa di spiritualità. San Francesco di Salles aveva sempre con se una copia di questo libro.
December 5, 2019
88/100 (= 5.2/6) ≈ 5 Stars
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Pure unabashed Catholic spiritual life. Meat and Potatoes. Style is excellent, deep, pious, well-written. A sure guide to perfection, to be read over and over (as St. Francis de Sales did)!
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Pure unabashed Catholic spiritual life. Meat and Potatoes. Style is excellent, deep, pious, well-written. A sure guide to perfection, to be read over and over (as St. Francis de Sales did)!
April 5, 2013
This book is life changing. A practical and direct guide to conquering the daily battles we all face.
September 9, 2012
Short, helpful chapters jam-packed with advice on growing closer to Our Lord, and avoiding temptations. A spiritual classic for a reason! Read it!!
January 31, 2022
Catholic theology but wonderfully evangelical in many ways.
Very helpful on how to grow in godliness. Just a shame about the praying to Mary and the saints bit.
Very helpful on how to grow in godliness. Just a shame about the praying to Mary and the saints bit.
January 2, 2014
If you want to know your enemy...and don't mind realizing some of your greatest battles are coming from within...then read on.
The Spiritual Combat has been changing lives for so many years..and still is today. Before reading this I had heard so much about it. Although I am not Roman Catholic...I am a Christian, and looked very forward to benefiting spiritually from it's contents. This book has so greatly EXCEEDED my expectations...it is a book I will likely read many times over in my life time. Christ has granted brother Scupoli such divine wisdom and insight into the struggles each follower of Christ faces living in this world. I would have certainly given the book 5 instead of 4 stars, however I deducted one star only to point out that it can be a difficult read for the modern reader. I am not used to hearing Mary being addressed as the "Queen of Heaven" etc but these things can simply be overlooked. The book is also difficult to fully grasp at times because it has so much depth to it and the language used is very poetic and in some cases words are used that are not even familiar or used today.
It is a beautiful piece of work and should be in every follower of Christ's library who is serious about weeding out sin...and all the hidden vices of man's own heart. With all it's spiritual insight...can become a useful tool in the believers life... and an inspiration to press on to greater purity & holiness!
The Spiritual Combat has been changing lives for so many years..and still is today. Before reading this I had heard so much about it. Although I am not Roman Catholic...I am a Christian, and looked very forward to benefiting spiritually from it's contents. This book has so greatly EXCEEDED my expectations...it is a book I will likely read many times over in my life time. Christ has granted brother Scupoli such divine wisdom and insight into the struggles each follower of Christ faces living in this world. I would have certainly given the book 5 instead of 4 stars, however I deducted one star only to point out that it can be a difficult read for the modern reader. I am not used to hearing Mary being addressed as the "Queen of Heaven" etc but these things can simply be overlooked. The book is also difficult to fully grasp at times because it has so much depth to it and the language used is very poetic and in some cases words are used that are not even familiar or used today.
It is a beautiful piece of work and should be in every follower of Christ's library who is serious about weeding out sin...and all the hidden vices of man's own heart. With all it's spiritual insight...can become a useful tool in the believers life... and an inspiration to press on to greater purity & holiness!
February 10, 2015
Reading Scupoli's book, I'm reminded of Kempis's The Imitation of Christ and St Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life. The Spiritual Combat apparently had quite an influence on St Francis de Sales, so the similarities do not surprise me.
The book itself is at once very practical but also centred entirely on advancement in the spiritual life. Scupoli gives great practical advice on day-to-day conduct to build up virtue and root out vices, as well as on prayer. Everything is presented in short little chapters on specific topics; not a few of them focus on how to counter the attacks of the devil.
Scupoli's book is a gem for those who are at that stage in their spiritual lives. To go with it, I would highly recommend Fr Jonathan Robinson's Spiritual Combat Revisited.
The book itself is at once very practical but also centred entirely on advancement in the spiritual life. Scupoli gives great practical advice on day-to-day conduct to build up virtue and root out vices, as well as on prayer. Everything is presented in short little chapters on specific topics; not a few of them focus on how to counter the attacks of the devil.
Scupoli's book is a gem for those who are at that stage in their spiritual lives. To go with it, I would highly recommend Fr Jonathan Robinson's Spiritual Combat Revisited.
July 4, 2020
Sin duda alguna no tenia idea del impacto que iba a tener en mi persona, en mi espiritualidad, en mi forma de ver la vida, en mi forma de enfrentarme a la vida misma, la forma de ver a Dios, la forma de amar, incluso. Definitivamente la persona que era en aquel entonces (hace 3 meses) no es la misma que es hoy en día después de leer este libro. Casi podia escuchar decir mi nombre en cada palabra que leí y que, por cierto, necesitaba.
Mi primer y único guía espiritual.
Now we all can understand why san Francisco de Sales lo consideraba "mi maestro y director de las cosas de espíritu y de la vida interior."
Mi primer y único guía espiritual.
Now we all can understand why san Francisco de Sales lo consideraba "mi maestro y director de las cosas de espíritu y de la vida interior."
September 4, 2014
"The Spiritual Combat" and a "Treatise on Peace of Soul" are masterpieces of ascetic theology. The two works have been joined together for centuries, but they are really two distinct works. Whereas "The Spiritual Combat" focuses on developing virtues in general, the "Treatise on Peace of Soul" is chiefly concerned with cultivating a deep disposition towards peace. Together these works provide a succinct and certain method for growing closer to God and enjoying greater and more lasting peace and joy in this life.
January 29, 2010
This is a book that really gets you thinking. He pulls no punches about a real war going on between each of us and the Devil. And he explains details as to what the Devil does and tricks he uses. This is book everyone should read and see how it fits into his or her experiences. It includes information on how to deal with the Devil and beat him at his own game. But it is all deadly serious and treated that way.
January 7, 2024
Clásico y breve tratado de ascética. 66 capítulos repletos de armamento contra el ego. Dado que el pecado original es una herida de orgullo toda ascética debe pasar por un camino de muerte de si mismo. De esta manera, la vida se convierte en una batalla constante, una guerra sin cuartel contra el amor propio. "Quién pierde su vida por mi, la encontrará".
November 18, 2011
Excellent book! i love it! Full of rich, deep, practical tips and advice to grow spiritually. Everybody could be saint, but we have to learn how to combat and defeat temptation. This is a book to read and consult continually. I am so motivated to begin practicing what I have read.
February 18, 2018
Útil para aquellos que quieren entender que el camino de la vida interior requiere compromiso y dejarse confrontar continuamente, que exige saber corresponder cada día frente a los defectos personales.
June 27, 2009
Great book. A classic. My patron saint, Francis De Sales (the patron saint of writers) reportedly carried this book with him for 18 years because he consulted it so often.
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