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Modern Spiritual Masters
Anthony De Mello: Selected Writings
Bringing together the wisdom of East and West, the Indian Jesuit Anthony de Mello used stories and parables to awaken his listeners to an awareness of Gods presence in their midst. Since his death in 1987, countless readers have been challenged to encounter DeMellos message.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1999
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About the author
Anthony de Mello
173 books994 followersAnthony de Mello was a Jesuit priest and psychotherapist who became widely known for his books on spirituality. An internationally acclaimed spiritual guide, writer and public speaker, de Mello hosted many spiritual conferences.
The few talks which he allowed to be filmed, such as "A Rediscovery of Life" and "A Way to God for Today," have inspired many viewers and audiences throughout the United States, Canada, and Central America. De Mello established a prayer center in India. He died suddenly in 1987. His works are readily available and additional writings were published after his death.
In 1998, some of his opinions were condemned by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, wrote for the Congregation:
"But already in certain passages in [his] early works and to a greater degree in his later publications, one notices a progressive distancing from the essential contents of the Christian faith. ... With the present Notification, in order to protect the good of the Christian faithful, this Congregation declares that the above-mentioned positions are incompatible with the Catholic faith and can cause grave harm."
Some editions of his books have since been supplemented with the insertion of a caution:
"The books of Father Anthony de Mello were written in a multi-religious context to help the followers of other religions, agnostics and atheists in their spiritual search, and they were not intended by the author as manuals of instruction of the Catholic faithful in Christian doctrine or dogma."
The few talks which he allowed to be filmed, such as "A Rediscovery of Life" and "A Way to God for Today," have inspired many viewers and audiences throughout the United States, Canada, and Central America. De Mello established a prayer center in India. He died suddenly in 1987. His works are readily available and additional writings were published after his death.
In 1998, some of his opinions were condemned by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, wrote for the Congregation:
"But already in certain passages in [his] early works and to a greater degree in his later publications, one notices a progressive distancing from the essential contents of the Christian faith. ... With the present Notification, in order to protect the good of the Christian faithful, this Congregation declares that the above-mentioned positions are incompatible with the Catholic faith and can cause grave harm."
Some editions of his books have since been supplemented with the insertion of a caution:
"The books of Father Anthony de Mello were written in a multi-religious context to help the followers of other religions, agnostics and atheists in their spiritual search, and they were not intended by the author as manuals of instruction of the Catholic faithful in Christian doctrine or dogma."
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 20, 2022
I’ve often wondered why so many Christian teachers have abandoned Jesus’s method of parables as theology. This book furthered that wondering. I’ll be pondering Del Mello’s easily memorized analogies and parables, continuing to uncover pearls in each line. He’s a masterful storyteller, and also a fantastic teacher of how to *receive* story and become aware of spiritual realities through mystic prayer.
Him being a Jesuit priest, I assume many arrive at his writings seeking Christian insight. They’ll receive that, but De Mello pulls from various faith traditions to build his worldview, which some might find uncomfortable. While I think that’s fine if checked against/with scripture, I’d feel most comfortable recommending him to those more experienced in their faith and discernment.
Him being a Jesuit priest, I assume many arrive at his writings seeking Christian insight. They’ll receive that, but De Mello pulls from various faith traditions to build his worldview, which some might find uncomfortable. While I think that’s fine if checked against/with scripture, I’d feel most comfortable recommending him to those more experienced in their faith and discernment.
December 15, 2021
There is so much wisdom in this little book.
I would advice to skip the introduction though as it is analytical, quite dry and heavy, exactly the opposite of De Mello's own writings which are very accessible
I would advice to skip the introduction though as it is analytical, quite dry and heavy, exactly the opposite of De Mello's own writings which are very accessible
December 31, 2017
A joy to read!
April 15, 2009
I keep rereading this wonderful compilation of stories and inspiration by a spiritual master.
June 14, 2013
A wonderful eastern perspective to the familiar narratives of Christian spirituality. Refreshingly new and thought provoking
April 28, 2015
Wonderful and thoughtful. I truly enjoy his writing.
March 5, 2019
This book will give the samples of Anthony De Mello's writings and his ways of approaching to finding the truth and love in our own life. Nectar to the soul that seeks and searches...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews