The Best of Fénelon

by François Fénelon, Harold J. Chadwick (Editor)

Francois de Salignac de La Mothe-Fénelon was born in France in 1651. His formal education was carefully guided by his aristocratic elders, and he became a gifted intellectual, but he had a frustrated passion for missionary work.

When an ecclesiastical rival maneuvered to have Fénelon assigned to a parish that was rife with interdenominational conflict, Fénelon became renowned as a peacemaker. King Louis XIV appointed Fénelon to be the tutor to his heir apparent, and Fénelon was ordained an archbishop. But his advancement in the clergy ended when he defended the radical teachings of his contemporary, Madame Jeanne Guyon. Her popular books promoted faith, rather than ritual, as the true route to salvation. Like Madame Guyon, Fénelon sought total abandonment in Christ.

The Best of Fénelon contains three of this prolific author's most famous Maxims of the Saints, Spiritual Letters, and Christian Counsel , all carefully revised into modern English for easier reading.

For more than 300 years, these texts have been a guide to greater peace and joy in Christ. Read The Best of Fénelon , and learn why.

Genres: Religion

348 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, a Roman Catholic theologian and poet, wrote in France. He today is remembered mostly as one of the main advocates of quietism and as the author of The Adventures of Telemachus, a scabrous attack on the French monarchy, first published in 1699.

Reviews

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the most convicting and yet inspiring books I have read. A must read for one who wants to grow in the Lord.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fenelon's writing were controversial in his day. He was persecuted for his understanding of pure love and the inward Christian experience. He was removed from court and sent back to his homeland to live out his days ever separated from the live he had known. And yet, he continued to serve selflessly in his exile. He was esteemed by peasants, soldiers, and rulers alike because he lived out what he believed and wrote about. This book which includes his spiritual letters, christian counsel, and maxim of the saints, is best used as a devotional consumed over several months versus a single reading. In it, you begin to see the heart of Fenelon and by the time your done, feel a bit more connected to people of faith from centuries ago. You will not agree with every concept in this book, I didn't and that's okay -- this is not scripture. There's room for disagreement. However, you will be challenged in the depth of your faith and the sincerity of your commitment. And, that's always a good thing as it forces self-reflection -- and within that process, we grow.

[J. Alfred · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best seventeenth century French mystic I'll probably ever read!
Very interesting stuff from a guy who was apparently deeply holy and obviously immensely thoughtful and interested in all the right questions. He thinks you need to think less and try less and rely on God more. He's probably right.
Here are some quotes:

Self-love entertains us with self, which, according to it, is never sufficiently well attended to. It talks of friendship, regard, esteem; and is in despair at everything but flattery.... Let the vain, self complaining babbler, self-love, be silenced so that in the stillness of the heart we may listen to that other love which only speaks when addressed.

It is a sort of infidelity to simple faith when we desire to be continually assured that we are doing well.

The prayer that I offer for you... is the voice of the Holy Ghost uttering itself in the soul... The Holy Ghost prays with effect.

And amen, you know?