Concerning the Inner Life

by Evelyn Underhill

An inspirational little book that offers invaluable advice on how to broaden our spiritual horizons and strengthen our inner resources.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian, Philosophy, Faith, Nonfiction, Prayer

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1927

About the author

Evelyn Underhill was an English Anglo-Catholic writer and pacifist known for her numerous works on religion and spiritual practice, in particular Christian mysticism.

In the English-speaking world, she was one of the most widely read writers on such matters in the first half of the twentieth century. No other book of its type—until the appearance in 1946 of Aldous Huxley's The Perennial Philosophy—met with success to match that of her best-known work, Mysticism, published in 1911.

Read more:

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evelyn_U...

The Evelyn Underhill Association
http://www.evelynunderhill.org/

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I love Evelyn Underhill! She is an unusual combination of great spiritual depth and practicality that makes her writings on mysticism accessible and "friendly." This little book was taken from several talks she gave to clergy, but it's a wonderful intro to some of her thinking. If you like this one, I highly recommend "Radiance."

[SK Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the easiest read (which I was expecting more of, whoops). But definitely had some really good insights to prayer and Christian ministry. A good introduction to the inner life and complimented my reading of The Little Flowers of St. Francis well. Planning to read again to see if I can understand some more.

[Julie Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In some ways a very dated book, in other ways it speaks to today and the timeless things, giving nougats of wisdom to ponder and things to practice.

[Nick Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three inspiring addresses to parish priests about the place at the heart of our ministry for prayer and for helping others to pray. Of course some of the language and assumptions are dated, but wisdom and truth shine through. I wish I'd read it many years ago!

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Concerning the Inner Life was very good read. She provides many helpful reasons and reminders for why we need to keep a good prayer life.

The House of the Soul was also enjoyable, but as an Evangelical Christian I found some of her Catholic mysticism to be a impeding on the general message of the book. I think some of her metaphors were very helpful, but some of them felt almost neoplatonic, and others felt entrenched in a problematic pelagian Catholic theology.

[dthaase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very important book regarding the inner life -- a modern day classic. Underhill's ability to write with an intellectual grounding and high view of the Holy Spirit makes this an important read within the realm of Christian Spirituality. I particularly benefited from her theme of adoration/awe/service spread throughout the book.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reminder with practical ideas on why and how we can develop our spiritual life as ministers of the gospel. Which should help us stave off burnout.

[Mary Beene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every clergy person should read Concerning the Inner Life. Your spiritual life really is more important than the logistics of ministry!