Union with God: [including 22 of Madame Guyon's poems]

by Jeanne Guyon

The author, Madame Guyon, was born in south-central France in the mid-1600's. Her writings and her ministry knew a brief period of popularity, making her a friend even of the wife of Louis XIV. She greatly influenced the life of Fenelon, one of the two most famous clergymen in France's history and earned the wrath of the other, Boussuet. The conflict between these two giants over her teachings led to her disgrace in the king's court and then to her imprisonment. The clash between Boussuet and Fenelon enthralled and scandalized the whole of France. The continuing feud had to be settled by the Pope himself.

The influence of Madame Guyon has never wavered with the passing of centuries. Her writings have influenced movements such as the Moravins, the Quakers, the Methodists and the Little Flock. Leaders such as Wesley, Penn-Lewis, Zinzendorf, Judson and Nee have lauded some of her writings as among the best ever penned by a Christian, and have testified to her influence in their lives. Three hundred years later she is still one of the most influential people in the lives of those who seek a deeper relationship to Jesus Christ.

Genres: Christian, Poetry, Spirituality, Christian Living

98 pages, Unknown Binding

First published June 15, 1981

About the author

Jeanne Marie Bouvières de la Mothe Guyon (commonly known as Madame Guyon) was the leader of the Quietist movement in France. The foundation of her Quietism was laid in her study of St. Francis de Sales, Madame de Chantal, and Thomas a Kempis. At age 16, she married Jacques Guyon, a wealthy man of weak health, 22 years her senior. Until his death in 1676, her life was an unhappy one, partly due to the difference in their ages, and partly due to a tyrannical mother-in-law. Her public career as an evangelist of Quietism began soon after her widowhood.

Her first labors were spent in the diocese of Geneva, at Anecy, Gex, and Thonon, and in Grenoble. In 1686 she went to Paris, where she was at first imprisoned for her opinions, in the Convent of St. Marie in the Faubourg St. Antoine; she was released after eight months at the insistence of Madame de Maintenon. She then rose to the zenith of her fame. Her life at all times greatly fascinated those around her; the court, Madame de Maintenon, and Madame de Maintenon’s College of Ladies at Cyr, came under the spell of her enthusiasm. But the affinity of her doctrines with those of Michael Molinos, who was condemned in 1685, soon worked against her.

Her opinions were condemned by a commission, of which Bossuet was president. She then incurred Bossuet’s displeasure by breaking the promises she had made to him to maintain a quiet attitude and not return to Paris. She was imprisoned at Vincennes in December 1695, and the next year moved to Vaugirard, under a promise to avoid all receptions and correspondence, except by special permission. In 1698, she was imprisoned in the Bastille for four years. She spent the remainder of her life in retirement with her daughter, the Marquise de Bois, at Blois. She had numerous visitors of all ranks, some from foreign countries, and had a considerable correspondence. Her works fill some 40 volumes. (less)

Reviews

[Benjamin Shurance]

Reading Catholic mystics is a very helpful exercise for those of us steeped in evangelicalism. This book provides a provocative take on the dynamics of spiritual growth, as well as a healthy reminder of the deadness and insensibility that are part of Christian formation. Some of the poems annexed to this edition are really quite nice.

[Emma Hofmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be a catholic soon if I’m not too careful

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Details what a person can expect as their soul progresses into ever deeper union with God. Perhaps it was the translation, perhaps not - but I found that the common (and paradoxical) error about sacrifice is made in this book. The author seems to suggest that sacrifice on behalf of others is needed to do what Christ could not - but to me that is to negate the atonement, the very thing the book is about: at-one-ment. As I said, perhaps it was a misunderstanding due to translation.

[Harmony Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

made me look at the world and Christianity in a whole new way

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Introduction warns the reader that this short book is difficult to understand. And it was. But what troubled me the post was that Madame Guyon's perspective on "Union" with God appears unattainable in that we need to arrive at a perfect state.

It's likely to be my lack of understanding but I didn't feel that what she was espousing was really achievable for anyone until heaven. In effect, our souls become so united with God that our human essence is replaced by God's. Maybe that's what it is but I believe from my readings of John 17 that Jesus desired for us to experience oneness like He did and where His humanity was also ever present as well as His divinity.

It's a relatively quick read as are the 22 poems but I don't feel inclined to read it again to validate my interpretation.

[Ryann Prominski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of great quick reads that will encourage, challenge, and exhort you!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book. I am amazed at all the positive reviews. I obviously do not "get" it perhaps. Basically this book is a detailed account on the loss of "self" or ego. To me, it sounds like the Christian equivalent to Buddhist or Hindu "enlightment". Reading Union With God reminded me of all the Buddhist meditation books I have read.
But I don't know...while reading I was struck with the question as to why do I have to go through all that Jeanne Guyon describes to have "union" with God? For the past year I have been praying the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, and it seems to be a healthier, more enriching way to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ than Jeanne Guyon's method.
Some concerns: chapter 3 really concerned me. She writes that the more you move to your centre, the more desolation you will feel, which is the end of self-nature. Also, she describes how the enemy attacks from all sides, and as you progress you find yourself unable to protect yourself, until finally you realize that the enemy is your "best friend and truest friend". I am wondering if she is saying that your self-nature perceives God as the enemy and then in the end you find out it's God, not your enemy. But, I am not sure, and it would be dangerous to find out it is the enemy. The reason I am not sure because she also says in Chapter 3 that every Christian virtue disappears, and as they depart you lose all joy within.
In Chapter 6, I was confused with Jeanne Guyon's description of how God apparently causes suffering of the older Christian mentor so that the younger Christian can grow in her union with Him. How does she know this?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Guyon's Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ, though there were a few cautions I did have in that too. Especially the ending from SeedSowers, which explains the translation process and provided a sample of Guyon's actual text. The actual text was very complicated and confusing and I wondered then and do so now, that perhaps the translators could have made errors trying to understand and communicate in common English what Guyon wrote. I would caution readers on this book. I liked Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ and her autobiography, but Union With God doesn't sit right with me. As a practicing and devoted Christian, I honestly don't think you need to go through Guyon's process to have a deep and fulfilling relationship with Christ.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER OF MADAME GUYON'S BOOKS ADVISING, "TURN INWARD"

Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-Guyon (commonly known as Madame Guyon; 1648-1717) was a French mystic and one of the key advocates of Quietism (which was considered heretical by the Catholic Church). She was imprisoned from 1695 to 1703 after publishing 'The Song of Songs: Commentary'and 'Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Chris,' she wrote an autobiography while in prison. She then went to live with her son, and spent her remaining years writing poetry and avoiding controversy. Ironically, though she never had any intention of separating herself from the Catholic Church, her warmest admirers today are found among Protestants.

She admits, "True, the way of faith is not as self-gratifying nor as exciting as the way of intellectual illumination. In fact, the way of faith is sometimes very dry. Your thoughts wander far more and have nothing to fix them." (Pg. 23) Later, she adds, "as the enjoyment of the Lord deepens, it also becomes less perceptible... The trials which a Christian might expect to encounter at this point in his spiritual growth are trials of alternating dryness and enjoyment." (Pg. 26-27)

She suggests, "When you are engaged in action and devotion, however simple they may be, you are also putting into action some outward, undesirable habits of the soul. Therefore, turn inward." (Pg. 34) She reveals, "These little traces of God's grace, when revealed to my heart, have often overwhelmed me with ecstasy." (Pg. 46) She observes, "That believer who thinks he is attached to nothing is actually bound by a thousand things unknown to himself." (Pg. 56)

She concludes, "I am giving you here only a general sketch, an outline, of what it is you may wish to know about what awaits the pilgrim in his future journey. Experience with the Lord will teach you the rest." (Pg. 80)

Guyon is perhaps experiencing a resurgence these days, and this short book is a good companion to her other works.

[Dan Pan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, did this lady suffer. Guyon presents that suffering is the path to unity with God.

[Kindra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was more moved by the poetry at the end than the discourse in the majority if the book. Her writing in this book I found more difficult to read than other writings of hers I've read, but the poetry was extremely moving and profound.

[Stephen Kuntzman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first time I read this book I was young and had just a little understanding about what the author was writing about, but then I read it after I had a few years on me and it made much sense.

I think this is the type of book that gets better as one gets older (and hopefully wiser).

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one as well as her other books because she puts things simply so that we can all understand and apply her wisdom.