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The Way of Humility: Corruption and Sin & On Self-Accusation
Originally a series written by Pope Francis while he was Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires, these profound meditations give an inspiring introduction to the path of humility and love needed to form true Christian communities. They are divided into two separate works, Corruption and Sin , and Self-Accusation . As the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis ministered in a country that suffered greatly from the effects of corruption in public and private life. In these texts, the current Holy Father reflects on the connection between sin and corruption in the life of every Christian and how pride and self-sufficiency lead from one to the other. The roots of many of the themes of his pontificate can be found in these texts on humility, honesty and simplicity. The two pieces are on different but related issues. The difference between sin and corruption and the remedy for sin, which is self-accusation, meaning telling oneself the truth about one's faults. In short, pride is the problem; humility is the solution. The Pope "It will do us good to reflect together on the problem of corruption and also on its relationship with sin. It will do us good to shake up our souls with the prophetic force of the Gospel, which places us in the truth about things by stirring up the layers of fallen dead leaves of human weakness and complicity that can create the conditions for corruption. It will do us a lot of good, in the light of God's word, to learn to discern the different states of corruption that surround us and threaten to lead us astray. It will do us good to say to one another again, "Yes, I'm a sinner; but no, I'm not corrupt!"-and to say it with fear, lest we accept the state of corruption as just another sin."
105 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
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173 people want to read
About the author
Pope Francis
1,328 books1,005 followersPope Francis (Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; Spanish: Francisco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a title he held ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and Sovereign of the Vatican City. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European pope since the Syrian Gregory III, who died in 741.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.
Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.
Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 3, 2018
A slim book (originally released in 2005) that tackles two sides pretty well, even if it feels that second part stops suddenly. Again, this is a compliation of meditations, done when a cardinal of Buenos Aires, and the subject is humility. The first part talks about corruption, which was (also) problem in Argentina; and the second part is the remedy of admitting the truth of one's faults, self-accusation. This self-accusation is *not* the inner critic that puts you down harshly, nor lack of self-confidence - it's not also something that would end up with you in the depths of despair, more like knowing you need God's help in getting through your life, and at the same time learning to get better along with other people, taking their offences against you better than before.
On the first part, on corruption. Those who sin are not necessarily corrupt, but sin and corruption are closely linked. Francis paints a clear picture of what the corrupt person is like, and it made me think of certain people in present times. But anyway, the corrupt person is someone who has turned inwards; they often keep up a good appearance, though not always. They think highly of themselves, they compare and judge others (and others are either accomplices or enemies). They may justify their actions, and can be shameless.
Trials may help the corrupt snap out of it. Maybe.
This part ends with examples of such groups in Jesus' time, and of His response to them. Examples of it in religious society are also given.
In the second part, the way of self-accusation. This part spoke to me, and was quite inspiring.
Francis uses the writings of St. Dorotheus of Gaza in this, and the latter's writings on this subject are at the end. The act of self-accusation is an act of courage, a road of honesty and self-discovery. It makes one more open towards the community, and is useful in preventing the inward-turning selfishness of corruption... there's less need of having control over everything, to criticize and argue.
One seeks justification only from God, accepts any reasons of guilt found (but without the 'guilt over everything'), and moves towards the virtues of humility, meekness and patience. By praticing self-accusation one gets less and less upset over others' corrections, judgements, accusations and other such things that upset before.
And one finds more peace, inner strength, easier acceptance of not getting what one wants. Self-accusation brings along more feeling of responsiblity for one's actions, gestures, words. It is better to aim for this than be lured by the road of corruption, for the rewards are better, and the rewards after this earthly life are eternal and infinite. :)
On the first part, on corruption. Those who sin are not necessarily corrupt, but sin and corruption are closely linked. Francis paints a clear picture of what the corrupt person is like, and it made me think of certain people in present times. But anyway, the corrupt person is someone who has turned inwards; they often keep up a good appearance, though not always. They think highly of themselves, they compare and judge others (and others are either accomplices or enemies). They may justify their actions, and can be shameless.
Trials may help the corrupt snap out of it. Maybe.
This part ends with examples of such groups in Jesus' time, and of His response to them. Examples of it in religious society are also given.
In the second part, the way of self-accusation. This part spoke to me, and was quite inspiring.
Francis uses the writings of St. Dorotheus of Gaza in this, and the latter's writings on this subject are at the end. The act of self-accusation is an act of courage, a road of honesty and self-discovery. It makes one more open towards the community, and is useful in preventing the inward-turning selfishness of corruption... there's less need of having control over everything, to criticize and argue.
One seeks justification only from God, accepts any reasons of guilt found (but without the 'guilt over everything'), and moves towards the virtues of humility, meekness and patience. By praticing self-accusation one gets less and less upset over others' corrections, judgements, accusations and other such things that upset before.
And one finds more peace, inner strength, easier acceptance of not getting what one wants. Self-accusation brings along more feeling of responsiblity for one's actions, gestures, words. It is better to aim for this than be lured by the road of corruption, for the rewards are better, and the rewards after this earthly life are eternal and infinite. :)
January 11, 2015
A 100-page book containing the writings of Pope Francis when he was still still a cardinal in Buenos Aires. The first part deals about the nature and relationship of sin and corruption. Prior to this book, I thought that being corrupt is a sin because you take things that are not yours. However, the good cardinal differentiates them by giving an example: for example sin is if you are a prostitute while corruption is when you change partner like changing shoes. I ended up confused instead of having a clear idea of the two.
The second part on self-accusation is clearer. However, it is hard to follow. Do you remember that part in the Bible where Jesus says that if your eyes cause you to sin then you have to pluck them out as it is better for you to be blind rather than your whole body to burn in hell. This part, as well as the book, has lots of those. An example is if somebody treats you poorly, you have to just keep it and don't retaliate or fight back. That's impractical and you also have to love yourself. Otherwise, you will lose self-respect.
I know that Pope Francis is for humility, mercy and compassion but in real world, most of the things that this book espouses is for me, not realistic. They are good for a religion book but not in real dog-eats-dog world that we have.
This is just an okay book. I don't want to be seen as anti-Pope Francis especially now that he will be visiting Manila (January 15-19, 2015).
The second part on self-accusation is clearer. However, it is hard to follow. Do you remember that part in the Bible where Jesus says that if your eyes cause you to sin then you have to pluck them out as it is better for you to be blind rather than your whole body to burn in hell. This part, as well as the book, has lots of those. An example is if somebody treats you poorly, you have to just keep it and don't retaliate or fight back. That's impractical and you also have to love yourself. Otherwise, you will lose self-respect.
I know that Pope Francis is for humility, mercy and compassion but in real world, most of the things that this book espouses is for me, not realistic. They are good for a religion book but not in real dog-eats-dog world that we have.
This is just an okay book. I don't want to be seen as anti-Pope Francis especially now that he will be visiting Manila (January 15-19, 2015).
July 10, 2024
A humbling book to read. Required reading for anyone who has eyes
April 19, 2024
It is somewhat shocking (and all the more effective for that shock) read Pope Francis, who is usually so focused on mercy, writing so powerfully on spiritual corruption and self accusation.
May 12, 2014
The Way of Humility is a 100-page book, which contains meditations from Cardinal Bergoglio dating back to 2005. It is divided into two parts with the first part addressing the topics of Corruption and Sin and the second part addressing self-accusation. Each part consists a series of mini-meditations that span 2-3 pages and contain sub-topics of the larger topic. For example, there is a meditation on Making Comparisons in the larger topic of Corruption.
In the first part, Corruption and Sin, Cardinal Bergoglio begins by defining what corruption is and distinguishing it from sin. He states that one can be sinful without being corrupt, but that sin can eventually lead to corruption. He also explains characteristics of corruption, like self-containment and ignorance of one's own corruption. Using a very blunt and easily understood metaphor, he states, "Corrupt people do not notice their own corruption. It is the same as when people have bad breath: they seldom realize it themselves. Other people smell it and need to tell them." He then goes on to explain about comparisons and judgment. Using examples from the New Testament like the Publican and the Pharisee, we see how the Pharisee used both comparison and judgment and can see that this was not just a one-time sin, but a heart that had been corrupted. I found his meditation on the corruption of the four groups of Jewish people in Jesus' day to be the most fascinating section of this part. In these brief pages, he brought to light how the Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, and even the Essenes had some form of corruption in their heart.
In the second part, On Self Accusation, Cardinal Bergoglio draws from reflections of St. Dorotheus of Gaza to illustrate his point. The meditations state that "Self-accusation requires uncommon courage in order to open the door to discovery of things we do not know about ourselves and let other people see beyond our facade." He also stresses that self-accusation calls us to a communal way of life and not an individual one. He also states that self-accusation is an act of humiliation that leads to humility. Cardinal Bergoglio then includes direct instructions from St. Dorotheus for the remainder of the text. Though, this second part of the book seems more geared to religious, there is definitely truth in here for laity as well. Overall, this was a thought-provoking and soul-examining book. If you are looking to become humbler, read what Cardinal Bergolio has to say.
In the first part, Corruption and Sin, Cardinal Bergoglio begins by defining what corruption is and distinguishing it from sin. He states that one can be sinful without being corrupt, but that sin can eventually lead to corruption. He also explains characteristics of corruption, like self-containment and ignorance of one's own corruption. Using a very blunt and easily understood metaphor, he states, "Corrupt people do not notice their own corruption. It is the same as when people have bad breath: they seldom realize it themselves. Other people smell it and need to tell them." He then goes on to explain about comparisons and judgment. Using examples from the New Testament like the Publican and the Pharisee, we see how the Pharisee used both comparison and judgment and can see that this was not just a one-time sin, but a heart that had been corrupted. I found his meditation on the corruption of the four groups of Jewish people in Jesus' day to be the most fascinating section of this part. In these brief pages, he brought to light how the Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, and even the Essenes had some form of corruption in their heart.
In the second part, On Self Accusation, Cardinal Bergoglio draws from reflections of St. Dorotheus of Gaza to illustrate his point. The meditations state that "Self-accusation requires uncommon courage in order to open the door to discovery of things we do not know about ourselves and let other people see beyond our facade." He also stresses that self-accusation calls us to a communal way of life and not an individual one. He also states that self-accusation is an act of humiliation that leads to humility. Cardinal Bergoglio then includes direct instructions from St. Dorotheus for the remainder of the text. Though, this second part of the book seems more geared to religious, there is definitely truth in here for laity as well. Overall, this was a thought-provoking and soul-examining book. If you are looking to become humbler, read what Cardinal Bergolio has to say.
April 2, 2019
This book pointed me to Dorotheus of Gaza and for that I am thankful. Pope Francis is under much scrutiny and I have not come out of these stories and reports unscathed. It was difficult for me to not be skeptical while reading Pope Francis' words. That is where I find myself-without humility. Boasting in pride and arrogance, I am willing to challenge God's will especially about the man the Holy Spirit guided others to choose, for whatever reason. I could take a page out of the monk's story in the end written by Dorotheus of Gaza where you approach each person as if you are the dog and they are the master. The thought of that sends prickles down my spine. I want to spend more time with the Lord discussing that concept.
February 24, 2026
Very accessible but deep and important ideas. I found myself reading it only a few pages at a time to reflect on what was written. Great reminders about true humility in all of our relationships with one another and with God and what it means to be responsible for the sin of all.
July 9, 2017
Read this, and do it prayerfully. Every sentence makes for great reflection.
Read
July 5, 2020I ended up not finishing this. I just thought it was really boring and didn't really have anything to do with humility.
February 14, 2015
Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, tackles corruption in his country and talks about self-accusation. The two texts appears slightly disjointed. In the text on corruption, he traces corruption at the level of society to spiritual corruption. In the text on self-accusation, he points out we should not blame others for our setbacks but ourselves. Taken together, they seem to be saying that we will not get of corruption as long as each one of us is reluctant to take a look at our spiritual corruption. Self-accusation is not neurotic but a key to happiness. Bergoglio tacitly directs his own advice to himself and shows enough humility not to make a big deal out of what he is doing.
March 13, 2015
Tough, tough. This book was written by Pope Francis when he was still a Cardinal Bergoglio. He defined the difference between being corrupt and being a sinner, why we should choose to be sinner, how to achieve humility through self-accusation, and surrendering to God's providence.
If you are the type of reader who allows themselves to be influenced by the books they read, this one is a tough challenge. Humility in his words was totally being devoid of pride. I know how to be humble, but when I read the chapter where in he included the letters of st. Doroteus of Gaza it made me wonder if I can be *that* humble. No wonder Pope Francis is humble. It was challenging, but valuable. :)
If you are the type of reader who allows themselves to be influenced by the books they read, this one is a tough challenge. Humility in his words was totally being devoid of pride. I know how to be humble, but when I read the chapter where in he included the letters of st. Doroteus of Gaza it made me wonder if I can be *that* humble. No wonder Pope Francis is humble. It was challenging, but valuable. :)
January 28, 2019
This book is a hidden treasure but understandable not well known. I thought the first half was excellent but the latter half got weird. In some ways, I thought he verged too close to self-depreciation.
April 20, 2015
Excellent!
March 20, 2016
Great book for the lay person and philosopher alike!!!
May 9, 2021
Super good especially the second part on Self Accusation and Saint Dorotheus of Gaza
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews