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The Sinner's Guide
The author of this book was the favorite writer of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Vincent de Paul, etc. St. Teresa of Avila credited this book with having converted over a million people in her time. This is the most persuasive book we know to encourage people to abandon sin and embrace repentance and virtue. The logic is relentless and effective. For mastery of subject, command of Scripture and total impact on the reader, no book surpasses The Sinner's Guide! Impr. 395 pgs, PB
395 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1567
329 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Louis of Granada
171 books10 followersSee also Luis de Granada.
Louis was born in Granada of poor parents. At the age of nineteen he was received into the Dominican Order in the Priory of the Holy Cross in Granada. His philosophical studies once over, he was chosen by his superiors to represent his community at the College of St. Gregory at Valladolid, an institution of the Dominican Order reserved for extraordinary students.
When Louis had completed these studies, he embarked upon the career of a preacher, in which he continued with extraordinary success during forty years. The fame of his preaching spread beyond the boundaries of his native land, and at the request of the Cardinal-Infante, Dom Henrique of Portugal, son of King Manuel, he was transferred to Portugal, where he became Prior Provincial of the Portuguese Dominicans in 1557. His extraordinary sanctity, learning, and wisdom soon attracted the attention of the queen regent, who appointed him her confessor and counselor. The Bishopric of Viseu and the Archbishopric of Braga were successively offered to him only to be courteously, but firmly, refused. The honours of the cardinalate, offered to him by Pope Sixtus V, were also declined.
Besides ascetical theology, his published works treat of Scripture, dogma, ethics, biography and Church history. He is best known, however, for his ascetical writings. Most of them were translated into many languages. The best known of his ascetical writings, and the one that achieved the greatest measure of success, is The Sinner's Guide (La Guia de Pecadores), published in 1555. It is marked by a smooth, harmonious style of purest Spanish idiom which has merited for it the reputation of a classic, and by an unctuous eloquence that has made it a perennial source of religious inspiration. It has been most favourable compared with Thomas à Kempis's "Imitation of Christ". Within a comparatively short time after its first appearance it was translated into Italian, Latin, French, German, Polish, and Greek. He earned much money for his writings, all of which went to the poor.
In 1539, at the age of 35, he wrote a small tract on the method of prayer for a student who had written to him for advice. This tract developed into his first book, The Book of Prayer and Meditation, published in 1554. The unexpected success of the book led him to dedicate himself to writing on spiritual themes for all. He led a life of an ascetic, his cell being poor and having little possessions. He wrote for 35 years, producing 49 works.
Louis died at the age of 84 at Lisbon, Portugal.
Louis was born in Granada of poor parents. At the age of nineteen he was received into the Dominican Order in the Priory of the Holy Cross in Granada. His philosophical studies once over, he was chosen by his superiors to represent his community at the College of St. Gregory at Valladolid, an institution of the Dominican Order reserved for extraordinary students.
When Louis had completed these studies, he embarked upon the career of a preacher, in which he continued with extraordinary success during forty years. The fame of his preaching spread beyond the boundaries of his native land, and at the request of the Cardinal-Infante, Dom Henrique of Portugal, son of King Manuel, he was transferred to Portugal, where he became Prior Provincial of the Portuguese Dominicans in 1557. His extraordinary sanctity, learning, and wisdom soon attracted the attention of the queen regent, who appointed him her confessor and counselor. The Bishopric of Viseu and the Archbishopric of Braga were successively offered to him only to be courteously, but firmly, refused. The honours of the cardinalate, offered to him by Pope Sixtus V, were also declined.
Besides ascetical theology, his published works treat of Scripture, dogma, ethics, biography and Church history. He is best known, however, for his ascetical writings. Most of them were translated into many languages. The best known of his ascetical writings, and the one that achieved the greatest measure of success, is The Sinner's Guide (La Guia de Pecadores), published in 1555. It is marked by a smooth, harmonious style of purest Spanish idiom which has merited for it the reputation of a classic, and by an unctuous eloquence that has made it a perennial source of religious inspiration. It has been most favourable compared with Thomas à Kempis's "Imitation of Christ". Within a comparatively short time after its first appearance it was translated into Italian, Latin, French, German, Polish, and Greek. He earned much money for his writings, all of which went to the poor.
In 1539, at the age of 35, he wrote a small tract on the method of prayer for a student who had written to him for advice. This tract developed into his first book, The Book of Prayer and Meditation, published in 1554. The unexpected success of the book led him to dedicate himself to writing on spiritual themes for all. He led a life of an ascetic, his cell being poor and having little possessions. He wrote for 35 years, producing 49 works.
Louis died at the age of 84 at Lisbon, Portugal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 3, 2021
I dearly wish I could give this more than 5 stars. This was in every way one of the best books I’ve ever read.
St. Therese of Avila, the great Doctor of the Church recommended this book and its author, claiming it was responsible for the conversion of millions in her own lifetime.
But it’s not just great from a religious standpoint. The structure and prose of this book was absolutely immaculate, and even though it covered a LOT of material, it was a surprisingly easy read. Louis of Granada writes so simply, so vividly and sincerely, you feel as if he were speaking directly to you.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It will make you look at life through a completely different lens, and fill you with hope and inspiration, especially in these times that present so many difficulties for a good Christian.
St. Therese of Avila, the great Doctor of the Church recommended this book and its author, claiming it was responsible for the conversion of millions in her own lifetime.
But it’s not just great from a religious standpoint. The structure and prose of this book was absolutely immaculate, and even though it covered a LOT of material, it was a surprisingly easy read. Louis of Granada writes so simply, so vividly and sincerely, you feel as if he were speaking directly to you.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It will make you look at life through a completely different lens, and fill you with hope and inspiration, especially in these times that present so many difficulties for a good Christian.
October 11, 2016
I was somewhat indifferent to the first chapters of this avowed spiritual classic but it didn’t take long to get more involved in what I was reading. Chapter 7, subtitled “The Thought of Death, the First of the Four Last Things”, finally hit me hard. This manual only gets better as you explore it (and yourself).
Introduction by Father Alvaro Herga, OP gives a good description of the book: “a masterwork of Aristotelian symmetry and the most scholastic work of Fray Louis, a book that covers from myriad angles the virtues of the Christian life, proving that this life is the only way to true happiness (even on earth).”
Introduction by Father Alvaro Herga, OP gives a good description of the book: “a masterwork of Aristotelian symmetry and the most scholastic work of Fray Louis, a book that covers from myriad angles the virtues of the Christian life, proving that this life is the only way to true happiness (even on earth).”
June 6, 2020
I started this book in January and it has basically been my spiritual director for a few months. Why we should strive to live lives of virtue, what thoughts to think to help you avoid sin. Also, considering it was written by a 16th century Spanish priest, it really reminds me that we humans today aren’t inventing any new sins that haven’t been around since the beginning. I really loved this piece.
June 17, 2019
This English version of this book was first translated in 1882 by Fr. Charles Hyancinth McKenna, O.P.. The Tan Books edition was released in 2014, and included some updates it was re-typeset, with some revisions in the citations and updating of vocabulary. There are several variations on this book as the source material is in the public domain. But The cover of the TAN edition really caught my attention and from the previews available to look inside, inspired me to choose this edition. I will be honest this was not an easy read. I think in part the material covered. In part the translation. But it was well worth reading. I would be interested if a new translation were undertaken as a new work would make a difference in the accessibility of the volume, but that is a question for publishers and translators.
The book was written by Venerable Louis of Granada, O.P. 1504 –1588 who was know as the Writer of the Spanish Empire. The book begins with a brief given by Pope Gregory XIII on the 21st of July 1582. Pope Gregory wrote:
“Your sermons and writings, filled with sublime doctrine and practical piety, are unceasingly drawing souls to God. This is particularly gratifying to us, for all who have profited by your teaching (and their number is very great) may be considered as so many souls gained to Christ. You have thus benefited your fellow creatures more than if you had given sight to the blind and raised the dead to life. For the knowledge of the Eternal Light and the enjoyment of the heavenly life, according as they are given to man on earth to know and enjoy, are far above the knowledge and enjoyment of the transitory goods of this world.
The charity with which you have devoted yourself to your great and important labor has gained for you many crowns.
Continue, then, to devote all your energies to the prosecution of your undertakings. Finish what you have begun, for we understand that you have some works yet incomplete. Give them to the world for the health of the sick, for the strength of the weak, for the delight of God’s servants, and for the glory of the Church both militant and triumphant.”
The book contains 48 densely written chapters. Some with only one or two sections, others with up to a dozen. This book was popular and endorsed by several noted saints, including St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Vincent de Paul, etc. St. Teresa of Avila and many others. It has been stated about this book:
“This is the most persuasive book we know to encourage people to abandon sin and embrace repentance and virtue. The logic is relentless and effective. For mastery of subject, command of Scripture and total impact on the reader.”
And I can state categorically that the book had an immediate impact upon me. In fact, I typically write reviews of books within days of finishing them, but with this volume I have been thinking on the book so much it has taken me nearly 2 months to process the book enough to write down these few thoughts. Even knowing they will not do the book justice.
I have read that many believe this book is invaluable. That all priests, religious, and seminarians should read it. Others go even further and state that all Christians should read this volume. I can agree with them that this book will have a definite impact on any who read it. And I strongly encourage you to give it a read.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
The book was written by Venerable Louis of Granada, O.P. 1504 –1588 who was know as the Writer of the Spanish Empire. The book begins with a brief given by Pope Gregory XIII on the 21st of July 1582. Pope Gregory wrote:
“Your sermons and writings, filled with sublime doctrine and practical piety, are unceasingly drawing souls to God. This is particularly gratifying to us, for all who have profited by your teaching (and their number is very great) may be considered as so many souls gained to Christ. You have thus benefited your fellow creatures more than if you had given sight to the blind and raised the dead to life. For the knowledge of the Eternal Light and the enjoyment of the heavenly life, according as they are given to man on earth to know and enjoy, are far above the knowledge and enjoyment of the transitory goods of this world.
The charity with which you have devoted yourself to your great and important labor has gained for you many crowns.
Continue, then, to devote all your energies to the prosecution of your undertakings. Finish what you have begun, for we understand that you have some works yet incomplete. Give them to the world for the health of the sick, for the strength of the weak, for the delight of God’s servants, and for the glory of the Church both militant and triumphant.”
The book contains 48 densely written chapters. Some with only one or two sections, others with up to a dozen. This book was popular and endorsed by several noted saints, including St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Vincent de Paul, etc. St. Teresa of Avila and many others. It has been stated about this book:
“This is the most persuasive book we know to encourage people to abandon sin and embrace repentance and virtue. The logic is relentless and effective. For mastery of subject, command of Scripture and total impact on the reader.”
And I can state categorically that the book had an immediate impact upon me. In fact, I typically write reviews of books within days of finishing them, but with this volume I have been thinking on the book so much it has taken me nearly 2 months to process the book enough to write down these few thoughts. Even knowing they will not do the book justice.
I have read that many believe this book is invaluable. That all priests, religious, and seminarians should read it. Others go even further and state that all Christians should read this volume. I can agree with them that this book will have a definite impact on any who read it. And I strongly encourage you to give it a read.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
October 17, 2015
This book is very helpful, its an intermediate read for those new to Faith, there's simplicity but also depth which makes this book vital for people to read. The book starts out with the reasons and benefits of living a virtuous grace-filled life, then goes into the various vices that may obstruct the development of Virtue, some more egregious but some that most are not too mindful of. Then he goes into the Virtues themselves, differentiating the external and interior virtues: the latter give reason for the former, but the former also help to give context to the later. He then goes into two vital virtues needed in all ages to live out all these virtues (Courage and Vigilance) and how to adopt these to ones station in life. Overall, this book is not a book you read once and put away, its one that you will refer to again and again, I recommend meditating on these a chapter a time.
October 11, 2016
Love, love, love this. I bought three more for my husband and children. To me it is a very special, important book to have, read and re-read.
November 8, 2019
97/100 (= 5.8/6) ≈ 5 Stars
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Excellent portrayal of reasons to love God (in order from highest to lowest). A life changer.
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Excellent portrayal of reasons to love God (in order from highest to lowest). A life changer.
November 14, 2019
Na verdade, a minha edição brasileira só traz a primeira parte da obra, e foi a que eu li.
March 22, 2019
Spiritual counsels
This book is full of spiritual counsel which hopefully will aid the reader in his pilgrimage to the Heavenly Jerusalem. It will be good to come back to these writings often. Not something that should be read and put away.
This book is full of spiritual counsel which hopefully will aid the reader in his pilgrimage to the Heavenly Jerusalem. It will be good to come back to these writings often. Not something that should be read and put away.
April 1, 2013
In Venerable Louis of Granada's "The Sinner's Guide," the reader is brought to absolute certainty about the importance and attainability of a life of virtue. The first part consists of 12 reasons to practice virtue (with 12 further reasons contained in the 12th reason -- O Dominicans!) -- e.g. God's majesty, his creation and preservation of the world (and you!), his works of salvation, the final things prepared for each soul (death, judgment, hell, heaven), and the temporal benefits of virtue. This part takes the lion's share of the book. Then, he dispels with some common excuses for not practicing virtue: "I'll wait until I'm on my death-bed," "I'll start some other time," "It'll be too hard," and the like. He then gives the reader remedies to overcome all 7 of the deadly sins, as well as some lesser, but no less noxious, vices (e.g. detraction, rash judgment). Lastly, he teaches about the virtues with regard to God, Man, and Oneself, with one final exhortation to practice diligence and courage in the life of virtue.
I can say, with all candidness, that this must be one of the most useful, practical guides to leading a life of virtue. Brimming with examples from the scriptures, fathers, saints, even philosophers, Ven. Louis disabuses his reader of any misconceptions and gently pushes them forward to serve God with virtue. The book makes for excellent meditation material, so that thought can be converted into action. An absolutely incredibly read which I am blessed to have encountered.
I can say, with all candidness, that this must be one of the most useful, practical guides to leading a life of virtue. Brimming with examples from the scriptures, fathers, saints, even philosophers, Ven. Louis disabuses his reader of any misconceptions and gently pushes them forward to serve God with virtue. The book makes for excellent meditation material, so that thought can be converted into action. An absolutely incredibly read which I am blessed to have encountered.
December 26, 2016
This book, written by the relatively unknown Bl. Louis de Granada, a contemporary of St. Teresa de Avila, is a hidden gem of Catholic spirituality. This book is written for the Catholic layperson, the one who does not take his faith seriously and is looking for more meaning in his life. In this regard, this book is similar to St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life". In many ways, the reader of the "Sinner's Guide" will find many similarities between it and the "Introduction". They are both written in very easy to understand language. They are both full of quotes from both holy and secular authors. They both draw tremendous comparisons between the spiritual life and the natural world. And they both inspire the lukewarm Christian to deepen his spirituality and his commitment to God.
This is one of those books that should be read slowly by serious Catholics on a regular basis. This year I read it as part of my Advent devotion, and I may make this an annual tradition. It is a wonderful way to examine your life and see if you are living out your faith to the fullest. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian who wants to deepen their faith and strengthen their commitment to God.
This is one of those books that should be read slowly by serious Catholics on a regular basis. This year I read it as part of my Advent devotion, and I may make this an annual tradition. It is a wonderful way to examine your life and see if you are living out your faith to the fullest. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian who wants to deepen their faith and strengthen their commitment to God.
November 14, 2015
One of the best books I ever read
Having just completed "The Sinner's Guide" after a very slow read (a chapter or two per day), I can see why St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Francis de Sales, and so many others, leaned on this book. I especially loved his discussions on the virtues near the end. It was the icing on the cake, and a shot in the arm. If you want to learn Catholic spirituality, read this book slowly and meditate as you go. Be sure to pray to Ven. Louis and the saints for help with understanding it all.
Having just completed "The Sinner's Guide" after a very slow read (a chapter or two per day), I can see why St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Francis de Sales, and so many others, leaned on this book. I especially loved his discussions on the virtues near the end. It was the icing on the cake, and a shot in the arm. If you want to learn Catholic spirituality, read this book slowly and meditate as you go. Be sure to pray to Ven. Louis and the saints for help with understanding it all.
April 25, 2022
I expected a guide to living a good life and came away moreso with a thorough justification why I should instead. Consider it a primer in practical moral theology for a layman. Starting with the why we should worship God, then reasons we should be virtuous and the rewards of virtue. Next comes an overview of sin starting with the seven deadly sins then an overview of the specific virtues themselves and how to live them. You can really understand why this was such a popular book at the time and found its way all around the world with missionaries.
Want to read
January 7, 2010Included in the "Spiritual Reading" section of Fr. John McCloskey's 100-book Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan.
July 27, 2014
A great book that will help you grow closer to God.
Read
April 26, 2025The sinner's guide is a classic intoxicated to Eschatology, written beautifully by the Venerable Louis de Grenada, who almost became a missionary.
One thing that the author repeats often is the illusory nature of worldly things. Everything in this world decays and only God remains, so you must orient yourself to God.
The seven sins are described in manageable 10 page chapters. Gluttony, Lust, Envy, Anger, Pride, Laziness, Idolatry. Each sin has reasons why the sin displease God and reduces your chances at Salvation.
For a Catholic, it's is a good book to read if you want to clarify mortal sins. Various venial sins such as gossiping are also discussed.
For Catholics and non Catholics, it is a practical moral guide. It not only discusses the sins but their requisite virtues such as Temperance, Chastity, Humbleness, Patience, Faith, Hope and Charity.
One thing that the author repeats often is the illusory nature of worldly things. Everything in this world decays and only God remains, so you must orient yourself to God.
The seven sins are described in manageable 10 page chapters. Gluttony, Lust, Envy, Anger, Pride, Laziness, Idolatry. Each sin has reasons why the sin displease God and reduces your chances at Salvation.
For a Catholic, it's is a good book to read if you want to clarify mortal sins. Various venial sins such as gossiping are also discussed.
For Catholics and non Catholics, it is a practical moral guide. It not only discusses the sins but their requisite virtues such as Temperance, Chastity, Humbleness, Patience, Faith, Hope and Charity.
February 28, 2021
This was somewhat of an uneven book. It had been dragging for a while, and I had resolved to just plow through to the end. The final 10%, though drew me back in and there were some very helpful counsels pertaining to avoiding specific vices and building virtues. Then when I finished the book, I glanced over my highlights and found several nuggets of wisdom that I had forgotten. The slogging phase must have numbed the memory right out of me. So I would say recognize the value of this writer—but don’t be afraid to skim.
January 1, 2021
Don’t let the title fool you. This is a great guide to anyone who wants a quick layout of understanding Christian ethics and morality and how to practice and advance in virtue. It’s an easy read too, I plan on having it in my yearly rotation as a quick refresher when needed.
April 25, 2021
Absolutely loved it
Outstanding, What a gem! A must for every Christian! I wish everyone could read this great work and attain salvation!
Outstanding, What a gem! A must for every Christian! I wish everyone could read this great work and attain salvation!
March 21, 2022
It was fine, but not as life-changing as someone had built it up to be for me.
October 16, 2024
Excellent
This is a Must read in my opinion. really changed my outlook and I hope moves me closer to God and away from sin.
This is a Must read in my opinion. really changed my outlook and I hope moves me closer to God and away from sin.
March 17, 2025
Amazing,amazing,amazing.
April 25, 2025
Very good Lenten reading!
March 30, 2023
I don't believe there is any follower of the Christian faith who wouldn't benefit from reading this classic of spiritual direction written by the Venerable Louis of Granada.
For the beginner and layman it provides a very useful overview of the Christian life rooted in the practice of virtue. For the proficient and the advanced, I think it serves as a good reminder of the basics of our faith and reminds them of the need for humility and simplicity.
The structure of the book is very systematic, and the prose I found easy to read. I'm not sure if the Aeterna Press version is a direct translation - if it is, it's amazing how easy this is to read for a 400+ year old book. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Firstly, Ven. Louis lays out some motives which 'oblige' us to practice virtue and serve God. He then goes on to expound upon the privileges of virtue and the folly of those who continue in sin. Next, he takes the seven deadly sins and gives some advice as to remedies for each of these. Finally he talks about our threefold obligation to virtue - the obligation to God, to ourselves and to our neighbour.
As for the author, Jordan Aumann O.P. wrote that "Louis of Granada stands without a peer among Dominican ascetical writers, and throughout the seventeenth century his writings were a constant source of inspiration and education for Christians throughout the civilized world. He reached his maturity during the Council of Trent and at the high point of the Golden Age of Spain. He died in 1588, when the imperial supremacy of Spain was beginning to wane.
Both as a preacher and a writer, Fray Louis dedicated himself assiduously to the indoctrination and spiritual formation of the common people. A contemporary writer stated: "Water girls carried his books under their arms and the market women read them as they waited to sell their merchandise." But another contemporary said of him with disdain that he wrote for the "wives of carpenters," forgetting, perhaps, that the wife of a carpenter was the Mother of God and the Queen of angels and saints.
Long before St. Francis de Sales appeared on the scene, Louis of Granada was preaching the traditional, orthodox doctrine of the universal vocation of all Christians to the perfection of charity. He was a theologian for the laity, but in addition to the rank-and-file Christians, the books of Fray Louis were read with great profit by some of the great saints of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. We mention only the following: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Peter Alcántara, St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis de Sales and St. Louise de Marillac."
Says it all really.
For the beginner and layman it provides a very useful overview of the Christian life rooted in the practice of virtue. For the proficient and the advanced, I think it serves as a good reminder of the basics of our faith and reminds them of the need for humility and simplicity.
The structure of the book is very systematic, and the prose I found easy to read. I'm not sure if the Aeterna Press version is a direct translation - if it is, it's amazing how easy this is to read for a 400+ year old book. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Firstly, Ven. Louis lays out some motives which 'oblige' us to practice virtue and serve God. He then goes on to expound upon the privileges of virtue and the folly of those who continue in sin. Next, he takes the seven deadly sins and gives some advice as to remedies for each of these. Finally he talks about our threefold obligation to virtue - the obligation to God, to ourselves and to our neighbour.
As for the author, Jordan Aumann O.P. wrote that "Louis of Granada stands without a peer among Dominican ascetical writers, and throughout the seventeenth century his writings were a constant source of inspiration and education for Christians throughout the civilized world. He reached his maturity during the Council of Trent and at the high point of the Golden Age of Spain. He died in 1588, when the imperial supremacy of Spain was beginning to wane.
Both as a preacher and a writer, Fray Louis dedicated himself assiduously to the indoctrination and spiritual formation of the common people. A contemporary writer stated: "Water girls carried his books under their arms and the market women read them as they waited to sell their merchandise." But another contemporary said of him with disdain that he wrote for the "wives of carpenters," forgetting, perhaps, that the wife of a carpenter was the Mother of God and the Queen of angels and saints.
Long before St. Francis de Sales appeared on the scene, Louis of Granada was preaching the traditional, orthodox doctrine of the universal vocation of all Christians to the perfection of charity. He was a theologian for the laity, but in addition to the rank-and-file Christians, the books of Fray Louis were read with great profit by some of the great saints of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. We mention only the following: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Peter Alcántara, St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis de Sales and St. Louise de Marillac."
Says it all really.
April 25, 2022
Narration: Was a good fit for the [academic/religious] text. Recommended Speed 1.25x
This is pretty much what you would expect in something written by a devout religious circa 1567. Ven. Louis presents a number of theological examinations that explore why we should (motive) practice virtue, and what benefits (privilege) we receive when we do so. As perhaps expected, these maxims are intended to guide for christian meditations more than an apologetic, so the "Pretty Prose" probably won't mean much to anyone looking for ration persuasion. It will however, provide points on which the faithful can think about in order to enrich an already existing (even if newly formed) faith. It should come as no surprise that the text has a more Catholic point of view given the time it was written and the affiliation of the author with the Dominican Order of Preachers (which was actually why I was interested in it). In that it does exactly what I expected it to do, it rates well, but not quite earn the top score ... still ... highly recommended for any who wish to explore their own christian faith.
Motives for Practicing Virtue.
• The Perfection of God
• Gratitude for Creation
• Gratitude for Providence
• Gratitude for Redemption
• Gratitude for Justification
• Gratitude for Election
• Thought of Death
• Thought of Judgment
• Thought of Heaven
• Thought of Hell
Privilege of Virtue
• Care of the Father
• Grace of the Holy Spirit
• Knowledge to Virtuous Souls
• Consolations of the Holy Spirit
• Peace of the Conscience
• Confidence of the Just
• Liberty of the Just
• Efficacy of Prayers
• Assistance with Afflictions
Follies
• Deferring Conversion
• Trusting in Mercy
• Taking the Easy Path
• Material Attachment
Remedies
• Resolution against all sin
• Against Pride
• Against Covetousness
• Against Lust
• Against Envy
• Against Gluttony
• Against Anger/Hatred
• Against Sloth
Duties
• Venial Sins
• Deadly Sins
• Fullness of Justice
• Duty to Neighbor
• Duty to God
• Obligations of State
I was given this free review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#AudiobookBoom #TheSinnersGuide #GeorgeEllington
This is pretty much what you would expect in something written by a devout religious circa 1567. Ven. Louis presents a number of theological examinations that explore why we should (motive) practice virtue, and what benefits (privilege) we receive when we do so. As perhaps expected, these maxims are intended to guide for christian meditations more than an apologetic, so the "Pretty Prose" probably won't mean much to anyone looking for ration persuasion. It will however, provide points on which the faithful can think about in order to enrich an already existing (even if newly formed) faith. It should come as no surprise that the text has a more Catholic point of view given the time it was written and the affiliation of the author with the Dominican Order of Preachers (which was actually why I was interested in it). In that it does exactly what I expected it to do, it rates well, but not quite earn the top score ... still ... highly recommended for any who wish to explore their own christian faith.
Motives for Practicing Virtue.
• The Perfection of God
• Gratitude for Creation
• Gratitude for Providence
• Gratitude for Redemption
• Gratitude for Justification
• Gratitude for Election
• Thought of Death
• Thought of Judgment
• Thought of Heaven
• Thought of Hell
Privilege of Virtue
• Care of the Father
• Grace of the Holy Spirit
• Knowledge to Virtuous Souls
• Consolations of the Holy Spirit
• Peace of the Conscience
• Confidence of the Just
• Liberty of the Just
• Efficacy of Prayers
• Assistance with Afflictions
Follies
• Deferring Conversion
• Trusting in Mercy
• Taking the Easy Path
• Material Attachment
Remedies
• Resolution against all sin
• Against Pride
• Against Covetousness
• Against Lust
• Against Envy
• Against Gluttony
• Against Anger/Hatred
• Against Sloth
Duties
• Venial Sins
• Deadly Sins
• Fullness of Justice
• Duty to Neighbor
• Duty to God
• Obligations of State
I was given this free review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#AudiobookBoom #TheSinnersGuide #GeorgeEllington
December 7, 2023
Strongly recommend this book.
Louis of Granada's ability to pull from Scriptual sources as well as various Church Fathers and theologians is impressive. Especially given this was written in a time when research was a bit more challenging (ahem, pre-Google age...).
A great meditation on bettering yourself--avoiding sin but also growing in virtue.
It certainly changed my behavior for the better; most modern self-help books don't accomplish that.
Fr. Mike, in his Catechism in a Year, retells a story of a devout Christian who begins living a horribly sinful life. Per Fr. Mike, someone asks him, "When did you stop loving God?" To which he replied, "I never stopped loving God, but I did stop fearing Him."
Louis of Granada focuses a lot on "deathbed meditation"; visualizing those last moments of our lives and how prepared we will be for the proximate judgment.
It's a powerful meditation, especially against lukewarmness.
As the author writes, "A lifetime is not too long to learn how to die well. At the hour of death our time is sufficiently occupied in dying. We have then no leisure to learn the lesson of dying well."
Fantastic stuff.
Sure I'll find myself re-reading every couple years whenever I need a kick in the pants!
Louis of Granada's ability to pull from Scriptual sources as well as various Church Fathers and theologians is impressive. Especially given this was written in a time when research was a bit more challenging (ahem, pre-Google age...).
A great meditation on bettering yourself--avoiding sin but also growing in virtue.
It certainly changed my behavior for the better; most modern self-help books don't accomplish that.
Fr. Mike, in his Catechism in a Year, retells a story of a devout Christian who begins living a horribly sinful life. Per Fr. Mike, someone asks him, "When did you stop loving God?" To which he replied, "I never stopped loving God, but I did stop fearing Him."
Louis of Granada focuses a lot on "deathbed meditation"; visualizing those last moments of our lives and how prepared we will be for the proximate judgment.
It's a powerful meditation, especially against lukewarmness.
As the author writes, "A lifetime is not too long to learn how to die well. At the hour of death our time is sufficiently occupied in dying. We have then no leisure to learn the lesson of dying well."
Fantastic stuff.
Sure I'll find myself re-reading every couple years whenever I need a kick in the pants!
July 26, 2013
If I had only one book to read the rest of my life, it would be this one. If we could give 10 stars, I'd give it 10. The most important book I've ever read and will re-read it almost immediately. A lot of errors (sins) could have been avoided if only I had read this early on in my life. Written almost 500 years ago and it is as true now as it was then. It will remain so of that I am confident.
July 29, 2016
Beautiful work !!
Loved the presentation of God's kingdom based on Holy Scriptures using reason and a language that is easily to follow. To God be the glory and I will be seeking other spiritual works of this author to meditate and contemplate.
Loved the presentation of God's kingdom based on Holy Scriptures using reason and a language that is easily to follow. To God be the glory and I will be seeking other spiritual works of this author to meditate and contemplate.
January 18, 2016
This is a great classical work on overcoming sinful behavior.
April 26, 2019
I have Louis de Granda's complete works in my private collection and can assure you that he is absolutely essential.
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