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Introduction to Spirituality
A French convert to Catholicism in 1939, Louis Bouyer is a renowned theologian who was an influential presence at Vatican II. His classic work, Introduction to the Spiritual Life —first published in English in 1961 and now brought back into print—provides readers with an inspiring and comprehensive vision of Christian spirituality that is unmatched in its warmth, lucidity, and accessibility.
Introduction to the Spiritual Life is, by author Louis Bouyer’s own description, a manual for practical use. Much more than just a work of “spirituality” or “apologetics,” it is a hybrid of both, produced with an expertise and confidence borne of a lifetime of prayer and study. It aims to cultivate interior growth through a thoughtful, reasoned meditation on the spiritual meaning of the Gospel as proclaimed by the Catholic Church. Catholics who read Introduction to the Spiritual Life will better appreciate how a life of prayer can be shaped and enriched by sound Christian doctrine.
Introduction to the Spiritual Life is, by author Louis Bouyer’s own description, a manual for practical use. Much more than just a work of “spirituality” or “apologetics,” it is a hybrid of both, produced with an expertise and confidence borne of a lifetime of prayer and study. It aims to cultivate interior growth through a thoughtful, reasoned meditation on the spiritual meaning of the Gospel as proclaimed by the Catholic Church. Catholics who read Introduction to the Spiritual Life will better appreciate how a life of prayer can be shaped and enriched by sound Christian doctrine.
321 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1961
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About the author
Louis Bouyer
163 books41 followersRev. Louis Bouyer (1913-2004) was a member of the French Oratory and one of the most respected and versatile Catholic scholars and theologians of the twentieth century.
A friend of Hans Urs von Balthasar, Joseph Ratzinger, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and a co-founder of the international review Communio, Bouyer was a former Lutheran minister who entered the Catholic Church in 1939.
He became a leading figure in the Catholic biblical and liturgical movements of the twentieth century, was an influence on the Second Vatican Council, and became well known for his excellent books on history of Christian spirituality. In addition to his many writings, Bouyer lectured widely across Europe and America.
Woman in the Church (with an epilogue by Balthasar and an essay by C.S. Lewis), was one of the first three books published by Ignatius Press, in 1979. Other Ignatius Press books by Bouyer include The Word Church and Sacraments in Protestantism and Catholicism, Women Mystics, and the introduction to John Henry Newman: Prayers Verses Devotions (Bouyer wrote a biography of Newman).
He was chosen by the Pope to be part of a team to initiate the International Theological Commission in 1969.
A friend of Hans Urs von Balthasar, Joseph Ratzinger, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and a co-founder of the international review Communio, Bouyer was a former Lutheran minister who entered the Catholic Church in 1939.
He became a leading figure in the Catholic biblical and liturgical movements of the twentieth century, was an influence on the Second Vatican Council, and became well known for his excellent books on history of Christian spirituality. In addition to his many writings, Bouyer lectured widely across Europe and America.
Woman in the Church (with an epilogue by Balthasar and an essay by C.S. Lewis), was one of the first three books published by Ignatius Press, in 1979. Other Ignatius Press books by Bouyer include The Word Church and Sacraments in Protestantism and Catholicism, Women Mystics, and the introduction to John Henry Newman: Prayers Verses Devotions (Bouyer wrote a biography of Newman).
He was chosen by the Pope to be part of a team to initiate the International Theological Commission in 1969.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 9, 2014
Introduction to the Spiritual Life is another title from Ave Maria Press' Christian Classics imprint. Like other books from this imprint, we are presented with a fresh translation of an old text that is designed to help us grow in our Catholic life. I was unfamiliar with the author, Louis Bouyer, so I did some research and discovered that he was a French Lutheran minister who converted to Catholicism in 1939. Due to his intelligence, he was relied upon during the Second Vatican Council for the topic of liturgy.
In this book, Bouyer examines several aspects of the spiritual life including Tradition, Scripture, Prayer, Sacraments, and even Asceticism. To give you an idea of what this books discusses and the detail that it goes into, the chapter on prayer is broken down into many subsections. In one such section, he compares vocal prayer with mental prayer, expounds upon the Liturgy of the Hours, compares and contrasts meditation and contemplation. He even goes so far as to discuss the Ignatian Method of Prayer and the Sulpician Method of Prayer. I was familiar with the Ignatian Method, but the Sulpician Method was news to me. It is primarily for clerics, but is "summed up in three celebrated formulae: Jesus before my eyes, Jesus in my heart, Jesus in my hands." It sounds beautiful, but it's definitely out of my realm for prayer at the moment.
The most interesting chapter to me was Chapter 7, which focused on lay spirituality. "For the Christian, the circumstance in which he finds himself placed become a sign of the will of God as this is clarified by the teaching of the Gospel." Some of the expected topics discussed here include work, marriage, and parenthood. However, he also touches on fasting, almsgiving, and moderation. He also rightly points out that we must take our spouse and children into consideration when it comes to the practices we choose to take up. We can't take up something that might be beneficial for us if it will be a detriment to others. Very sage advice there that I plan to remember and take to heart.
Drawing from the teachings of the saints, both Eastern and Western, Bouyer provided us with a very detailed book for laity and religious on how to live the Catholic life. I wouldn't call it light reading, as it spans over 400 pages. However, I would call it straightforward reading, as he is very clear in this book on how to grow more closely to Jesus. This book will hold a special place on my shelf and will be one I revisit time and time again in the future as I continue to grow (hopefully) in my journey with and toward Christ. Five stars. Be sure to check out other titles from the Christian Classics imprint, like Origen's On First Principles and Basil Moreau: Essential Writings.
In this book, Bouyer examines several aspects of the spiritual life including Tradition, Scripture, Prayer, Sacraments, and even Asceticism. To give you an idea of what this books discusses and the detail that it goes into, the chapter on prayer is broken down into many subsections. In one such section, he compares vocal prayer with mental prayer, expounds upon the Liturgy of the Hours, compares and contrasts meditation and contemplation. He even goes so far as to discuss the Ignatian Method of Prayer and the Sulpician Method of Prayer. I was familiar with the Ignatian Method, but the Sulpician Method was news to me. It is primarily for clerics, but is "summed up in three celebrated formulae: Jesus before my eyes, Jesus in my heart, Jesus in my hands." It sounds beautiful, but it's definitely out of my realm for prayer at the moment.
The most interesting chapter to me was Chapter 7, which focused on lay spirituality. "For the Christian, the circumstance in which he finds himself placed become a sign of the will of God as this is clarified by the teaching of the Gospel." Some of the expected topics discussed here include work, marriage, and parenthood. However, he also touches on fasting, almsgiving, and moderation. He also rightly points out that we must take our spouse and children into consideration when it comes to the practices we choose to take up. We can't take up something that might be beneficial for us if it will be a detriment to others. Very sage advice there that I plan to remember and take to heart.
Drawing from the teachings of the saints, both Eastern and Western, Bouyer provided us with a very detailed book for laity and religious on how to live the Catholic life. I wouldn't call it light reading, as it spans over 400 pages. However, I would call it straightforward reading, as he is very clear in this book on how to grow more closely to Jesus. This book will hold a special place on my shelf and will be one I revisit time and time again in the future as I continue to grow (hopefully) in my journey with and toward Christ. Five stars. Be sure to check out other titles from the Christian Classics imprint, like Origen's On First Principles and Basil Moreau: Essential Writings.
June 30, 2016
Profound reading for why it is essential to come to mass on Sunday
As a Catholic priest I have read no better explanation as to why we as Christians need to pray both privately and publicly. The Catholic liturgy (be it Roman, Byzantine or orthodox) is how we are meant to hear and understand the word of God. It is a difficult read in the middle, which is why I only gave it four stars, but the beginning end is good and the beginning is AMAZING AND ESSENTIAL for all Christians to understand if they ever want a true Spiritual Life. It answers the concern that people have when they say they are "Spiritual but not Religious." I've always thought that was impossible and this book helps articulate why. This is a must read for any Christian who thinks they can do it on their own... It's an illusion and temptation... From the enemy. Don't be fooled. This book will renew your Faith in Jesus' presence in the Body of Christ and in the Catholic Church... It was written well before its time and is even more applicable today!
As a Catholic priest I have read no better explanation as to why we as Christians need to pray both privately and publicly. The Catholic liturgy (be it Roman, Byzantine or orthodox) is how we are meant to hear and understand the word of God. It is a difficult read in the middle, which is why I only gave it four stars, but the beginning end is good and the beginning is AMAZING AND ESSENTIAL for all Christians to understand if they ever want a true Spiritual Life. It answers the concern that people have when they say they are "Spiritual but not Religious." I've always thought that was impossible and this book helps articulate why. This is a must read for any Christian who thinks they can do it on their own... It's an illusion and temptation... From the enemy. Don't be fooled. This book will renew your Faith in Jesus' presence in the Body of Christ and in the Catholic Church... It was written well before its time and is even more applicable today!
January 6, 2024
Very comprehensive.
August 21, 2017
While Catholic in orientation, Bouyer does a good job of hitting the basics of an approach in a thorough way.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews