A Ciência da Cruz

by Edith Stein

"As páginas que se seguem representam uma tentativa de compreender são João da Cruz na unidade da sua personalidade, tal como se manifesta em sua vida e obra. Esta conceituação é orientada por um prisma que facilita a emergência dessa unidade. Não se trata, por conseguinte, de apresentar uma biografia ou uma descrição doutrinária completa. Os fatos de sua vida, bem como de seus escritos, hão de ser consultados para chegarmos exatamente a essa unidade. Os depoimentos serão citados literalmente e, em seguida, interpretados. A interpretação, por sua vez, testemunha o que a autora julga ter compreendido das leis que regem a existência e a vida espiritual, após prolongados estudos sobre o assunto. Isso vale, sobretudo, no que respeita ao Espírito, à Fé e à Contemplação, tratados em diversos lugares, como por exemplo em "A alma no reito do espírito e dos espíritos". O que aí é dito sobre o "eu, a liberdade e a pessoa" não provém dos escritos do Pai. Nestes encontramos apenas alguns indícios. Ora, tratar desses assuntos não foi sua intenção, nem corresponde a seu modo de pensar. A elaboração de uma filosofia da pessoa, da qual há somente indícios em trechos indicados, constitui tarefa da moderna filosofia [...]." (trecho do prefácio).

Genres: Theology, Catholic, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Christianity, Poetry

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Edith Stein, also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, OCD, (German: Teresia Benedicta vom Kreuz, Latin: Teresia Benedicta a Cruce) (12 October 1891 – 9 August 1942), was a German Jewish philosopher who converted to the Roman Catholic Church and became a Discalced Carmelite nun. She is a martyr and saint of the Catholic Church.

She was born into an observant Jewish family, but was an atheist by her teenage years. Moved by the tragedies of World War I, in 1915 she took lessons to become a nursing assistant and worked in a hospital for the prevention of disease outbreaks. After completing her doctoral thesis in 1916 from the University of Göttingen, she obtained an assistantship at the University of Freiburg.

From reading the works of the reformer of the Carmelite Order, St. Teresa of Jesus, OCD, she was drawn to the Catholic Faith. She was baptized on 1 January 1922 into the Roman Catholic Church. At that point she wanted to become a Discalced Carmelite nun, but was dissuaded by her spiritual mentors. She then taught at a Catholic school of education in Speyer. As a result of the requirement of an "Aryan certificate" for civil servants promulgated by the Nazi government in April 1933 as part of its Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service, she had to quit her teaching position. She was admitted to the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Cologne the following October. She received the religious habit of the Order as a novice in April 1934, taking the religious name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross ("Teresa blessed by the Cross"). In 1938 she and her sister Rosa, by then also a convert and an extern Sister of the monastery, were sent to the Carmelite monastery in Echt, Netherlands for their safety. Despite the Nazi invasion of that state in 1940, they remained undisturbed until they were arrested by the Nazis on 2 August 1942 and sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where they died in the gas chamber on 9 August 1942.

Reviews

[Francine Anene]

This is book is amazing! It has wonderful chapters on faith, so if anyone is ever in a place where nothing makes sense any more - one learns that THAT is when the opportunity for "faith" exists. If you struggle with Kafka-like nihilism, then this book perfect for you. You may go from being ready to give up any moral undertakings that you chose to being fervent and passionate about your faith again. :) Edith Stein is like the female mentor that you wish you always had. It is probably due to her former atheism and strong intellectual background that her work is so powerful.

Its especially relevant for those who are critical of "Catholic culture" as she calls it, due to her reflections on St. John of the Cross.

Finally, the last chapters are a reflection on the Cross. She never mentions St. Louis de Montfort, but she captures that the cross is the root of new life just like he does in Love of Eternal Wisdom. :)

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of a dense read but a very good explanation of what the Dark Night of the Soul actually entails as a method of getting closer to God. Seems like Edith Stein was all about negative theology, which she considers the proper attitude to get into mysticism.

[djt · Rating 5 out of 5]

To begin with, knowing the life of St.Elizabeth Benedicta of The Cross, Edith Stein, gives so much insite and although this book is a difficult read, it's message is one of great understanding of the trials of our lives. I read this together with a group and it led to wonderful discussions of struggling with life's difficulties. Edith Stein's writing, and subject matter, is very complex, however, she manages to put the thoughts and theories to very simple, understandable words in this book. I do, however, have to re-read because only l reading leaves so much more to be understood.

[G.P. Loehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great compliment to the writings of St. John of the Cross

[Patrick Koroly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional account of John of the Cross’s works; not sure if it could be labeled a work of phenomenology proper, but certainly in that sphere

[Tami Schuelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was led by God into the dark night of the soul for 6 yrs. Not understanding what my soul was going through and having no spiritual guidance this book for me was sent by God so I could better understand and allow myself to be led by God in the way He was calling me.Edith Stein talks about the night of the senses, purgative way and how we have to crucify our nature through a life of self-denial. I recommend this book for those souls who are advancing in prayer and carrying the cross of Christ

[Ramón S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impresionante. Un libro para volver a leer y estudiar.
Es lo mejor que he leído sobre San Juan de la Cruz.
Una santa como Edith Stein comentando en profundidad toda la teología y la vida de San Juan.
Siempre me dió respeto leer este libro pensando que era difícil y complicado pero me he llevado una grata sorpresa. Muy, muy recomendable

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good spiritual read

For those who want to dive into the spirituality of St. John of the cross and the meaning behind his canticles. More for those who have already been introduced into the dark night, not as a beginner read.

[Marco Moysén · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta es, al igual que un libro de anatomía avanzado para un internista, una descripción detallada de la relación del alma con Dios en la explicación de una santa a partir de las palabras de otro santo. Lo que de aquí de aprende no encuentra parangón con ninguna catequesis. Lindo libro.

[Mark Mcintyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly moving

[Lkb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! A saint/martyr helping us understand the teachings of a saint/doctor of the Church. This is no quick and easy read, of course, but well worth careful study and re-reading.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy read, but well worth it for the powerful insights into the movements of the Spirit.

[Ferulix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molto bello ma molto complesso. Non per principianti

[Zachary]

This book is so shocking. She really knows what's up

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because the title sounds cool and because I was really inspired by Edith Stein's life story from reading Herbstrith's biography. I really enjoyed this book, though I did find her style a little bit heady at times (not inaccessible though). I would describe it as a peek into the interior life of John of the Cross as expressed through his writings. Edith doesn't shy away from digging into the some of his most well-known writings, sometimes line by line, to speak from her heart about how she sees the truth that "all roads lead through the Cross." She also gives context, showing the continuity between the life and example of John of the Cross and his writings. What makes this work more intriguing than any other academic or spiritual study of John of the Cross is that Edith is a saint.... an amazing saint who lived the reality of the Cross, who moved "through fire along a path from the cross of Christ to the glory of his resurrection." This spiritual heart-to-heart between two saints who knew the Cross so intimately is worth listening in on.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

quelques mots d'Edith Stein traduit pour la l1ere fois en français