Devil in the Castle: St. Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul

by Dan Burke

We often think of demons appearing only in extravagant and extraordinary manifestations or working only through “bad” people. But the truth is more frightening than that. Most demonic activity takes place undetected, under the radar, and can even be hidden in our own prayer lives and in the churches where we attend Mass. Subtlety, illusion, and deceit are the preferred tactics of Satan’s army of fallen angels, and they are waging an invisible battle for souls ― right now ― within and around us all.

With St. Teresa of Avila’s masterpiece The Interior Castle as his guide, bestselling author Dan Burke takes you on an illuminating journey through the seven levels of spiritual progress, explaining what God is accomplishing within your soul at each stage, as well as the finely tailored demonic strategies applied to throw you off your path.

You’ll learn how the devil is as active in your prayer life as you are, and how the saints were able to counter Satan as he adapted his schemes to correspond with where they were on their spiritual journeys.

By discovering the myriad challenges St. Teresa faced and the remedies she employed to advance the spiritual progress of her soul, you’ll know precisely what to expect as you progress in your current state to your final spiritual destination. You’ll also learn:

The marks of authentic contemplative encounter with God
Why God uses dryness in prayer to advance the progress of our souls
How to know if you’re still in the “Purgative Way”
How desolation can work for the good of the soul
Why it’s dangerous to assume that your decisions are correct if you feel at peace
How to fight distraction in prayer
The 11 ways to test the authenticity of charismatic gifts

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Christian, Faith, Religion, Nonfiction, Prayer

163 pages, Hardcover

Published February 21, 2022

Reviews

[Janelle Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil in the Castle was excellent! Reading it after recently finishing The Fulfillment of All Desire was particularly enlightening. I loved how Burke clearly and concisely summarizes St. Teresa of Avila’s levels of the Interior Castle. He gives excellent insight into the exact ways satan attacks at each level and what is prescribed to overcome it. A super quick must-read for Catholics!!

[Amber Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately i did not enjoy this book, as someone who struggles with scrupulousity, this book sent me into a downward spiral.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wanted to read St. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle but been intimated? Ever started but didn't finish? This is the book for you! Dan Burke makes it easy read and understand, life changing!

Second reading: Loved it even more now that I've been practicing mental prayer for some time. I read Interior Castle mansion for mansion with this book and had no problems understanding St. Teresa.

[Fiorella Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book

[Clare Spelick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to any of St. Theresa of Avila's works, Burke writes a captivating synopsis and analysis that is accessible to anyone at any stage of their life. In just under 200 pages, this work makes the reader contemplate themselves and where they are in life. It certainly made me think hard about my own spiritual life and decisions I've made in the past. Having heard the name St. Theresa of Avila only in passing prior to having read this book, I can say that it makes sense as a stand-alone book. I doubt, however, that anyone who finishes this book would not want to read further into St. Theresa of Avila's authored works. With that, Burke's "Devil in the Castle" would be a good study-guide-type book to read alongside Theresa's Interior Castle.

Physically, this book is easily held in one or two hands. The cover is a softer laminate so no need to worry about sweat (I read the book the first time through while hiking near Amicolola Falls with my husband for three days.). It's compact, but the print is not so miniscule as to not be able to be read in darkening light.

Personally, I found this book to be a riveting read and devoured it in a few hours. I have since gone through it slower and am on my third read-through now, using it alongside St. Theresa of Avila's "The Interior Castle." I like Burke's end of chapter summaries and questions. A member of Sophia Press' Book of the Month Club, my own bi-monthly book club is very excited to cover this book in the month of March. It lends itself to be covered in a quick or long term study easily, and without it truly boring anyone. None of this work was superfluous, everything was fascinating and well-organized. A minor aspect that I personally loved is that one of the final appendices is actually a list of readings that might better the reader no matter their stage in life.

I hope that many, many others will find this work as thought-provoking as I did, and that many others may discover St. Theresa of Avila's works and find them equally useful in the betterment of their spiritual life.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary but good

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such practical insight into the spiritual life. I like how in the end he gives you concrete steps to help you grow spiritually and to become what we are all called to be....a saint! His suggested plan on p.124 is very doable and not overwhelming. The daily examen and confession guide are also very helpful.

[Courtney Barta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book that one would find handy to have the physical copy of while he listens along. I wanted to take notes, highlight and write in a copy, as well as look through the resources and recommendations. I had not previously read St. Teresa's book, so I had not much of a foundation for this book but it was well written and full of what every practicing, faithful Catholic needs to be reminded of and needs to know if he didn't know previously.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those wishing to grow closer to God, a road map!

I recommend this book to all those wishing to grow in intimacy with our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. For me it help me to understand the writings of St teresa and gave me practical examples on how to get to the interior castle by Gods Grace. I am forever grateful to Dan Burke. I highly recommend this book, it will change you.

[Angelle Meibaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This approach to getting closer to God is very clinnical albiet 99% true. My only issue came in when the author said that "real rapture like encounters" with God are very brief and leave the viewer with no memory of what happened durring the encounter. This statement is categorically false an unbiblical as the entire book of revelations would not exist if it were true. 

It is also worthy of note that even though this book was written by a catholic for catholics the steps can be used for protestants as well. Of course instead of going to see a priest for confession protestants would directly confess there sends to God and seek communion with God through his written word (The Bible) daily rather then recieveing the Catholic Eucharist. With the exceptions I have found that the steps are the same and the same result can be achieved without being a Catholic. 

[Champion Dahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I oscillated between four and five stars. As someone who loves St. Theresa of Avila but has tried and failed twice to actually complete The Interior Castle, this book is a concise and well thought-out summary. I very much appreciate the helpful supplementation from other great saints and practical adaptation for a modern lay audience. It was exactly what I was looking for. My reason for four stars rather than five is it can lean a bit scrupulous, I’d recommend with strong caution to people who either struggle with scrupulosity or are sensitive to certain aspects of Catholic Doctrine, though the take-always and additional resources may be worth it even for those audiences.

[Mary Kate Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent spiritual read! Dan Burke takes St. Teresa of Avila’s “Interior Castle” and summarizes it in a very simple and easy to understand way with practical steps to implement at each level to hopefully aid you on your own journey deeper into your interior castle. He chooses to focus on the activity of the devil in each level of the castle and the ways you should be aware of his tactics in order to best guard against them. Definitely an insightful book and one that is for all Catholics wishing to grow in their spiritual life.

[Megan Mcnulty Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly I'm not the biggest fan of Dan Burke, but this book distills the beauty and wisdom of St Teresa into a helpful and comprehensive 'manual' for spiritual development. It ought not leave you afraid of the devil lurking around where corner, but rather motivated to prevent his advances through increased self awareness and understanding of God's graces.

[Stephanie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for any Christian wanting to deepen their spiritual life.

I LOVE that this is a very sturdy manual for embarking on a deeper spiritual journey that offers important and useful tips, as well as warnings. It is definitely a book I will read and reread as I try to deepen my prayer life. This is a must read for every serious and faithful Catholic!

[Candice Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book so much! It really is the perfect companion for reading before or along side St. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle. The principles are laid out in an easy to understand format and the encouragement of the reader to pursue daily, weekly and monthly spiritual progress are life changing and giving.

[Donna S.Fannin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just completed.... Awesome

I'm getting ready to read this book again. Yes, praise our precious Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings. Feeling so Blessed by reading this
Book. If you yearn to be closer to our Father.....get this book! You will read it more then once.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great theology. I wish the author had more real life examples (rather than quote the same husband and wife over and over again) and took out his political views from the book. With those two changes, it would have been much stronger.

[JANETZ HART · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given the content a five, but recommend actually reading interior castles instead. I only rated this at three because I felt like every other page was putting in a plug for his website or another book or online resource.

[Patrick W Freitag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Companion guide to Interior Castle

Having read St. Teresa’s Interior Castle twice, this book is essential to truly understanding it. I highly recommend you read it in conjunction with IC. It will make a huge difference.

[Brentt Russel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burke provides an easy-to-understand and practical roadmap to unveiling the deceptions of the enemy as the soul progresses into the Interior Castle under the guidance of St. Teresa of Avila. This is a book I will definitely be returning to from time to time!

[Raul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic distillation and modern rendering of St. Teresa of Avila's book. Highly recommended to those seeking sanctity in these latter days.

[Glenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Does a good job of summarizing Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle. Especially the earlier mansions.

[Warren Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Burke does a masterful job extracting St. Theresa's messages for each mansion, and enabling the reader to build a prayerful plan moving forward. Extremely well written and organized

[Dorothy Glinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This is a must read book. It is well written and makes you think! The devil is after all of us. This book tells you how to stop him.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very deep dive into spiritual warfare and how to protect one's self.
Helps us to see where we are spiritually and what we need to work on.
I need to read this book again.

[Chloe Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Catholic should read this book. Life changing.

[Colleen Avalos · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Catholic books I’ve read to date. Such a good break down of Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle!

[Alicia Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would DEFINITELY recommend for all Catholics and Christians.

[Fr Paul Gros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a good summary of Saint Teresa‘s interior castle. He’s summarizes the seven interior mansions very well.

[Daniel Stockton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned a lot about sanctification and achieving union with God. Some good marriage pro tips in there as well. Warmed me up for the book it supplements, The Interior Castle.