Alfred Delp, SJ: Prison Writings

Modern Spiritual Masters

by Alfred Delp, Thomas Merton

Classic reflections on gospel wisdom from a modern martyr show the ongoing relevance of the gospel in an age of idolatrous power and capricious violence.

Genres: Christianity, Spirituality, Theology, Religion

163 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

Alfred Delp was a German Jesuit priest and philosopher of the German Resistance. A member of the inner Kreisau Circle resistance group, he is considered a significant figure in Catholic resistance to Nazism. Falsely implicated in the failed 1944 July Plot to overthrow Adolf Hitler, Delp was arrested and sentenced to death. He was executed in 1945.

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I highlighted sections of almost every page. And I would need to read it about ten more times to fully absorb all the wisdom. What a treasure. My 2 favorite quotes just from this morning when I finished it: "Anyone determined to limit his acceptance to the things he can grasp and understand is not going to get very close to the living God" and "God's holy will never coerces but responds to the cry of willing assent. And when that cry is raised, the slightest movement of the heart is sufficient to stir the ocean of God's munificent love into full flood."

[Jacob Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most compelling thing about these writings is that they were penned from a Nazi prison cell. One of Delp's most cogent arguments is that the materialism and egoism of the modern age has rendered man unfit for a relationship with God; and that, without God as its ultimate context, a social system will inevitably be irrational and destructive. He was swept up in the investigation surrounding the attempted assassination of Hitler, and was sentenced to death and hung, largely for his being an unrepentant Jesuit, whom the Nazis viewed as inveterate enemies of their system.

[Irish Gal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though some of his writings reflect on Advent, that is actually just a small part of it and it's not so specific it doesn't relate to other times of the year (I read it for Lent). What is more intriguing is his amazing insights into the way God works while being held prisoner and sentenced to death by the Nazis. Also interesting was how a lot of his criticisms of people's attitudes and governments actually describes the way the world is right now, too.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of Jesuit priest alone in a 6 X 6 cell, fettered, with all freedoms stripped away. His crime was heresy against Nazism. He is able to cut to the core on the nature and means of true freedom, and addresses personal and collective evils of a corrupt society. I recommend reading this book during Advent and Christmas as most of the readings in his journal come from these months. Very inspiring book. I will refer back to it often.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book of reflections, written while in prison, awaiting first trial and then execution, is perfect reading for Advent and Christmas. Delp, a German Jesuit, writes profoundly and movingly of the need for Christians to love practically, persistently and actively to prevent future reigns of terror. This one stays on my shelf because I'll be reading it again.

[Annette Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind of D.Bonhoeffer of course, and I appreciate the T.Merton introduction. I have pages of notes useful for sermon planning. The heart of faith, really, is his topic. What of faith is relevant in the days before one's death.

[Christopher Greeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent selection of writings. An under appreciated Jesuit

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the benefits that Louis Kim, my only friend on Facebook -- I never thought I would get one since I had vowed to say off the social media -- has given to me is Goodreads, bringing back in fits and starts memories of books read long ago.

One of them is this book, by a Jesuit priest who was a member of the Kreisau circle, part of the July 20 plot against Hitler in some way, and executed by the Nazis.

I had a former General of the Society of Jesus who was with me in my tertianship year, a year of pastoral work after years of study, read a selection from this book for evening prayer during our long retreat.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful meditations