Spiritual Combat Revisited

by Jonathan Robinson

Book Overview

Fr. Robinson has done a great service in revitalizing Lorenzo Scupoli's classic, Spiritual Combat , so that contemporary Catholics can rediscover this rich work that has served many generations of Catholics. This book is about the life of prayer and personal reform and renewal. It fits squarely into the tradition of the "great masters" of the spiritual life, and to the line of great modern writers on spirituality. It is a work of particular relevance...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 089870930X
• ISBN13: 9780898709308
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Length: 305 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A "Self-Help" Book that Matters

Spiritual Combat Revisited is a "translation" of a centuries old book into a form that the modern reader can understand. The original book was written in a time when the Christian was perhaps more accustomed to submitting themselves to a regimen of self-betterment and a desire to achieve holiness and closeness to God. The disparity between the original work's timeframe and today would most certainly make adjustments to the text necessary for us to fully grasp and apply. Not having read the original text, it seems that Robinson does an admirable job of discussing the original work's tactics as well as casting them in a form we can definitely understand. The book is quite a challenge to get through; not a challenge to comprehend, but a challenge spiritually, emotionally, and personally. This book may very well rattle you and your daily life. Unsettling the modern norm is certainly the point, though. The path the book takes should not be abandoned early on or you might end up worse for trying. Spiritual Combat Revisited tears down the reader at the beginning, only to slowly build him back up with a series of techniques and reassurances that, although difficult, are entirely feasible to apply in everyday living. The writing seems to quote the original work as much as the sermons and writings of J. H. Newman. The other primary sources for inspiration are the Catechism of the Catholic Church and scripture. Any reader who is not Catholic might not be able to get behind this book as much as those that are, but anyone not opposed to basic Catholic teachings can certainly benefit from working through this book. I have only completed one read through of this book, but it sits on my shelf waiting a second reading in a few years. In a way, I miss my nightly reading of this text, as it served as an inspiring way to complete a day and energize me for the next. Even though I struggled at times while trudging through some of the concepts, I was always left with positive thoughts as I drifted off for the night.

Updated Spiritual Warfare Classic

This is an excellent introduction to spiritual warfare. It quotes heavily from Scupoli's text and is written in a style more familiar to the modern reader. This would be a good gift for luke-warm Catholics who are more concerned with the Global warming hoax than they are with their own salvation.

Everyday Life Dilemna

I am awe struck at the beauty of the devoted soul, with all the virtues and love of God. I can read books on any given saint for hours on end and relish in the splendor and glory of God reflected in one person. But to apply this to my own life, especially in the day to day, hour to hour experience - forget it! But this is exactly where spiritual warfare exists. This is where the battle for souls is won or lost. This book has taught me what I need to do to overcome my own "mysterious resistance" and make an excellent start on the road toward holiness.