Spiritual Progress

by Thomas D. Williams

Book Overview

From the NBC consultant on Vatican Affairs comes an inspiring book that challenges readers to follow Jesus and discover the rich adventure of the Christian faith. Thomas D. Williams draws on the vast knowledge he's gained from his own spiritual journey to inspire others in the pursuit of progress. Through his writing, readers will begin to:

- Understand holiness as the true meaning of life
- See prayer not as a duty, but as an opportunity...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446580546
• ISBN13: 9780446580540
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Faithwords
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Williams's guidebook of the Christian life is sprinkled with biblical stories and quotes

Thomas D. Williams may be a familiar face to readers, as a consultant on Vatican affairs for NBC News and MSNBC. The book jacket shows an attractive face as well, a fact highlighted in his book's press release, where he's called a "handsome young priest" --- bringing to mind "Father What-a-Waste" from the 1980s humorous bestseller GROWING UP CATHOLIC. Actually in the course of his new book, Williams reveals that he's solidly middle aged, but you might not know this from viewing the book cover or seeing his media spots. Professionally, Williams is dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome --- a school one hopes is as impressive as its long name. Williams says that SPIRITUAL PROGRESS is "for beginners...in the broadest sense": those newly interested in spiritual growth; those "for whom starting over and over again has become something of a profession"; those who want to return after wandering for years. "In short, it is for anyone willing to take seriously Jesus' words: 'Unless you change and become like little children, you shall never enter the kingdom of heaven.'" By "spiritual progress" or growth, Williams clearly means "Christian growth"; his theological reflection and world view is grounded in biblical exposition. In the introduction, Williams delineates differences among categories of Christian books: self-help books, books of "devotional reading" and spiritual manuals, explaining that his current book is a spiritual "guidebook" that "helps chart a course" that the reader personally walks. This isn't about sitting in church; it's about loving God and neighbor and becoming Christlike. As a guidebook, SPIRITUAL PROGRESS is very well organized and easy to follow. Internal chapter outlines lay out, for example, five "characteristics of Christ love"; five "fruits of prayer"; four categories of prayer (in terms of content, not posture); three false notions of humility; three "enemies of holiness"; and two dimensions of God's will. And there seems to be intentionality in the straightforward writing style. This is an author schooled in sound-bite communication. "Remember that the goal of the spiritual life is not personal perfection but love of God and neighbor." Williams's guidebook of the Christian life is sprinkled with biblical stories and quotes but rarely with anecdotes that give any insight into his personal life in Rome. (He includes a few childhood anecdotes.) He's teaching the reader and leading you through Christianity 101 --- more than entertaining you. The book's publisher clearly hopes that this Christian primer will be read and used by Protestant readers. And on most counts, the content --- orthodox in tone --- will suit, though many may disagree on his interpretation of the role and meaning of the Sacraments (he discusses three: Baptism, Reconciliation and the Eucharist). He also has included a chapter ("Honor Thy Mother: What Mary Has to Do with the Christian Life") on the role of Mary as role

Simple Yet Profound Spiritual Growth Book

Saw the author on the Today show and piqued my interest - handsome man (priest) who seemed truly humble and God-loving. Book has lots of common sense and yet spiritual "new" thoughts. Especially interesting is the "humility" chapter - Mother Teresa's comments on reaction to being treated unfairly etc. The bottom line for all of us....all accolades, praise, financial success here on earth truly are NOT why we are here. Please read and re-read this book to gain down-to-earth insight to live a holy life (becoming the Christian you want to be) with an eye on the bottom-line success: Heaven with God! I've recommended it to many - even my doctor who seemed interested. You won't be disappointed. God bless. Karen C.

An easy read, with excellent material

This book was surprisingly easy to read. Fr. Thomas writes in a simple, clear manner, almost as if he were speaking. The subject is a very deep one, and often made too intellectual. This book takes the subject and makes it very "user-friendly". I would recommend it for beginners to the spiritual life, but also for those re-exploring their relationship with Christ - as we are called to do constantly. Nothing new, just a great way of presenting material that can help anyone seeking to know Christ better and improve their relationship with Him and with others.

Terry Polakovic

Father Williams has written a beautiful book for all of his fellow pilgrims on the spiritual journey. Whether you have just begun or are a veteran traveler, this book has remarkable insights which should be read and referenced time and again. I enjoyed every word of it!

Great!

I have over 300 spiritual books in my library. This is the book I have been searching for! It has basic, down to earth, easy to understand principles. The first chapter is about what Holiness Is and IS NOT. It revealed many spiritual insights to me in that first chapter. I'm not through reading it yet, but I have alreay marked up the pages as I go! It is a must read!