Crisis of Faith, Crisis of Love (Vol 1) [Paperback]

Thomas, O.C.S.O. Keating (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0826408052 | ISBN-13: 978-0826408051 | Publication Date: February 1, 1995 | Edition: Rev

"Under the influence of Christian mystics such as St. John of the Cross, Keating weaves a narrative account of spiritual development that will be of...interest to spiritual directors and seekers." -Booklist>

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This expanded version of a book first published in 1979 is a devotional, not a critical study, more concerned with moving its readers than sifting mythic and legendary material from historically reliable accounts. Under the influence of Christian mystics such as St. John of the Cross, Keating weaves a narrative account of spiritual development that will be of more interest to spiritual directors and seekers than scholars. The influence of St. John of the Cross means that much significance is attached to silence and crisis, the dark night of the soul that drives the beloved relentlessly toward union with God. For Keating as for St. John of the Cross, spiritual development is a passion. Keating describes this deepening in terms of stages, from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, separated on either side of adolescence by the two crises of the title. Keating's closing portrait of Peter is the most extreme example of his devotional approach; the portrait will appeal to the disciple and may well be an aid to discipline, but it is not a contribution to biblical scholarship. This is not a problem from Keating's perspective, nor is it likely to be a problem for his intended audience. Steve Schroeder

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Continuum; Rev edition (February 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826408052
• ISBN-13: 978-0826408051
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,170,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting treatment of the "dark night" in spiritual growth, July 21, 2000

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Elizabeth G. Melillo "gloriana" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Crisis of Faith, Crisis of Love (Vol 1) (Paperback)

Father Keating presents solid, classic concepts of mystic theology in a fashion so simple and gentle that the clarity is astonishing. As is usual in his works, one discovers new insight in (and often awe for) passages of scripture one thought one knew all too well. He also incorporates brief mention of sacramental theology - speaking a volume in a sentence.

As one example, Father Keating's treatment of the raising of Lazarus, lovely in its simplicity, is a powerful look at faith, patience, love, original sin, personal sin, reconciliation, and how Jesus's humanity was touched by the incident.

This book is not only suited for those with a deep interest in theology - in fact, that does not seem the general intended audience. Anyone with an interest in prayer and the gospels will find this a peaceful but deep means to strengthening that commitment. Everything is presented clearly and well, which is not a common trait of theologians!