Customer Reviews

Falling Into the Arms of God: Meditations on St. Teresa of Avila

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) was a Carmelite nun best known for her reform of that order and for her mystical relationship with God. Her best known book is "The Interior Castle" which she wrote due to the prodding of her spiritual director. In that book, she wrote of seven dwellings or mansions that indicate different stages on the spiritual journey towards God. Her writing was aimed for the sisters in her religious community although her words have much to teach the world at large.

Megan Don has taken Teresa's words and reflected upon them in "Falling Into the Arms of God: Meditations with Teresa of Avila." Don has also divided her book into seven sections with several meditations for each section. The meditations themselves are brief - a couple pages at most, but they are filled with meaning and applicability to twenty-first century life. Don has a true talent for taking Teresa's meaning and expanding upon it, making it extremely relevant for today's reader. She discusses detours and pitfalls we may experience on the spiritual journey as well as the glories that await those who persevere.

Teresa's words themselves are challenging. One cannot read her words and not feel humbled by the realization of how far we need to go in our spiritual lives. The road to union with God is not an easy one. It wasn't easy for Teresa herself and Don points out the doubts and trials that Teresa experienced. Yet, Teresa was also a person of great joy who enjoyed the fun in life. She insisted that the sisters in her community spent at least an hour in recreation each day, because everyone needs a break from work. That in and of itself is an important reminder in today's 24/7 world.

"Falling into the Arms of God" is meant to be read in small sections. It can be read front to back, one meditation at a time, or it can be picked up and a meditation read at random. Don also offers instructions in how to use it in a group setting. No matter how one uses this book, it will offer a deeper understanding of the workings of the soul. Don has created a book that this reviewer feels St. Teresa of Avila herself would approve of. She has kept the message and weight of Teresa's words while making them accessible to a larger audience.

In this simple yet deep book, Megan Don not only captures the essence of St. Teresa, but provides a portal for the reader to experience the mystic's pathway to God. Simple meditations amplify the text discussions, offering meaningful, visceral and lasting understanding of both Teresa and her devotion to God. Brava!

This book may be about a Catholic Saint but in my opinion it is really a self-help book. I am not a Catholic but found this book very profound. It is not really a biography but a book for introspection. I had borrowed the book from a friend, read it, and realized I wanted this book for myself. I bought a copy so I can re-read it. I suspect I will re-read this book several times over the years. Megan Don manages to make this book deep but easy to read.

'Falling into the arms of God' is a wonderful book for not only Catholics but anyone who has a mind vast enough to acknowledge the soul; its needs and its purpose and nurture it realizing that the soul is the only part of us that lives on..forever.

Great insight from the author's side.Would definitly recommend this to people who do prayerful meditations.

I waited eagerly for this book. St. Teresa Avila is such a wonderfula nd inspirational woman for all times. After only a few paragraphs, I was worried and ultimately, I could not in good conscience continue with this book. I cannot in good conscience even pass it on. It became part of the landfill.

The questionable statements began in the prologue. The author apologizes for calling God "He" and invites the reader to substitute whatever title they choose. This was my first major red flag. The last time I looked. Jesus was a HE and God the Father seems to suggest that the male pronoun is appropriate.

As a devotee of St. Teresa of Avila, I am appalled that she is a vehicle for this less than true to faith book of so-called Catholic mysticism.

Mysticism is a subject that needs a well grounded author.

It is an excellent meditation book on the spiritual nature of our lives. It is a thoughtful and thought provoking look at our lives through reaching inward toward our soul.

The author, Megan Don, is a Teresa of Avila scholar. I find her writing interesting and am trying the meditations. I would like to see more instruction on the meditation and less scholarly comment. However, it may just be that I am reading it for the wrong reason.

Let Catholics & other Christians beware. There seems to be a hint of New Age philosophy being promoted here. Otherwise, I would recommend it as a guide to meditation based on the theology of St Teresa.