Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Vision Video
• VHS Release Date: November 1, 1997
• Run Time: 72 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: 1563642565
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #420,393 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Throughout history a few special individuals have felt a spiritual longing so profound that nothing could satisfy their hunger. Facing uncharted territory, they mapped their own souls, seeking that mystical place where the self meets the divine. We call them Pioneers of the Spirit. This program looks at Teresa of Avila, one of the most colorful mystics of the Medieval Period. A Carmelite nun, she struggled in prayer for nearly twenty years before she experienced a profound conversion. Reflecting a remarkable determination in her quest to know God, Teresa of Avila speaks across the centuries to those yearning for transcendence amid the distractions of modern life. 24 minutes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER, September 24, 2000

By 

Bonita L. Davis - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pioneers of the Spirit:Teresa of Avil [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Sixteenth century saint, reformer and mystic, Teresa of Avila has captured the hearts of 21st century people attempting to struggle with their spiritual life. One would think such a voice from centuries ago would seem irrelevent in our progressive modern day world but the issues of the heart remain the same regardless of technology. Teresa provides answers for the heart through the practice of interior prayer.

Spain was a great power in Teresa's time. In some cases it was a country with an expanding world view but at the same time it became very parochial and insular. Even though she was the daughter of nobility her heritage was Jewish. Her grandfather was one of the many Jewish people that were forced to convert to Christianity or die. These "converts" had to publicly renounce their religious heritage and let their rituals go underground. Teresa would be held suspect by the Inquisition in later years because of her family background.

Teresa was determined to satisfy her hunger for God. Three women who are captivated by Teresa's practices discuss her spiritual journey and the reforms she has made. One woman suggests that Teresa was the forerunner of feminism because she was determined to prove women could have a full spiritual life as well as men. Another woman looked at her spiritual conflicts and her deep humanity which though flawed was ever grounded in Christ.

All the thoughts shared about this saint shows us that persistence is the key in combatting the spiritual drought of our lives. No matter how bad things may get, God is still with us in our daily lives. Two criticisms can be made concerning the video. It was much to short. Teresa deserved more time. The presentation was made by "professional" women in academics and the clergy. It would have been more balanced if lay women could have given their response in viewing Teresa. Overall this was an informative video about one pioneer on the spiritual quest.