The Sinner's Guide [Paperback]

Venerable Louis of Grenada (Author), A Dominican Father (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1985

Venerable Louis of Granada Venerable Louis of Granada was the favorite spiritual writer of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Francis de Sales, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Rose of Lima; and The Sinner's Guide (along with The Book of Prayer and Meditation) is one of his two most famous and most popular books. In fact, the great St. Teresa of Avila credited The Sinner's Guide with having converted over a million souls in her own time! "We are all destined to one or the other," says Ven. Louis, "either to reign eternally with God in Heaven or to burn eternally with the devils in Hell." This inescapable fact is vividly brought to life on every page of this masterfully written book. Utterly realistic with regard to the ultimate end of human life, Venerable Louis of Granada presents here the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell - even rehearsing with the reader the day of his death and the moment of his judgment. His description of the despair in Hell will shake loose any desire, by even the most hardened sinner, to persevere in sin. Man's classic excuses, such as planning to convert later and the difficulty of practicing virtue, are thoroughly demolished. Moreover, Ven. Louis shows how the sinner's life, because of his gnawing conscience, is a continual torment to him even while still on this earth. Whereas, the practice of virtue brings the wonderful promise of Heaven, plus the beautiful joy of a clear conscience, and the many other marvelous advantages of holiness -even here in this life! The Sinner's Guide is a book of crystal clarity which cuts through the religious fog so prevalent today. It strips away the glamour of sin, fortifying the soul for the resolute practice of the Christian virtues-those true riches which alone will accompany him beyond the grave. For mastery of subject, for command of Scripture, and for total impact upon the mind and heart of the re

Product Details

• Paperback: 395 pages
• Publisher: Tan Books & Pub (1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089555254X
• ISBN-13: 978-0895552549
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #395,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Need spiritual help?, September 20, 2000

By 

amdg (MD, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sinner's Guide (Paperback)

The Sinner's Guide is jam-packed with practical spiritual advice for those struggling along the pilgrim path to God. Overcome by anger? Worn out by stress? Worried about apathy in prayer? The Sinner's Guide can help. A favorite spiritual manual of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Francis de Sales, it provides compelling soulful direction even now. If you're a sinner, you can benefit from this book!

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book ever!, February 6, 2002

By 

Jackie Tortorella - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sinner's Guide (Paperback)

I had read that this book converted over a million people in its day. I found it a little tedious in the beginning, but further into the book, it hit home with me as no other book ever has. It is difficult to describe how clearly this book made me see my faults, and how it drove me to amend my life. The specific practical advice was as timely today as it was in the 1500's. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, for anyone who is not afraid to take a good look at himself.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Food for spiritual thought, October 15, 2002

By 

Brad Shorr "Brad Shorr" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sinner's Guide (Paperback)

The first part of the book speaks to unrepentant sinners. Fr. Louis puts forth compelling arguments on why you should fear hell, why you should repent, and why you should repent NOW. The second part of the book offers advice to the repentant sinner--how to avoid the ever-present temptation to commit mortal and venial sins. One theme I enjoyed throughout the book was his depiction of God's dual nature: His outstretched arm and firm hand; His justice and His mercy. The repentant sinner will receive mercy, but for the unrepentant... Fr. Louis uses extensive Biblical citations and quotes from the Church Doctors to support his arguments. These references are always on point and frequently beautiful and moving. So, besides providing instruction on how to better your character, the book will deepen your understanding of the Bible and the roots of Catholic theology. Fr. Louis quotes St. Augustine extensively. For me, his "Confessions" had a much greater impact, maybe because it was so personal and so human a story. "The Sinner's Guide" is not a personal conversion story; it is more of an instruction manual. Good reading nonetheless!