The Spiritual Combat [Paperback]

Lorenzo Scupoli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 19, 2009

"The Spiritual Combat" is a practical "guide" to the spiritual life, with a message centered on humility, and a goal to defeat individual passions. The process begins with self-evaluation and identifying our internal weaknesses. The author then provides us with the methods to battle these shortcomings and guard against our own evil inclinations. Lorenzo Scupoli (c.1530-1610), was born in Otranto, Italy. He was admitted to the religious order of the Theatine Regular Clerks of St. Cajetan, in 1571, and by his desire, was called Lorenzo of Otranto. He later went to Milan, under the provost St. Andrew Avellino. After many years of active duties, he retired into strict seclusion and wrote "The Spiritual Combat." Since its introduction, four centuries ago, approximately six hundred editions have been published globally.

Product Details

• Paperback: 202 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (May 19, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1442172126
• ISBN-13: 978-1442172128
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for the ages!, June 1, 2009

By 

desertbook (maricopa county, az) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spiritual Combat (Paperback)

Now this is the book that St. Francis de Sales prized so highly that he carried it around with him for eighteen years, and relied upon it as his guide to holiness. When he was asked who was his spiritual director, he drew from his pocket "The Spiritual Combat," and said, "This is he who, with God, taught me from my youth up; he is my master in all the exercises of the inward life."

"The Spiritual Combat" has been in print for approximately 400 years and now spans the globe with around 600 editions since its first printing in 1589. I was somewhat reluctant to dive into a book written so long ago, but this particular translation (a reproduction by Scriptoria Books) was rather easy to digest and was not weighed down by archaic forms of English.

Lorenzo Scupoli was a member of the Theatines, a religious order in Italy. After a life of service, he retired into seclusion. Apparently, a fellow religious sister asked him for advice, which prompted him to begin writing "The Spiritual Combat." The publication was well accepted and he continued to add to the original chapters until his death.

From the beginning of the book, Scupoli quickly gets to the heart of the matter and deals directly with the human condition. Our vices, our temptations, and our desires, are driven and fueled by the world, and keep us from realizing our spiritual potential. They keep us from seeing clearly the path that God has created for us. Scupoli provides us with methods for self-evaluation, so that we can clearly see our own weaknesses and areas where we succumb to vice. He then provides us with ways to fight our temptations and guard against our own evil inclinations (for those of us honest enough to admit to having evil inclinations). :-)

This is simply a wonderful book. It is not a book for everybody. It was written for a Catholic audience, but Christians of any flavor can benefit from Scupoli's advice. The book deals with the negative aspects of our human nature, and therefore is not a "feel-good" read. But if you are serious about tackling your problems head on, with the help of God and prayer, there is much in this book to ponder.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, June 14, 2011

By 

kidonhayca - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Spiritual Combat (Paperback)

Every Christian should read this book. It was recommended by our priest who is not only an outstanding priest, he is an excellent teacher. Both attributes in one man is unusual.