Customer Reviews

Spiritual Progress: Becoming the Christian You Want to Be

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have over 300 spiritual books in my library. This is the book I have been searching for! It has basic, down to earth, easy to understand principles. The first chapter is about what Holiness Is and IS NOT. It revealed many spiritual insights to me in that first chapter. I'm not through reading it yet, but I have alreay marked up the pages as I go! It is a must read!

Thomas D. Williams may be a familiar face to readers, as a consultant on Vatican affairs for NBC News and MSNBC. The book jacket shows an attractive face as well, a fact highlighted in his book's press release, where he's called a "handsome young priest" --- bringing to mind "Father What-a-Waste" from the 1980s humorous bestseller GROWING UP CATHOLIC. Actually in the course of his new book, Williams reveals that he's solidly middle aged, but you might not know this from viewing the book cover or seeing his media spots. Professionally, Williams is dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome --- a school one hopes is as impressive as its long name.

Williams says that SPIRITUAL PROGRESS is "for beginners...in the broadest sense": those newly interested in spiritual growth; those "for whom starting over and over again has become something of a profession"; those who want to return after wandering for years. "In short, it is for anyone willing to take seriously Jesus' words: 'Unless you change and become like little children, you shall never enter the kingdom of heaven.'" By "spiritual progress" or growth, Williams clearly means "Christian growth"; his theological reflection and world view is grounded in biblical exposition.

In the introduction, Williams delineates differences among categories of Christian books: self-help books, books of "devotional reading" and spiritual manuals, explaining that his current book is a spiritual "guidebook" that "helps chart a course" that the reader personally walks. This isn't about sitting in church; it's about loving God and neighbor and becoming Christlike.

As a guidebook, SPIRITUAL PROGRESS is very well organized and easy to follow. Internal chapter outlines lay out, for example, five "characteristics of Christ love"; five "fruits of prayer"; four categories of prayer (in terms of content, not posture); three false notions of humility; three "enemies of holiness"; and two dimensions of God's will. And there seems to be intentionality in the straightforward writing style. This is an author schooled in sound-bite communication. "Remember that the goal of the spiritual life is not personal perfection but love of God and neighbor."

Williams's guidebook of the Christian life is sprinkled with biblical stories and quotes but rarely with anecdotes that give any insight into his personal life in Rome. (He includes a few childhood anecdotes.) He's teaching the reader and leading you through Christianity 101 --- more than entertaining you.

The book's publisher clearly hopes that this Christian primer will be read and used by Protestant readers. And on most counts, the content --- orthodox in tone --- will suit, though many may disagree on his interpretation of the role and meaning of the Sacraments (he discusses three: Baptism, Reconciliation and the Eucharist). He also has included a chapter ("Honor Thy Mother: What Mary Has to Do with the Christian Life") on the role of Mary as role model, as intercessor and as mother of the church. "Isn't Jesus enough?" Williams asks. "Of course he is enough. But this isn't the question." Again, though Protestants may not agree with his biblical interpretation, Williams has done a great job of explaining Marian issues in a way that would address and answer Protestant perplexities (What's this Mary stuff?) and open dialogue across traditions.

The final chapters of the book give a cogent presentation of spiritual direction, including "three main qualities of a good spiritual director" and "ten qualities of a good spiritual program."

If you want 260 pages of basic principles of Christian living, try this book, which you'll recognize by its cover --- the photo of that "handsome young priest."

--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

Father Williams has written a beautiful book for all of his fellow pilgrims on the spiritual journey. Whether you have just begun or are a veteran traveler, this book has remarkable insights which should be read and referenced time and again. I enjoyed every word of it!

As described, this is a guidebook covering familiar terrain in a way that can give new life, depth, and meaning to your personal Christian experience. But what I really love is the voice of Fr. Williams in this work. It's personal, quiet, peaceful yet inspiring and slightly unsettling- like your brother waking you up to go fishing.
I also keep buying copies for people I care about.
Jim C.

Saw the author on the Today show and piqued my interest - handsome man (priest) who seemed truly humble and God-loving.
Book has lots of common sense and yet spiritual "new" thoughts. Especially interesting is the "humility" chapter - Mother Teresa's comments on reaction to being treated unfairly etc.
The bottom line for all of us....all accolades, praise, financial success here on earth truly are NOT why we are here.
Please read and re-read this book to gain down-to-earth insight to live a holy life (becoming the Christian you want to be) with an eye on the bottom-line success: Heaven with God!
I've recommended it to many - even my doctor who seemed interested.
You won't be disappointed. God bless.
Karen C.

This book was surprisingly easy to read. Fr. Thomas writes in a simple, clear manner, almost as if he were speaking. The subject is a very deep one, and often made too intellectual. This book takes the subject and makes it very "user-friendly". I would recommend it for beginners to the spiritual life, but also for those re-exploring their relationship with Christ - as we are called to do constantly. Nothing new, just a great way of presenting material that can help anyone seeking to know Christ better and improve their relationship with Him and with others.

This is a really great book so far. I have not finished it but based on what I've read so far I can't imagine the rest of the book will be anything less than inspirational. This book is for beginngers thru.... Anyone and everyone can benefit no matter where you are or aren't in your relationship with GOD. I truly feel happier lately just having read part of the book. I am taking it slow, looking words up in a dictionary that I don't know so that I can understand his point, and looking up passages in the Bible that are referred to but not quoted in the book. In other words, I am taking a long time to read the book. I AM SO EXCITED about every word I have read so far. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because he occasionally does use words that I don't think many will know. That is the only reason I didn't give a 5. Don't let me scare you about the words, they are few and far between but if he is also trying to reach people who are just beginners in their walk with Christ I don't think he should be using any words that are not everyday words we all use. I very very very highly recommend this book!

I think it's fair to say that a better guide to living in a more harmonious way with oneself and ones neighbor can scarcely be found--if one wants food for thought presented in an easily-digestible manner. The author, Fr. Thomas Williams, writes in such an easy, down-to-earth style as is not commonly found in works urging one to trust in a Higher Power. On the other hand, the exhortation, following St. Ignatius of Loyola, "Act as if everything depended upon you and pray as if everything depended upon God" makes it plain that human effort is vital. In fact, it sums up the purpose of "Spiritual Progress" for me, its lessons and even anecdotes reflecting the gentle, enthusiastic spirit of the writer. Most highly recommended to persons of all faiths. Even though we all have limited shelf space, I urge the reader to hold onto this book in anticipation of the time when a comforting reminder of its contents is needed.

This is an excellent book for both the spritual novice or the expert theologian. It is an easy read and a concise explanation of timeless Christian principles with concrete examples of how to apply them in our lives today. We bought a copy for everyone we love.

Timley and driving right to the soul! This is a book aimed at the people who need it most; those who may be insecure about their faith or others who are curious. His message is universally strong and for everybody who wish to visit with a truth-filled message. The chapters on holiness and spiritual direction were particularly useful to me.