Customer Reviews

Unseen Warfare: The Spiritual Combat and Path to Paradise of Lorenzo Scupoli

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This story of this text begins in 16th century Italy, when Lorenzo Scupoli wrote "The Spiritual Combat". Interestingly, the book arose from a series of letters to an "unknown sister in Christ" (the original text contains many female pronouns) on the spiritual life. The theme of spiritual combat is certainly present throughout the text, but Scupoli sees this battle as being won by not relying on self or trusting oneself but by confidence in God. Establishing this foundation first, he continues with advice on overcoming vices and the snares of the devil, growing in virtue, prayer and meditation, and practical advice on a few other topics. His words show great wisdom and spiritual depth, and the success of the book (600 editions in the four centuries since his death) is well deserved. One of the places it ended up was in the Greek monasteries of Mt. Athos, where Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain translated it with some editorial changes to make it more suitable to Orthodox readers. He added Scripture texts as well. It was this version that came into the hands of a Russian, Theophan the Recluse, who translated it into Russian with even more substantive changes ( the Jesus Prayer, quotes from the Fathers) that left some chapters entirely reworked, although others retain the wording of Scupoli's original. This work became an Orthodox classic in its own right, and which is here published under the title "Unseen Warfare". It is marked by a profound wisdom of its own, and both Scupoli's text and this one are the sort of work that can provide spiritual meat for those who are willing to read and re-read them, chewing on their spiritual themes. I have found it an excellent meditation for growing in Christian character and building strong faith. I hope it helps you too! (Scupoli's work, by the way, can be found with an introduction in the book "Theatine Spirituality: Selected Writings" which is part of the Classics of Western Spirituality series put out by Paulist Press--perhaps readers not inclined to the Orthodoxy in "Unseen Warfare" would prefer the original Roman Catholic work).

the Roman Catholic version from Tan Books is the more literal translation, and the wording more direct, however, this the Orthodox text is more of an interpretive rewrite containing many insightful embellishments that are certainly worth digesting. The 60 page introduction, though longer than necessary, provides background information that heightens one's appreciation of this 500 year old classic. For Protestants, this is the version I recommend, but if one can't read <God punishes> and think <God disciplines>, then bypass this book entirely. To truly appreciate the work, I suggest reading both a chapter at a time simultaneously, which can easily be done in 2 months if used as a daily reader. The chapters are short (1-5 pages) and limited to single topics. Many people preach what others should do, this tells how. Must reading if spiritual growth, to grow in virtue and moral purity in the presence of our Lord, is your desire.

This book will set you on the path to God, if you so desire. It dispells with a lot of the myths and answers the important questions that most folks need answered but don't even know to ask. For example: What is the goal of the spiritual life?

As a Christian pacifist, I'm extremely wary of militaristic language, in either common speech ("bullet points" or "I got bombed last night") or allegedly spiritual discourse ("Onward Christian soldiers, marching off to war..."). So I was initially put off by the title _Unseen Warfare_. But as soon as I began reading the book, it becane clear that the type of warfare discussed was quite different from what we usually take the word to mean.

Scupoli (along with Nicodemus & Theophan, his Orthodox editors) argues that Christian perfection lies in aligning one's will with God's, but that this alignment is extremely difficult because an entire army of contrary "wills" resides in us, continuously dragging us away from God. In order to counter these "wills," the Christian must arm herself with "invisible weapons." The "most trustworthy and unconquerable" of them are: (1) never rely on yourself in anything; (2) always bear in your heart a perfect and all-daring trust in God alone; (3) strive without ceasing; and (4) remain constantly in prayer.

It's clear that these weapons, rather than seeking to overpower by sheer brute strength, take seriously the strength-through- powerlessness that St. Paul writes about. Unseen warfare is fought not by pitting one's will against a foe, but by surrendering oneself to God; not by trusting in one's own resources, but by acknowledging dependence; not by risking everything on one flashy, dramatic battle, but by persevering, little by little, day by day; and not by drawing up battle plans so much as by ceaseless praying. The language may be militaristic, but the purport of the language actually subverts the violence and self-assertion associated with war. It speaks of self-sacrifice, love, devotion, discipline.

_Unseen Warfare_ is a sobering read, because it convicts the reader (or at least it convicted THIS reader) of falling woefully short in the quest for Christian perfection. But it's also an inspiring and ennobling read, because it encourages the reader to greater resolve. Highly recommended.

All I would add to the previous reviews is that I found the chapters on prayer - largely the work of St. Theophan rather than Scupoli - to be especially useful. His approach to prayer is the classical approach of the Eastern Church. These chapters alone are worth the price of the book and justify chosing the Orthodox rewrite over the original.

I am now on my third copy of this great classic. Earlier copies fallen apart from use.

This work along with St. John Cassian's Conferences gives the needed help for the stuggles of our journey through life.

When started, this work may appear a fairly easy read. Upon reflection it is very deep and rich guide. Well worth the time to read and follow the advice.

I strongly recommend this edition.

While a number of books on Christian spirituality discuss the ascetic means by which reunion with God can be facilitated this is one of the few I have found in English geared toward the layperson (but still relevant for the ascetic).

I cannot add a great deal to what other reviewers have said except that I was pleased but not surprised to discover that St Nektarios was said to regularly read Unseen Warfare (see "St Nektarios", a Saint for Our Century). After reading this remarkable Saint's life this is no surprise. The (Orthodox) Church has exalted Nektarios to the level of the Holy Fathers evidently because he battled and defeated his passions while living in the world--an often more difficult feat than doing so in seclusion.

To accomplish such instruction Unseen Warfare takes the teachings one would derive from reading the lives of the saints and/or the Philokalia and places them within an almost instruction manual setting. However, it is far more readable and alive that a simple manual. The book speaks to the reader in a fashion that a staretz would speak to his son or daughter.

I would disagree with some reviewers who have said it is a good "introduction" to spirituality. If one is looking for dense theological material then indeed, Unseen Warfare, may seem more straightforward. It is also easier to read than say, the "Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian". However, the former such work is not intended for spiritual development and the latter is for the monk (peroperly guided by a spiritual father) who has reached a very advanced spiritual level. Moreover, putting what is said into practice (which theological material almost never concerns itself with) makes it as "deep" as the writings of St Simeon the New Theologian or Abba Dorotheos (from whom many discussions are borrowed).

One thing I would suggest is to skip the introduction. It is misleading and often simply incorrect about what is going on in the text. The author (H.A. Hodges) also seems only to refer to Catholic figures as saints while disrespectfully referring to St. Nicodemus and St. Theophan as merely "Nicodemus and Theophan". Moreover, the introduction, while making an attempt to sound deeply theological is rather simple-minded, or I should say, "simple-hearted". Hodges clearly has little idea of what the essence or goal of spiritual struggle is yet he wishes to overlook its nuances in order to make the Roman and Orthodox Churches appear to be "two sides of the same coin". He neglects the fact that grace is simply more perceptible in one church than in the other and that much of this is due to the Orthodox preservation of the essential lessons contained in Unseen Warfare. Such a reductionist approach merely wastes the reader's time and delays the valuable lessons of the text.

Finally, and I say this with caution, while I believe everyone needs a spiritual father (a guide who can objectively evaluate your thinking, as the book suggests) the book is an excellent guide for someone who has yet to find one BUT who prays to God that one will be given to her. Temporarily, it can suffice to answer a number of questions when no one experienced in spiritual warfare is around to assist.

`For the good that I would do, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do'

Romans 7:19

Very many wish to be vouchsafed the Kingdom without labours, without struggles, without sweat; but this is impossible.
If you love the glories of men, and desire to be worshipped, and seek comfort, you are going off the path. You must be crucified with the Crucified One, suffer with Him that suffered, that you may be glorified with Him that is glorified.

- St. Macarius of Egypt

How many times have you sought to please God - and yet no matter how hard you try, you fall? And the same thing happens over and over again. The words of St Paul ring true for many people - as much as we seek to please God, we cannot. Why? According to Unseen Warfare, the number one reason is self-reliance. Instead of acknowledging ourselves as weak and trusting in God, we trust in our efforts alone. This book thus seeks to challenge and change the struggler's methods in battling for their salvation.

There are four main methods suggested in this book -
(i) Do not trust in yourself but in God alone
(ii) Pray with warm hearted, humble prayers
(iii) Be wary of the evil one and his traps at all times
(iv) If you transgress, quickly turn to repentance but do not despair.

The book elaborates on each of these four points and gives solid advice on how to conquer your passions. In addition to this, there is a separate section devoted to prayer, where suggestions are made on how we should accustom ourselves to pray with all sincerity before God.

This book has drawn a certain amount of criticism from some reviewers. One reviewer (astonishingly) admits to not having actually read the whole book, and yet feels he is in a position to describe it as being `not really Orthodox'. This, despite the fact that it was re-written by two Orthodox saints precisely for the assistance and edification of Orthodox Christians. Furthermore, it has been approved by Mount Athos. The reviewer appears to believe that man is saved by faith alone. Yet, how do we demonstrate our faith in God? Through works. And what are those works? Repentance and the fulfilling of God's commandments. That is the essence of this book. It gives us the `spiritual weapons' needed to show our faith in God through our works - through amending our lives to live in accordance with God's laws and in accordance with the way God has intended us to live. As we read in John 14:23 `Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man loves Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.' Indeed, if your belief is such that you think you only need `faith', without any form of self-amendment, then this book is certainly not for you. If on the other hand, you wish to at least attempt to follow Jesus' commandment when He says `he who wishes to be My disciple, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me', then read this book as it teaches us the methods by which we deny ourselves and follow the Lord with faith and trust in Him alone.

One final note, this book has been excellently summarised by Fr. Jack N Sparks into three short books, written specifically with the layman in mind. These books, published by Conciliar Press are:
Virtue in the Unseen Warfare;
Prayer in the Unseen Warfare; and
Victory in the Unseen Warfare.

Every Christian is faced with a battle with an unseen foe. In His book, "Unseen Warefare," Lorenzo Scupoli gives the Christian excellent tools with which to wage this war. This writing is not for the casual reader. But, if you are serious about your faith and wish to fortify your self for the battle, this book is a must for your library.

See Peterprint 's comments in this 2-star review section. This work is strife with unhealthy (and un-Orthodox) self-abasement. We live in confusing times and discerning the difference between humility and masquerading pride is a challenge.

Peterprint's review is accurate, and in particular his 'comments section' with multiple quotes from the Holy Fathers reflect a truer Orthodoxy. I am a convert from the Latin, and although there is merit to the West, there is much greater incorrectness. The encroachment of Latin theology upon Orthodoxy has created an unhealthy mixed fruit that ultimately detracts from the original. Embrace your spiritual healing first before marching forth into warfare.

The compassion and inclusion generated by more of the Fathers, as typified by the quotes presented, are a truer rendering of God's grace. The error in the Western doctrine of "Original Sin" is itself a spiritual attack; a prideful self-judgment contrary to the love which God has, will continue, and for the ages, shown and shared with us.
River of Fire
The Ancestral sin