The Complete Fenelon (Paraclete Giants) -by Francois Fénelon, Robert Edmonson.
However, Fenelon met this Mde. Guyon, who expounded a doctrine of "QUIETISM" (inner contemplation), along with a total abandonment to God. She was arrested and declaired ANTITHEMA by the church. Fenelon could have ignored this, and kept his wealth, statis, power...but instead followed his heart, and wrote a defense of Mde. Guyon before her execution. Fenelon lost THIS WORLD, but he gained THE SPIRITUAL WORLD. The Pope in 1699 condemned some of Fenelon's writings (At the insistence of the King of France, and other enemies at Court.) So FENELON was exiled, however, he kept up written correspondance with his spiritual children. These letters addressing various spiritual problems people face, make up the bulk of this title.
His work has been collected for a long time, under titles like THE ROYAL WAY OF THE CROSS, or MEDITATIONS ON THE HEART.
For those of us with SPECIFIC spiritual problems, the book functions like a wise old saint ready to answer your every dilemna in life with compassion, and spiritual clarity. Naturally given his education, and time at the court as Archbishop, Fenelon has a beautiful, elegant, succinct writing style. He knew his letters were directed to others with just as much education, and erudite tastes, yet who still strived for spiritual awareness. But dont think that FENELON rolled over for these courtiers, and told them what THEY wanted to hear.
Even tho we dont know what his spiritual children were asking him, the letters each have titles, listed in full in the CONTENTS for each "book". This makes the edition very easy to use, as a resource for those struggling with their spirituality, but may not have a spiritual director, or may be in a large church who's priest may not have the time to devote to everyone's spiritual problems. Or, you may just be taking the path on your own, it doesnt matter.
Fenelon wrote exclusively for christians, which in his world meant Catholics. Since much of this was written during the heights of the THIRTY YEARS WAR in Europe, and the Counter reformation, Fenelon DOES come out with the occasional stinger directed towards Martin Luther, and "those heathen protestants". Ususally spiritualy doenst date, because the TRUTH today, is the TRUTH from beginning to end...abiding truths are eternal, and live in the spiritual heart, not in church politics. However, if you can find it in yourself to overlook the attacks on protestants, you're in for a spiritually rewarding resource.
I find the book so useful. When I have a specific problem, I turn to the Contents page, find the problem, like "DEALING WISELY WITH THE FAULTS OF OTHERS", which Fenelon explains in two pages, without obtuse theological terms. I end up with at least good council about how to deal with the faults of others. IT may not always be what I WANT to hear, but its always insightful, and no doubt void of spiritual compromise on Fenelon's part.
He writes from the heart, more than the head, as any mystic would. Nevertheless, Fenelon tacks Biblical backup onto his advice, when the situation calls for it. Some questions are almost too humiliating for some to seek out answers from their priest. Say I'm asking myself if my humility is a MASK, or is sincere from my heart. I look up "FALSE AND REAL HUMILITY", discovering answers, or at least an objective opinion. We all have our individual crosses, obviously. (Fenelon covers that on page 38, GODS INDIVIDUAL CROSSES). And, we each have certain problems (sins), that may plague US, but not someone else. I might think I'm very spiritually advanced, when I'm not at all. SO, i read "FALSE NOTIONS OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESS". If I'm bearing the lies of others, there's a wise answer for that situation. If not an answer, at least a sagacious observation about how to MAINTAIN under these hardships.
Everything imaginable seems delt with at some point, from Spiritual aridity, to Spiritual Perfection. (aka Divine Union). The collected writings arent a metaphysical discourse reflecting scholasticism, or the logistics of theological debate, or an examination of the minutia of Catholic dogma.
Fenelon has humbly bequeathed us answers for the EVERYMAN seeker. These topics cover everything from RULES FOR A BUSY LIFE, and LIVING IN THE PRESENT, to TRUE PRAYER OF THE HEART. (That was odd, cos PRAYER OF THE HEART is often considered the domain of the Orthodox theologican.)
His "spiritual children" were from ALL walks of life-- the rich, affluent and powerful, to the lowliest of Monk or Nun. Tho our SPIRITUAL PATH starts from our individual soul's placement, it always end at the same place, ABANDONMENT to GOD.
Abandoning ourselves to God's will fulfills our spiritual potential. Discovering the perfect method of bearing our own SPIRITUAL CROSS, reveals God's TRUE teachings direct from the Holy Spirit. I don't doubt that Fenelon was a great theologican, and well as a refined, charming courtier priest. When he abandoned religious titles, wealth, fame and luxury, in order to pursue the path of the renunciant, Fenelon moved into the realm of the Saint.
His discourse is self effacing, and always concerned over the trials and temptations his spiritual children endured. If you are a christian, espeically catholilc, Episcopalian, Luthern, or even Orthodox, his philosophy should speak to you without issue. Since the spiritual topics are delt with directly, Fenelon's collection will be useful to anyone. Those who want some fast spiritual advice from a saintly person, without researching tons of theological texts for answers, here's a book for you. Since you can check inside the book with that feature Amazon has, I recommend that. You'll find his own words arent overflowing with stale Catholic Dogma, or obtuse thinking.
For me, this book has been there with specific answers, when I most needed them. For that reason alone, it's a great asset for my own walk towards God. My that blessing be shared by others. PEACE.
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For those who are unfamiliar with such works as these, which would include Madame Guyon, who in my humble opinion does not approach the height this man brings one too, must understand that his writing must be read with an attitude of meditation, one must digest his words and ruminate upon them that the life present within, bursts forth like the sun through dark clouds.
My inward journey towards the heart of G-d has been greatly enhanced because of this book and there is a continual sense of the vail which naturally hides the majesty of G-d when self is on the throne, is being slowly dismantled so that the glory of His person is becoming more of a reality.
Top Customer Reviews
By W.T.Hoffman TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on September 14, 2009
A priest recommended this writer to me, whom I was completely unfamiliar with. Fenelon's backround (covered in the introduction) is as interesting as his spiritual thinking. He originally from impoverished minor French nobility, from around the mid-late 1600s, when the nobility was starting to fall apart. He entered the priesthood, and eventually became an Archbishop, hobnobbing with the King at Versailles.
His work has been collected for a long time, under titles like THE ROYAL WAY OF THE CROSS, or MEDITATIONS ON THE HEART.
For those of us with SPECIFIC spiritual problems, the book functions like a wise old saint ready to answer your every dilemna in life with compassion, and spiritual clarity. Naturally given his education, and time at the court as Archbishop, Fenelon has a beautiful, elegant, succinct writing style. He knew his letters were directed to others with just as much education, and erudite tastes, yet who still strived for spiritual awareness. But dont think that FENELON rolled over for these courtiers, and told them what THEY wanted to hear.
Even tho we dont know what his spiritual children were asking him, the letters each have titles, listed in full in the CONTENTS for each "book". This makes the edition very easy to use, as a resource for those struggling with their spirituality, but may not have a spiritual director, or may be in a large church who's priest may not have the time to devote to everyone's spiritual problems. Or, you may just be taking the path on your own, it doesnt matter.
Fenelon wrote exclusively for christians, which in his world meant Catholics. Since much of this was written during the heights of the THIRTY YEARS WAR in Europe, and the Counter reformation, Fenelon DOES come out with the occasional stinger directed towards Martin Luther, and "those heathen protestants". Ususally spiritualy doenst date, because the TRUTH today, is the TRUTH from beginning to end...abiding truths are eternal, and live in the spiritual heart, not in church politics. However, if you can find it in yourself to overlook the attacks on protestants, you're in for a spiritually rewarding resource.
I find the book so useful. When I have a specific problem, I turn to the Contents page, find the problem, like "DEALING WISELY WITH THE FAULTS OF OTHERS", which Fenelon explains in two pages, without obtuse theological terms. I end up with at least good council about how to deal with the faults of others. IT may not always be what I WANT to hear, but its always insightful, and no doubt void of spiritual compromise on Fenelon's part.
He writes from the heart, more than the head, as any mystic would. Nevertheless, Fenelon tacks Biblical backup onto his advice, when the situation calls for it. Some questions are almost too humiliating for some to seek out answers from their priest. Say I'm asking myself if my humility is a MASK, or is sincere from my heart. I look up "FALSE AND REAL HUMILITY", discovering answers, or at least an objective opinion. We all have our individual crosses, obviously. (Fenelon covers that on page 38, GODS INDIVIDUAL CROSSES). And, we each have certain problems (sins), that may plague US, but not someone else. I might think I'm very spiritually advanced, when I'm not at all. SO, i read "FALSE NOTIONS OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESS". If I'm bearing the lies of others, there's a wise answer for that situation. If not an answer, at least a sagacious observation about how to MAINTAIN under these hardships.
Everything imaginable seems delt with at some point, from Spiritual aridity, to Spiritual Perfection. (aka Divine Union). The collected writings arent a metaphysical discourse reflecting scholasticism, or the logistics of theological debate, or an examination of the minutia of Catholic dogma.
Fenelon has humbly bequeathed us answers for the EVERYMAN seeker. These topics cover everything from RULES FOR A BUSY LIFE, and LIVING IN THE PRESENT, to TRUE PRAYER OF THE HEART. (That was odd, cos PRAYER OF THE HEART is often considered the domain of the Orthodox theologican.)
His "spiritual children" were from ALL walks of life-- the rich, affluent and powerful, to the lowliest of Monk or Nun. Tho our SPIRITUAL PATH starts from our individual soul's placement, it always end at the same place, ABANDONMENT to GOD.
Abandoning ourselves to God's will fulfills our spiritual potential. Discovering the perfect method of bearing our own SPIRITUAL CROSS, reveals God's TRUE teachings direct from the Holy Spirit. I don't doubt that Fenelon was a great theologican, and well as a refined, charming courtier priest. When he abandoned religious titles, wealth, fame and luxury, in order to pursue the path of the renunciant, Fenelon moved into the realm of the Saint.
His discourse is self effacing, and always concerned over the trials and temptations his spiritual children endured. If you are a christian, espeically catholilc, Episcopalian, Luthern, or even Orthodox, his philosophy should speak to you without issue. Since the spiritual topics are delt with directly, Fenelon's collection will be useful to anyone. Those who want some fast spiritual advice from a saintly person, without researching tons of theological texts for answers, here's a book for you. Since you can check inside the book with that feature Amazon has, I recommend that. You'll find his own words arent overflowing with stale Catholic Dogma, or obtuse thinking.
For me, this book has been there with specific answers, when I most needed them. For that reason alone, it's a great asset for my own walk towards God. My that blessing be shared by others. PEACE.
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By C. Anderson on January 4, 2013
I am an avid reader and studier of God's Word, and I will boldly say that this is my all-time favorite book on how to live the Christian life. I have found none better--nope. Not Tozer, not C.S. Lewis. Fenelon is the best. Fenelon's words are the simplest phrases, just like the simplicity that is in Christ. You can't help but benefit from his simple direct encouragement and counsel. I have highlighted nearly 50% of the book, and am encouraged EVERY time I read it. I have emailed quotes from Fenelon too many times to count. His words were perfect for living during the reign of Louis XIV, and they are perfect for living now--if your goal is to seek Christ with all your heart.
Get this book.
Get this book.
By Trevor B. Harvey on October 8, 2013
Format: Paperback
Having read this book through three times since receiving it, the spiritual depth of understanding that can for those who will hear what Fenelon is saying, only bring forth spiritual fruit in abundance.
He repeatedly confronts us with our greatest enemy, SELF, this inward monster that if permitted to live is the ultimate barrier to anyone who desires to have a relationship with G-d, who also along with Moses desire above all else to see His glory and be transformed by it from the inside outward.For those who are unfamiliar with such works as these, which would include Madame Guyon, who in my humble opinion does not approach the height this man brings one too, must understand that his writing must be read with an attitude of meditation, one must digest his words and ruminate upon them that the life present within, bursts forth like the sun through dark clouds.
My inward journey towards the heart of G-d has been greatly enhanced because of this book and there is a continual sense of the vail which naturally hides the majesty of G-d when self is on the throne, is being slowly dismantled so that the glory of His person is becoming more of a reality.
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By JD on October 1, 2014
This book was worth every hour it took to digest. It takes wisdom to eloquently and succinctly teach truth about suffering, God's nature, relationships, and joy. It's systematic theology the way it should be taught...unsystematically. There are some pages where I highlighted almost the entire page. I encourage you to take a look at the table of contents as the titles accurately describes the chapters. The book is an easier read than most dead guys, and I appreciate the concise thinking. Here are some quotes:
"You will always find freedom in God so long as you do not give way to the false idea that you have lost your freedom."
"It would be as great a miracle to see a person full of self die suddenly to self-consciousness and self-interest as it would be to see a child go to bed a mere child and rise up the next morning thirty."
"He never willingly puts us to any pain. His fatherly heart does not desire to grieve us, but he cuts to the quick so that he may heal the ulcers of our spiritual being."
"self-love cannot bear to see itself. The sight would overwhelm it with shame and irritation, and if it catches an accidental glimpse, it seeks some false light that may soften and condone what is so hideous."
This book has been a surprise as I had never heard of Fenelon. I read it because it was referenced as one of the authors AW Tozer read. Hope to read it a couple of times. Currently on my top 10 list.
"You will always find freedom in God so long as you do not give way to the false idea that you have lost your freedom."
"It would be as great a miracle to see a person full of self die suddenly to self-consciousness and self-interest as it would be to see a child go to bed a mere child and rise up the next morning thirty."
"He never willingly puts us to any pain. His fatherly heart does not desire to grieve us, but he cuts to the quick so that he may heal the ulcers of our spiritual being."
"self-love cannot bear to see itself. The sight would overwhelm it with shame and irritation, and if it catches an accidental glimpse, it seeks some false light that may soften and condone what is so hideous."
This book has been a surprise as I had never heard of Fenelon. I read it because it was referenced as one of the authors AW Tozer read. Hope to read it a couple of times. Currently on my top 10 list.
