Beyond Spiritual Mediocrity - For the good yet "stuck" Christian
"Deep Conversion / Deep Prayer" by Fr. Thomas DuBay is relatively brief synopsis of what he describes to be a "sure fire program" in growing closer with God through meditative/contemplative prayer. In this book, Fr. DuBay uses a similar formula as in attacking a subject as he does in some of his other works; identify the problem, begin one by one removing our personal justifications/excuses for not addressing the problem, then revealing (having built up the reader's intrigue at this point) a method for addressing the issue in a concrete manner.
This book is an excellent tool for helping the "pretty good Christian" move further along the sometimes elusive path of holiness. As many who would consider this book for reading would attest, it is one thing to give up obvious mortal sins in the early (and perhaps most exciting) days of our personal conversions. What seems to be more challenging is ridding ourselves of the less obvious-- and at times more pesky-- venial sins. This often discouraging process allows many of us to slowly digress into spiritual mediocrity, rote prayer, or worse. "Deep Conversion / Deep Prayer" offers a practical framework in re-initiating progress in the spiritual walk.
I have only one critique to offer on this book, and it involves the final chapter which spends time discussing the Sacrament of Reconciliation... it seems slightly out of place, when it becomes clear that the main purpose of the sections seems to be promoting brevity and perhaps a lesser frequency of the Sacrament than one who is pursuing deeper holiness would expect. Fr. DuBay's reasoning is sound--both practically and theologically--and it seems he most fears that some (others) are not approaching the Sacrament because of the length of time it may require due to the fact that some penitents are using the time to seek deeper counseling/spiritual direction. I admit to still wrestling with his point; having run retreats for both youth and adults, I find that many are more likely to put off going to confession (especially after a long absence) for other logistical reasons; they feel they might not know the "formula" of what they are supposed to say to the priest, or (and I have experienced this myself), they encounter the lack of clarity as to what to do when you even enter a Church for confession (is there a line? Where is the front/back? Where are the confessionals? Will I be behind a screen/face-to-face? etc.) That being said, Fr. DuBay's point IS valid, and perhaps he is keenly aware that the audience who is willing to read this book may very well need to hear this message.
One final note I would make here involves the complimentarity of Fr. Thomas DuBay's writings. In my estimation, it would be best for the soul seeking holiness to read all of them, as each seems to dwell on a different facet/dimension of personal holiness. Taken together, they form quite a magnificent full-course meal for the soul.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback.
Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.