lydiajlong's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
“The soul learns which activities bring God’s presence nearer and remains in His presence by practicing those activities.”
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This was a quick, helpful read for anyone who wants to grow in their prayer life and their connection with God. There is so much to glean from the life and words of Brother Lawrence.
•
This was a quick, helpful read for anyone who wants to grow in their prayer life and their connection with God. There is so much to glean from the life and words of Brother Lawrence.
raix's review
2.0
This book is more suited for people who are already devout Christians. It's so steeped with Christian ideology that if you're trying to approach it from any other faith you really need to stretch your metaphors to make it even slightly palatable. Also not really suited for anyone who has just become interested in Christianity because brother Lawrence was just SO devout. I found it ironic that brother Lawrence was apparently so humble, but the last chapter of the book is his friend praising him for how perfect he was (although, it can be forgiven as it was written by a close friend of his after his death - so of course it is going to be praising him).
leviofmichigan's review
2.0
The good parts reminded me of what Thich Nhat Hanh writes about mindfulness, and for that matter, what TNH appreciates about Christianity.
The bad parts were like listening to a particularly pious friend brag about how much they trust G-d. I don’t know. When I first started reading this when I had a library copy like three years ago, I really liked it, but now, it’s just…. Not as good as I remember. And to be fair, I barely read more than a chapter back then.
Anyway, the most offending portion was when he told someone not to get comfort from anything else, like medicine, because if you do, then you’re not fully trusting G-d to heal you, and so G-d won’t heal you. I’m sorry, but asceticism is out, and modern medicine is in, and I will let the Holy Spirit dwell in my heart all the way to the pharmacy, thanks.
The bad parts were like listening to a particularly pious friend brag about how much they trust G-d. I don’t know. When I first started reading this when I had a library copy like three years ago, I really liked it, but now, it’s just…. Not as good as I remember. And to be fair, I barely read more than a chapter back then.
Anyway, the most offending portion was when he told someone not to get comfort from anything else, like medicine, because if you do, then you’re not fully trusting G-d to heal you, and so G-d won’t heal you. I’m sorry, but asceticism is out, and modern medicine is in, and I will let the Holy Spirit dwell in my heart all the way to the pharmacy, thanks.
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