Spiritual Letters

These letters are truly something unique in early 20th century Catholic spirituality and make a wonderful companion volume to those of Blessed Abbot Marmion, especially for anyone drawn to quiet non-discursive prayer.The introduction, which mentions the datedness of the letters, strikes me as patronizing. The only thing that’s “dated” is that these were written in beautiful language by an educated English monk about 100 years ago, in a much less secular and vulgar age. But the introduction points to the datedness of the theology (Thomism) specifically, based on the triumph of Vatican II. From the perspective of the Eastern Church, both Thomism and Vatican II are modern innovations of the Church’s timeless patristic heritage, hence they always were both false and “dated”.Repeatedly throughout the letters, Dom Chapman seems to be grasping toward the Eastern Orthodox tradition of still prayer (hesychia), which is anchored by the practice of the prayer of Jesus. This practice would have ensured the christocentric devotion lacking in his approach. I just wish he had been able to read The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church by Vladimir Lossky, published a decade after his death. Dom Chapman was definitely onto something, he just wasn’t quite sure what it was or what to call it. These amazing letters are still worth reading.

The book can be recommended for those interested in contemplation and spirituality, but I would recommend that you don't judge the book by the horrible introduction written by a problematic figure that was not the original writer but a far later figure. Rip it out.Best.

Easily the most profound set of letters ever written about the spiritual life. The key lesson -- abandonment of God's will regardless of circumstance or personal limitation -- has been recognized by many other spiritual masters as the only path to human fulfillment. But the pastoral way Dom Chapman applies this lesson in a variety of circumstances faced by his correspondents makes it unique and dynamic. Readers will see themselves in these situations and experience Chapman's advice as if it was aimed right at them.

I had a copy of this wise book on prayer years ago and misguidedly lent it to a friend who then lost it. Chapman's insights into prayer are very helpful. His first commandment is "pray as you can, don't try to pray as you can't" and his second is "the more you do it the better it goes". It's a call to simplicity and I'm delighted to have the book back on my shelf.

I understand why this is a classic in the Christian contemplative tradition. Fr. Chapman's writings in spiritual direction are some of the best advice I have encountered. This is a book to read and reread. It never gets old.