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THE SPIRIT OF LOVE by C. P. Kelley

THE SPIRIT OF LOVE

By

Publisher: Harper

This is an exposition of the life and teachings of St. Francis de Sales as far as they bear upon the doctrine of love which has been so closely associated with the great French saint, that one can write as does Jacques Maritain in his introduction of ""Salesian spirituality"". The author's treatment is interesting. This is neither a biography nor a treatise on Christian love. It is rather an exposition of de Sales' position that Christian love is a returning of the love of God. Such love known no limits and is all embracing. The author sets forth in succeeding chapters, ""Love -- The Via Media"", ""The Theology of Love"" ""Love and the World"", ""Love's Strategy"", ""Love in Contemplation"" and ""Love in Practice."" His exposition is illustrated new by reference to the saint's life, now by excerpts from his writings. The author makes no pretense of writing for theologians nor for historians. It is a back for the laity, primarily Catholics, although other devotees of the mystic way would find it helpful. It is not ""easy reading"" but neither is it too difficult for thoughtful readers.