Jordan Aumann (1915–2007)

I've just finished reading Spiritual Theology by Father Jordan Aumann O.P.

Father Aumann was Director of the Institute of Spirituality at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He was also a Consultor for the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy and Catechetics and likewise a Consultor for the Sacred Congregation for Evangelisation.

I read this book as part of my ongoing exploration of Christian spirituality. I've realised that this exploration has been more about 'mapping the territory' and gaining an understanding of the disciplines conducive to spiritual development than about understanding precisely where I am on the journey.

My reading of this work followed on shortly from my completion of the magisterial work of another Thomist and Dominican, Father Reginald Garrigou Lagrange O.P., The Three Ages of the Interior Life.

Reading the two consecutively helped to reinforced many of the ideas from Father Garrigou Lagrange's work, but there was also much new material to consider. Both works sang from the same hymn sheet as it were, being based on the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. John of the Cross. And I think that by reading the two together it helped me to develop my understanding of the more difficult or alien concepts.

This book is extremely comprehensive in its own right and thoroughly systematic in its approach. It comprises of two parts in the one volume.

The first part explicates the doctrinal foundations for the discipline of spiritual theology, covering the nature and scope of spiritual theology; the goal of our striving; our life in Christ and Mary; the supernatural organism and perfection in the Christian life and how this relates to mystical experience.

The second part deals with the process of growth in holiness, by considering purgation from sin; progressive purgation; the means of spiritual growth; the theological and moral virtues; grades of prayer, aids to spiritual growth and finally the discernment of spirits.

I would suggest that there is little in the spiritual life that isn't covered in this book. It has served two key purposes for me - one is to reinforce a structure around spirituality that was formed by reading Father Garrigou Lagrange's work, and secondly provide me with a greater understanding of 'what good looks like' on the spiritual journey.

I came away from my read feeling greatly inspired to rededicate myself to the Christian spiritual journey. I'm sure that having read through this work in the space of ten days, I will be rereading it again in future as well as referring to it frequently.

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