The Beatitudes: Soundings in Christian Traditions

by Simon Tugwell

The Author, Simon Tugwell says, "The primary concern has been to use the Beatitudes as a starting point for reflection on what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ . . . a reflection nourished by all kinds of dippings into the traditions of the Church as well as sources which are not Christian and these, too, come from a variety of ages and localities."

Genres: Spirituality, Theology, Catholic, Faith

180 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1986

Reviews

[Kayleigh P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really beautifully written, a trait I do not expect theology books to exhibit. I finished it but had to rush through - I think this is a book to savor, maybe as a morning devotional. Interesting take on the beatitudes - what is meant by "poverty of spirit," "those who mourn," etc - our definitions might be a bit too simplistic. Their were some things about universalism that made me go hmmm. I

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most level headed and clear spiritual book I've ever read. Changed the way I understand how to interpret the Beatitudes. Tremendous sense of peace after reading every chapter. Remarkable experience.

[Emily Strom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been gushing to everyone I know about how much I like this book, and maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but I really appreciate how Tugwell takes a text I've read many times and helps me understand it in a completely new light. I used to think of the Beatitudes as reminders to those who are suffering that they will receive a reward in Heaven for their suffering, but now I understand how ALL of us Christians are called to mourn, to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to be meek, to be poor, to be merciful, to be pure of heart, to be peacemakers, to be persecuted for the sake of righteousness.

This text is both demanding and consoling, and since it was written in the 1960s, he is very aware of the specific struggles Christians face in the modern world.

I think the best way to promote this book is just to include some of the many excellent quotes from it:
"The children are our model because they have no claim on heaven. If they are close to God, it is because they are incompetent, not because they are innocent."

"Disaster is always disaster relative to some particular hope or desire; no disaster within our life in this world can be, simply, disaster from the point of view of eternal life and bliss."

"Blessed are those who are not in too much of a hurry to get things done, and know how to wait, helpless, nailed to their cross."

"It is part of our fallenness to be hard-hearted and incapable of warm responses, whether positive or negative. It is a part of our redemption to become more able to react."

"And even with all its deficiencies, sin itself can be put to work by God; granted that it happens, it at once begins to function as part of the providential ordering of all things for our good."

"The Christian is the artist in creation, the poet, the painter, the musician; and he knows this, he discovers his vocation in the world, when he comes to be haunted by a vision, a vision he has to express, but which yet constantly eludes his grasp."

[Steve Gambino · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is a mystery at the source of ourselves...To have a pure heart is to have a heart that is known to be rooted in the mystery of God and which must therefore systematically elude our grasp." From Chapter 10

It's a remarkable book no doubt, some chapters better than others. Chapter 10 quoted above seemed to be a high point wherein the author reflects on the beatitude: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a great analysis of the Beatitudes, as it attempts to disclose the truth regarding a right relationship to God. The author relies on denominational doctrine, however, departing at times from the Scriptures and relying on traditions (and apocryphal texts) not recorded in the Bible.

[James Rogerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything Tugwell writes is worth reading, and this is no exception. Many profound insights, and he writes with style.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read if you are ready for it

[Alyson Hinkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slim gem of a book. Insightful and applicable to our times.

[Racheal Lehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would HIGLY recommend this book! The cover is horrid but the contents are GOLD. Great insights on the human person and how we can actually live out the beatitudes in order to come to true joy.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly what I thought I was picking up. Super informative and still very inspirational.