Ciencia de la Cruz

by Santa Edith Stein, Fco. Javier Sancho Fermín (Adapter)

Rare book

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Theology, Philosophy, Spirituality, Christianity, Poetry

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

Reviews

[Francine Anene]

This is book is amazing! It has wonderful chapters on faith, so if anyone is ever in a place where nothing makes sense any more - one learns that THAT is when the opportunity for "faith" exists. If you struggle with Kafka-like nihilism, then this book perfect for you. You may go from being ready to give up any moral undertakings that you chose to being fervent and passionate about your faith again. :) Edith Stein is like the female mentor that you wish you always had. It is probably due to her former atheism and strong intellectual background that her work is so powerful.

Its especially relevant for those who are critical of "Catholic culture" as she calls it, due to her reflections on St. John of the Cross.

Finally, the last chapters are a reflection on the Cross. She never mentions St. Louis de Montfort, but she captures that the cross is the root of new life just like he does in Love of Eternal Wisdom. :)

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of a dense read but a very good explanation of what the Dark Night of the Soul actually entails as a method of getting closer to God. Seems like Edith Stein was all about negative theology, which she considers the proper attitude to get into mysticism.

[Parmida R. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great spiritual commentary on spirituality of John of the Cross by St. Edith Stein.

[djt · Rating 5 out of 5]

To begin with, knowing the life of St.Elizabeth Benedicta of The Cross, Edith Stein, gives so much insite and although this book is a difficult read, it's message is one of great understanding of the trials of our lives. I read this together with a group and it led to wonderful discussions of struggling with life's difficulties. Edith Stein's writing, and subject matter, is very complex, however, she manages to put the thoughts and theories to very simple, understandable words in this book. I do, however, have to re-read because only l reading leaves so much more to be understood.

[G.P. Loehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great compliment to the writings of St. John of the Cross

[Javierdelar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un libro muy difícil. Es un intento por perderte de la santa de explicar la poesía de san juan de la cruz y como a través de ella el tanto trata el tema de la cruz y del amor a Cristo. No sé si es la profundidad de lo que comenta, que junto a una traducción algo justa hace que muchos pasajes los hayas tenido que leer tres veces. Las ultimas páginas son más llevaderas pero es difícil llegar hasta ellas

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say that I’ve read every word, but we’ve officially concluded our Carmelite book club this year with a big party. It was good to be with St Edith Stein & John of the Cross this year.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional account of John of the Cross’s works; not sure if it could be labeled a work of phenomenology proper, but certainly in that sphere

[Tami Schuelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was led by God into the dark night of the soul for 6 yrs. Not understanding what my soul was going through and having no spiritual guidance this book for me was sent by God so I could better understand and allow myself to be led by God in the way He was calling me.Edith Stein talks about the night of the senses, purgative way and how we have to crucify our nature through a life of self-denial. I recommend this book for those souls who are advancing in prayer and carrying the cross of Christ

[Ramón S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impresionante. Un libro para volver a leer y estudiar.
Es lo mejor que he leído sobre San Juan de la Cruz.
Una santa como Edith Stein comentando en profundidad toda la teología y la vida de San Juan.
Siempre me dió respeto leer este libro pensando que era difícil y complicado pero me he llevado una grata sorpresa. Muy, muy recomendable

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good spiritual read

For those who want to dive into the spirituality of St. John of the cross and the meaning behind his canticles. More for those who have already been introduced into the dark night, not as a beginner read.

[Zachary]

This book is so shocking. She really knows what's up

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a difficult read in spots because of the deep philosophical and religious thought of St. John of the Cross, which is so beyond what I am capable of understanding at my level of holiness. My favorite chapter was the last, which was a biography of his last days and his total surrender to superiors who deprived him of all honor, comfort, and solace. His ability to seek out and embrace this humiliation is so difficult for me to comprehend, but I don't deny that it is a true imitation of Christ. I am still in the purgative way; this book can only really be embraced fully by those more holy than I.

[Mary T. Holzhauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Experiential Perspective of St. John’s Teachings

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) provides an interpretive lens for St. John of the Cross that is rooted in her own experience of Carmelite spirituality. She speaks from knowledge in a very real way, and adds more description and understanding to St. John’s writings. As much as I live reading St. John (he makes sense to me), I feel like this is the book I’d recommend to others who are seeking an in-depth understanding of the spiritual life.

[Marco Moysén · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta es, al igual que un libro de anatomía avanzado para un internista, una descripción detallada de la relación del alma con Dios en la explicación de una santa a partir de las palabras de otro santo. Lo que de aquí de aprende no encuentra parangón con ninguna catequesis. Lindo libro.

[Mark Mcintyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly moving

[Lkb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! A saint/martyr helping us understand the teachings of a saint/doctor of the Church. This is no quick and easy read, of course, but well worth careful study and re-reading.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy read, but well worth it for the powerful insights into the movements of the Spirit.

[Ferulix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molto bello ma molto complesso. Non per principianti

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because the title sounds cool and because I was really inspired by Edith Stein's life story from reading Herbstrith's biography. I really enjoyed this book, though I did find her style a little bit heady at times (not inaccessible though). I would describe it as a peek into the interior life of John of the Cross as expressed through his writings. Edith doesn't shy away from digging into the some of his most well-known writings, sometimes line by line, to speak from her heart about how she sees the truth that "all roads lead through the Cross." She also gives context, showing the continuity between the life and example of John of the Cross and his writings. What makes this work more intriguing than any other academic or spiritual study of John of the Cross is that Edith is a saint.... an amazing saint who lived the reality of the Cross, who moved "through fire along a path from the cross of Christ to the glory of his resurrection." This spiritual heart-to-heart between two saints who knew the Cross so intimately is worth listening in on.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

quelques mots d'Edith Stein traduit pour la l1ere fois en français