CBB Review: The Fulfillment of All Desire

Last updated on: September 29, 2016 at 1:00 am by Pete Socks

CBB Review: The Fulfillment of All Desire 2016-09-27T22:12:55-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ten years ago this month Ralph Martin released a book entitled The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints. The book has become one of the most popular books in the decade since. Catholic bishops, priests, scholars and laity have all spoken highly of it. In fact, the book has become a staple for courses in several universities, seminaries and novitiates. Needless to say this book comes highly recommended.

If you have not had a chance to read this book I’d like to offer a brief overview. In the book Ralph takes seven spiritual giants of the Catholic church and presents their teachings in an approachable and accessible manner that anyone will be able to clearly grasp. He draws from doctors of the church that have provided deep spiritual treasures the church has benefited from for centuries. St. Augustine, St. Francis de Sales, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and St. Therese of Lisieux are your spiritual guides which Ralph builds his own masterpiece upon.

The book is based upon the commonly cited stages of spiritual growth. They are the purgative way, the illuminative way and the unitive way. Each of these stages receives its own section in this 473-page gem. What we learn as we pass through each section of this book is that we purge ourselves of our sinful ways and purge ourselves of a sinful life. Once we have accomplished this task, God can lead us on the path to holiness. He prepares us for the ultimate union with Him in heaven.

The key to this book is how approachable Ralph makes it. Stepping back and looking at his subject material, he exposes the reader to some very deep subject matter as delivered by some of the greatest saints of all time. They are not called Doctor’s for nothing! What readers are left with is a well-researched guide to the spiritual life that spurns serious thought on where one is in their spiritual journey. As this thought process is begun the reader is slowly but deliberately led upon a path that will enhance, fortify and advance one’s spiritual life.

The Fulfillment of All Desire has been a spiritual classic…and rightly so. Ten years later the book still holds great significance to those who had read it. This book is a lifelong companion for the spiritual journey each of us finds ourselves on. Long after reading the last page you will find yourself returning again and again to rediscover the nuggets of wisdom buried within its pages. Ralph Martin has accomplished a feat that few have. He has crafted a book that has led many people to a deeper spiritual union with their God. And that is the surefire mark of a spiritual classic indeed.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Get your own copy of The Fulfillment of All Desire by visiting Emmaus Road Publishing.

Review

Emmaus Road Publishing

Ralph Martin

The Fulfillment of All Desire

Previous Post

September 28, 2016

The mystery of the Seraphim, Angels: Day 069

Next Post

September 29, 2016 The saints will take the place of the fallen angels, Angels: Day 070

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz