Becoming Who You Are: Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and Other Saints (Christian Classics)

From the first sentence, quoting Merton's statement that "For me, to be a saint means to be myself......therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who i am and discovering my true self" this book presents an excellent discussion of the evolution of Martin's thoughts on worshiping God by being what He made us - and wants us - to be. It is not an easy path and he is very clear on this fact citing humorous - and not quite so humorous - recollections from his own path of spiritual development, and the paths of others. Particularly interesting - or aggravating - to many will be the statement that "Many gay men and lesbians for example have told me that a foundational part of their own spiritual development has been accepting themselves as gay men and women; that is, the way God made them" (a theme that recurs in some of his other writings) (page 33). Those not familiar with the Jesuits in general or Martin in particular may find themselves saying "wait a minute, I thought this guy was Catholic" occasionally - a concern perhaps behind the one star reviews.(And yes I am a Catholic, a lector, and a eucharistic minister with 16 years of the Sisters and the Jesuits, and I do truly empathize with very conservative Catholics - I just ain't one any more) Indeed, one is almost surprised that he has not yet gotten slammed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops - as Sr. Elizabeth Johnson has recently been. It would, after all, improve sales...

Becoming Who You Are is exactly what we have to offer students!I used this meaningful text in my Adolescent Development class for the semester. It is wonderfully written and spiritually astute. It gives insight into the importance of developing our spiritual life both now and in the future so that we have that relationship to offer to others. When we offer who we are to our students and realize through conversation who they are, then the class becomes holy and sacred in our sight. The insights into Henri Nouwen, Therese of Lisieux and Pope John XXIII helps us to frame our own selves and use those insights to go deeper into the beauty of knowing ourselves. "Becoming Who You Are" challenges us to accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit in light of evangelizing and loving others. It brings a sense of courage and comfort to all who partake of this spiritually intellectual, and informative book His newest book Building a Bridge also brings out the theme of respect for all we meet as if we know ourselves the only thing we want to give is compassion and acknowledgement of the other..

Love the author. James Martin is easy to read and doesn't make you feel like you have to be super religiously educated to be able to follow his writing. I love it.There are points in this book that he repeats more often than necessary, but for the most part, it's pretty amazing.It's about becoming who god made you and shedding the "false self.". Give it a shot. Its encouraged me to buy Thomas Merton's book, "seven story mountain".

I was referred to this book by way of a recommendation I read on a blog. The blogger's description hit me so strongly; God was dealing with some of my issues of envy and insecurity, showing me that I needed to differentiate my 'self' in order to fully be useful to the people God has placed me among.This book helped me understand, in simple terms what I ended to hear; specifically, that holiness comes from finding the true self, the person God created me (& you!) to be. Martin writes humbly, concisely but poignantly; he demonstrates wisdom but defers praise and attention to others.God spoke to me through this book, a message I needed to hear; one many of us need to hear. I recommend this book to anyone who is searching for holiness in everyday life, trying to make sense of who they are,Also, Martin's musings on various saints are incredible windows into the lives of these men and women of God; a good introduction to someone wanting to know more about them.

I'm a James Martin fan, I have read some of his other books and they are never disappointing. This book spoke directly to me in terms that I could understand. It may be that I am always being asked, so "What to you want to do?". I get this in my career, in my home life, even from my friends. I often wonder, therefore, what am I meant to do? How do I know what I should be doing with my life? If these questions are on you mind, this book will help. My favorite part is the quote from Merton, "For me to be a saint is to be myself" and how Martin develops this over about 100 pages. This book is really about discovering your true self and the various ways that God speaks to us about who we really are. Its very practical and freeing. I say "freeing" because one of the main ways God speaks to us is through our desires...sounds almost like heresy! If your one who grew up in a church or family that always questioned your desires or indirectly labeled them as "selfish", then you will find some freedom by reading this.

This is a remarkable book for anyone who suffers from a confused sense of self and purpose , or feelings of being less than.If you are a member of AA or ACoA then this book may be a goldmine for you. Best of luck on your journey !

This book did not contain much that was new to me but gave me a timely reminder of my own journey and why I am still walking towards the sanctuary of God. Good read

A short but really insightful and engaging book.

Very realistic but easy to follow advice on the spiritual journey.

Reasonable condition ,Thankyou .I enjoyed the red .