Concerning the Inner Life by Evelyn Underhill

Concerning the Inner Life Reviews

• 
  Melanie

  How I love Evelyn Underhill! She is an unusual combination of great spiritual depth and practicality that makes her writings on mysticism accessible and "friendly." This little book was taken from several talks she gave to clergy, but it's a wonderful intro to some of her thinking. If you like this one, I highly recommend "Radiance."
• 
  Nathan Cesaretti

  Concerning the Inner Life is a book written for any religious leader. Evenlyn Underhill holds no punches back as she dives into the importance of religious leaders caring for their own souls. The leaders that focus on their souls are the ones that are able to lead in a God-first way. Underhill shares that the only way for leaders to truly follow the direction of God is to spend time in silence, prayer, and writings of our ancient ancestors. Through these three processes leaders are able to lead out of the overflow of their time with God. The idea is that a stronger devotional life will lead to a life that is focused on the ways of Jesus.
  
  Tiredness, loneliness, and feelings of being overwhelmed are common for leaders. Underhill explains that if leaders spend the time caring for their own soul and relationship with God, they will better understand how to navigate seasons of tiredness, loneliness, and anxiety. Because they recognize they are not alone and God is in control.
  
  Quotes :
  
  “We are drifting toward a religion which consciously or unconsciously keeps its eye on humanity rather than on Deity.” (4)
  
  “It means that man’s first duty is adoration; and his second duty is awe; and only his third duty is service.” (9)
  
  “For you will only bring men to the love of God is so far as you yourselves have got it.” (14)
  
  “But sometimes we are in such a hurry to transmit, that we forget our primary duty is to receive… only when our souls are filled out the brim, can we presume to offer spiritual gifts to other men.” (27)
  
  “We grow by feeding, not by forcing.” (29)
• 
  SK Smith

  Not the easiest read (which I was expecting more of, whoops). But definitely had some really good insights to prayer and Christian ministry. A good introduction to the inner life and complimented my reading of The Little Flowers of St. Francis well. Planning to read again to see if I can understand some more.
• 
  Evan

  Concerning the Inner Life was very good read. She provides many helpful reasons and reminders for why we need to keep a good prayer life.
  
  The House of the Soul was also enjoyable, but as an Evangelical Christian I found some of her Catholic mysticism to be a impeding on the general message of the book. I think some of her metaphors were very helpful, but some of them felt almost neoplatonic, and others felt entrenched in a problematic pelagian Catholic theology.
• 
  dthaase

  A very important book regarding the inner life -- a modern day classic. Underhill's ability to write with an intellectual grounding and high view of the Holy Spirit makes this an important read within the realm of Christian Spirituality. I particularly benefited from her theme of adoration/awe/service spread throughout the book.
• 
  Deedums

  Don't even know how I've lived on this planet for four decades never hearing of Evelyn Underhill but now that I know, I must recommend this short, sweet, thoughtful, compelling, challenging book to reconnect to God and refocus your path.
• 
  Brian

  A good reminder with practical ideas on why and how we can develop our spiritual life as ministers of the gospel. Which should help us stave off burnout.
• 
  Mary Beene

  Every clergy person should read Concerning the Inner Life. Your spiritual life really is more important than the logistics of ministry!