How to Become a Saint
71
How to Become a Saint
Jack Bernard’s "How to Become a Saint" tackles a lofty subject with surprising pragmatism. The core strength lies in its demystification of sainthood, framing it as a consistent, intentional focus on the divine rather than a bestowed status. Bernard’s insistence that this orientation is attainable for anyone who applies specific disciplines is genuinely encouraging. The chapter discussing the 'Daily Office of Divine Attention' provides a concrete example of this practical approach, outlining a method for integrating spiritual awareness into routine activities. However, the work occasionally leans into a somewhat generalized spiritual lexicon, which might leave readers accustomed to more specific theological or Hermetic terminology wanting for deeper engagement with particular doctrines. The book’s primary limitation is its broadness; it aims to encompass a universal path without always anchoring itself to distinct historical or philosophical traditions. Bernard’s vision is commendable, offering a pathway to a consecrated life accessible to the modern seeker.
📝 Description
71
Jack Bernard's 2007 book proposes sainthood as an achievable state through devoted spiritual practice.
Published in 2007, "How to Become a Saint" outlines a path toward sainthood, not as a distant ideal for the canonized, but as a practical state of complete devotion accessible to anyone. Bernard argues that sainthood is a way of being, achieved through intentional focus on the divine, and that this state is attainable through dedicated spiritual discipline. The book is for individuals seeking a deeper spiritual life and a more direct connection with the divine. It appeals to those who feel a calling to a more purposeful existence but find traditional religious frameworks or idealized saintly lives insufficient for their personal spiritual quest. It offers concrete methods and encouragement for aligning daily life with spiritual aspirations, irrespective of prior religious background or experience.
The work emerged during a time of growing interest in personal mysticism and practical spirituality, often pursued outside established religious institutions. Bernard's approach is direct and accessible, focusing on what he terms 'immanent sainthood.' This contrasts with more academic or ritualistic esoteric studies by emphasizing individual agency and direct personal experience. The core idea is that sainthood is defined by a complete orientation toward God, broken down into actionable principles. These include cultivating specific virtues, engaging in contemplative practices, and perceiving the divine as an inherent presence within oneself rather than an external force. The book suggests that consistent application of these disciplines can lead to this state.
Bernard's 2007 work situates itself within a contemporary interest in practical mysticism and individual spiritual paths, often diverging from traditional religious structures. It echoes earlier esoteric movements like Theosophy in its consideration of spiritual evolution, yet it distinguishes itself through a direct, non-academic focus on achieving a state of 'immanent sainthood.' The book emphasizes personal agency and direct experience over dogma or ritual, proposing that a saintly life is an internal orientation toward the divine, achievable through consistent spiritual cultivation.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• You will learn how to cultivate a 'Daily Office of Divine Attention,' a specific practice designed to integrate spiritual focus into everyday moments, transforming mundane activities into acts of devotion. • You will gain insight into the concept of 'immanent sainthood,' understanding it not as an exceptional state but as a direct outcome of consistent spiritual orientation, as explored in the book's foundational chapters. • You will discover practical disciplines for aligning your life with the divine, moving beyond abstract ideals to actionable steps that were first outlined in the book's 2007 publication.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary definition of a saint according to Jack Bernard's "How to Become a Saint"?
Bernard defines a saint not by miraculous deeds or canonization, but by a life fully and consistently oriented toward God. This orientation is presented as a deliberate choice and practice attainable by anyone.
Does "How to Become a Saint" require adherence to a specific religion?
No, the book emphasizes a universal approach to spiritual orientation. While drawing on devotional traditions, its core message is about individual practice and direct relationship with the divine, making it accessible across different faiths or spiritual paths.
What kind of practical disciplines are discussed in the book?
The book details practices such as cultivating divine attention throughout the day, engaging in contemplative prayer, and developing virtues that foster a closer relationship with the divine. These are presented as tools for spiritual transformation.
When was "How to Become a Saint" first published?
The book was first published in 2007, reflecting a contemporary interest in accessible spiritual development and personal mysticism.
Is sainthood presented as an exclusive status in this book?
Quite the opposite. Bernard's central argument is that sainthood is an attainable state for any individual willing to commit to a life fully oriented toward God through consistent practice and intention.
What is the 'Daily Office of Divine Attention'?
This is a key concept and practice outlined in the book, suggesting a method for maintaining conscious awareness of the divine presence during ordinary daily activities, thereby sanctifying the mundane.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Divine Orientation
The central concept posits that sainthood is achieved through a complete and consistent orientation toward God. This is not about external validation but an internal shift in focus and intention. The work explores how this orientation transforms everyday actions and thoughts, making the sacred accessible within the profane. It suggests that by consciously directing one's will and attention towards the divine, individuals can cultivate a life that embodies spiritual principles, regardless of their specific circumstances or background.
Practical Spiritual Disciplines
Bernard moves beyond abstract theology to provide concrete methods for spiritual advancement. The book outlines specific practices, such as the 'Daily Office of Divine Attention,' designed to integrate spiritual awareness into the fabric of daily life. These disciplines are presented as accessible tools for anyone seeking to deepen their connection with the divine, emphasizing consistent effort and mindful engagement over passive belief. The focus is on actionable steps that foster tangible spiritual growth.
Immanent Sainthood
Challenging traditional notions of sainthood as reserved for a select few, the book champions the idea of 'immanent sainthood'—a state achievable by all. It argues that the life of a saint is simply one fully dedicated to God, a path available to every individual. This perspective democratizes spiritual aspiration, suggesting that profound spiritual realization can occur within the context of ordinary human existence through dedicated practice and unwavering focus.
The Sanctification of the Mundane
A core theme is the transformation of ordinary life into a sacred practice. The book suggests that through consistent divine orientation and the application of spiritual disciplines, everyday activities—from work to rest—can become acts of devotion. This elevates the mundane, demonstrating that spiritual fulfillment is not found in escaping the world but in consecrating one's experience within it. It offers a vision where every moment holds the potential for divine connection.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The life of a saint is simply one that is fully oriented toward God.”
— This core statement redefines sainthood not as a bestowed title or extraordinary achievement, but as a direct consequence of consistent spiritual focus and alignment of one's will with the divine.
“This is a life attainable for everyone.”
— This interpretation underscores the book's central thesis: that the path to a saintly life is not exclusive. It emphasizes personal agency and the availability of spiritual transformation through dedicated practice.
“Sainthood is a practice, not a destination.”
— This interpretation emphasizes the ongoing nature of spiritual development presented in the book, suggesting that it is the consistent application of disciplines that defines a saintly life.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
Cultivating divine attention transforms the ordinary.
This paraphrased concept highlights the book's practical focus on imbuing daily activities with spiritual significance through conscious awareness of the divine presence.
The divine is not external but immanent.
This paraphrased concept points to the book's perspective on the nature of the divine, suggesting it is present within creation and accessible through internal orientation and practice.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While not strictly aligned with a single esoteric lineage like Hermeticism or Kabbalah, "How to Become a Saint" draws upon the universalist and devotional currents found within Western esotericism. It echoes Gnostic ideals of inner realization and Neoplatonic emphasis on orientation towards the One. Its strength lies in synthesizing these broader mystical impulses into a practical guide for lay practitioners, focusing on the immanence of the divine and the transformative power of consistent intention, a common thread in many contemplative traditions.
Symbolism
The book implicitly uses the concept of 'orientation' as a symbolic act, representing the redirection of will and consciousness towards the divine. The 'Daily Office of Divine Attention' can be seen as a symbolic ritual, transforming mundane time into sacred time. While not heavy on overt symbols, the overarching motif is the 'light' or 'presence' of the divine, which the practitioner seeks to mirror and embody through their life's direction.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary spiritual seekers, particularly those interested in mindfulness, intentional living, and practical mysticism, find resonance in Bernard's work. Its emphasis on attainable spiritual growth outside rigid dogma appeals to modern individuals exploring personal paths. Thinkers and practitioners in fields like positive psychology and secular spirituality often echo its core message of transforming one's inner state and daily actions to achieve a more meaningful existence.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals seeking a practical, non-dogmatic path to spiritual growth: Those who desire actionable methods to deepen their connection with the divine without adhering to specific religious doctrines will find concrete disciplines. • Aspiring practitioners of contemplative spirituality: Readers interested in cultivating consistent divine awareness and integrating it into daily life will benefit from the 'Daily Office of Divine Attention' concept. • Seekers disillusioned with traditional saintly models: Those who find idealized biographies of saints unrelatable will appreciate Bernard's redefinition of sainthood as an accessible state of complete orientation.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 2007, "How to Become a Saint" arrived at a time when interest in personal spirituality and accessible esoteric practices was burgeoning, often outside traditional religious frameworks. While the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw figures like Helena Blavatsky and Theosophy exploring spiritual evolution and higher states of consciousness, Bernard’s work distinguishes itself by its direct, non-denominational approach to achieving a consecrated life. It offered a counterpoint to more complex metaphysical systems or ritualistic approaches prevalent in some esoteric circles. The book’s accessible language and focus on practical application resonated with a contemporary audience seeking tangible methods for spiritual growth, moving away from purely academic or purely devotional stances. It provided a framework for understanding spiritual aspiration that bypassed the need for institutional affiliation or historical hagiography, emphasizing individual commitment.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of 'Divine Orientation' as presented in the book.
Reflecting on the 'Daily Office of Divine Attention' practice.
The attainability of 'Immanent Sainthood' for the modern individual.
Identifying personal disciplines that foster a stronger connection with the divine.
Exploring the transformation of the mundane through spiritual focus.
🗂️ Glossary
Divine Orientation
The central concept of consistently directing one's will, attention, and intention towards God or the divine principle, forming the basis of a saintly life.
Daily Office of Divine Attention
A practical method described in the book for integrating spiritual awareness and focus into the rhythm of everyday activities throughout the day.
Immanent Sainthood
The idea that sainthood is not an exceptional state but an attainable condition for any individual through dedicated practice and a life fully oriented toward the divine.
Practical Disciplines
Actionable methods and exercises proposed by the author to cultivate spiritual growth and deepen one's relationship with the divine.
Sacred Practice
The transformation of ordinary actions and moments into acts of devotion and spiritual significance through conscious intention and focus.
Spiritual Attainability
The principle that a life of deep spiritual devotion and realization is accessible to all individuals, regardless of background, through consistent effort.
Consecrated Life
A life dedicated to spiritual purpose, where all aspects are aligned with divine principles and intentions, as outlined in the book's framework.
This book appears in 1 collection
🔮 Readers Also Liked
Browse all →
From the “Christian Mysticism” Collection
View all →
More Free Mysticism & Contemplation Books
View all →
