On Consideration

On Consideration is a 12th-century text written by Bernard of Clairvaux as guidance for his former student Pope Eugenius III. The work consists of five books addressing the proper exercise of papal authority and the importance of self-examination for those in positions of power. Bernard structures his counsel around the concept of "consideration" - the practice of contemplating one's duties, actions and relationship with God. Through direct analysis and scriptural references, he outlines the responsibilities of church leadership and warns against the corrupting influences of power and wealth. The text examines four key areas of consideration: internal reflection, external responsibilities, matters below the papal office, and matters above it. Bernard addresses practical governance alongside spiritual obligations, creating a manual for ethical leadership within the medieval church. This work stands as a foundational text on the relationship between spiritual and temporal authority in Christian thought. Its exploration of power, duty and self-knowledge continues to resonate with discussions of leadership ethics and institutional responsibility.

Readers describe this as a meditative spiritual text that works both as a medieval Catholic guide and a broader examination of self-reflection. Several note that despite being written in the 12th century for Pope Eugene III, its messages about balancing contemplation with action remain relevant. Likes: - Clear translation by George Lewis maintains the original's poetic qualities - Practical advice on leadership and decision-making - Bernard's use of metaphor and imagery to illustrate complex concepts Dislikes: - Dense theological language can be challenging for modern readers - Some find Bernard's tone condescending - Several readers note the repetitive nature of certain arguments Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (47 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (12 ratings) Notable review from Goodreads: "Bernard's insights into human nature and leadership are timeless. The sections on self-knowledge and moral courage could have been written yesterday." - Thomas R.

The Interior Castle by Teresa of Ávila This spiritual guidebook details the soul's journey through stages of contemplation toward union with God.

The Cloud of Unknowing by Anonymous This medieval text presents instructions for contemplative prayer and achieving mystical knowledge through rejection of intellectual understanding.

The Ascent of Mount Carmel by John of the Cross This treatise maps the path of spiritual purification through detachment and contemplation.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis This manual of spiritual direction focuses on the inner life and contemplative practices for religious devotion.

The Life of Moses by Gregory of Nyssa This work examines spiritual progression through allegorical interpretation of Moses' life as a model for contemplative ascent.

🌟 Bernard wrote this spiritual guide as advice to Pope Eugenius III, who had been his own student at the Cistercian monastery of Clairvaux before becoming pope. 📚 The work is divided into five books, written between 1148 and 1153, and explores the balance between contemplative life and active leadership in the Church. ⚜️ The text became one of the most influential medieval treatises on papal power and responsibilities, read by countless Church leaders including Pope Benedict XVI. 🕊️ In this work, Bernard warns against the dangers of being consumed by administrative duties at the expense of spiritual reflection, coining the term "consideration" to describe mindful self-examination. 🗝️ The book contains the famous metaphor of the pope as being "not the owner of the Church but the steward," a concept that continues to influence Catholic theology on papal authority.