Bücher von Dom Hubert Van Zeller

"Before a piece of sculpture can be called Christian we must be sure that it can be called sculpture." With the insight and charm characteristic of his spiritual meditations, in this volume Benedictine monk and artist Hubert van Zeller examines sacred art from the angle of his own artistic specialty: sculpture. First published in 1959, these reflections on the relationship of sculptor and sculpture, spirituality and artistic inspiration, remain relevant today. Arguing that "religious carving is meant to be a plea for light and truth, not for charm," van Zeller is concerned with "the present lack of direction in Christian sculpture." The life-long sculptor and Catholic priest approaches the topic in both technical and spiritual aspects, ironically noting that "before a piece of sculpture can be called Christian we must be sure that it can be called sculpture." From his concise history of the development of sculpture styles to the place of symbol and truth in art, this book is capable of inspiring not only truer art but truer Christianity in a new generation of readers. Illustrated with a dozen plates of van Zeller's own sculptures, this reprint is entirely re-typeset and includes a new foreword by artist and writer Julian Kwasniewski which gives additional biographical and theological context to this book.

"Love is the cause and crown of everything, but the key to everything is faith."The phrase, "I'm spiritual, not religious" is commonly heard today. Yet, as Van Zeller points out in Approach to Spirituality, there is no spirituality without true faith, and there can be no faith without true religion. He demonstrates the necessity of a life truly conformed to God, particularly through prayer, in order for spirituality to have any root or effect. Genuine spirituality is not a vague ideal, but a practical, well-marked path to holiness, born out of faith in a God who is reality itself. Exploring themes such as the fundamentals of prayer, its necessity for all, and its practical forms, Van Zeller cements the crucial foundations and maps tried-and-true paths in the spiritual life. While everyone desires a rich interior life marked by the heights and depths of union with God in love, a soul only progresses with the humble gift of faith: faith in a God who has come close and related to each individual. Therein Van Zeller reveals the true approach to spirituality, of which "the primary condition then is a belief in the interpersonal relationship between the Christian and Christ. Before you can get anywhere in the spiritual life you have to be convinced that such a relationship is possible and that it is open to you."

"If my correspondence is anything to go by," writes Benedictine artist and author Dom Hubert Van Zeller, "the problem which men and women living in the world most want to discuss is that of how to handle the affections." The fruit of Dom Hubert's experience as a spiritual director, these 42 short reflections are culled from his correspondence, and engage with questions surrounding the cultural upheaval which followed World War II, the first stages of the sexual revolution, and the modern world's apathy towards God. Dom Hubert's witty and incisive reflections draw on a varied and colourful array of sources, including Tacitus, Milton, Evelyn Waugh, and Saint Benedict, and address such topics as:The almost-but-not-quite saintPurity, chastity, and understanding the opposite sex Perseverance in prayer, faith, and workThe point of Sacramental MarriageSimplicity in art, prayer, and "everything"Two mistakes people make about sin (other than committing it)Why contemplative vocations are more frequent among women.With insights that remain relevant today, Dom Hubert provides advice helpful for young and old, for the spiritually motivated and listless alike, in a short book which clearly presents the universal call to holiness.