I recently received an advance copy of a book called Saints Behvaing Badly by Thomas Craughwell and I’ll offer my thoughts on it soon, after I’ve had a chance to go through it.
The book looks at the human side of saints–the side that is often diminished or dimmed in pious saint stories.
The fact is that the saints were often human, all too human as the phrase goes, and while some might consider it impious to point this out (and while it would be impious to dwell on it obsessively), it also can be inspirational to realize that the saints were indeed imperfect but nevertheless were able to overcome and display heroic virtue.
In that sense, looking at the imperfections of the saints can play a useful and encouraging role for those of us whose salvation is not yet won.
In the meantime,
If it’s possible, can you share the table of contents. Just curious which saints are included.
It is known that Sts. Jerome and Augustine didn’t like each other as Jerome thought Augustine was still too much of a flirt and Augustine thought Jerome was an old grouch.
St. Teresa of Avila led a worldy life, even as a nun, until she was 40.
St. Pio was known for “telling it like it is.”
And we all know how The Servant of God Bishop Fulton J. Sheen conducted himself, especially on TV. He was very human and funny!
Dr. Eric,
“St. Pio was known for “telling it like it is”
I don’t see how that is a flaw.
Right; “telling it like it is” is not a flaw, nor is “being human and funny”. Hagiography can read too much like Mary Sue fanfic sometimes, which is one reason why I’m glad this book’s been written.
I may have to pick up a copy of this book. I agree with MenTalguy.
Romans 3:23 applies to saints, too. Being used by God in the way that they were was very special and worthy of remembering. I agree we shouldn’t dwell on sin; that gives the devil more power. But it would be interesting to study the shortcomings of folks who all too often are put too high up on pedestals. Knowing that these folks shared the same struggles as you or I could be very inspiring.
“Telling it like it is” isn’t a flaw. Go St. Pio!
I have very little patience with biographies of saints that paint them as flawless, bland little creatures who never said “Boo!” to a mouse. I can’t fit Christ into that model, and He is the model of all saints. Intimate love of God and the heroic struggle (key word = STRUGGLE) to grow in virtue are what saints are made of. Glossing over or ignoring that struggle does a disservice to those of us who are still working out our salvation with fear and trembling…
I love hearing about the struggles that the saints faced. It makes me think that I might become a better Catholic if I just keep trying.
My only concern is what this author’s intentions were.
I absolutely loved John Zmirak’s “The Bad Catholic’s Guide to Good Living”!!! I mean, laugh out loud on the bus on the way to work funny…
Mary
It’s a good idea for a book. Jerome and Augustine alone are great examples of men who won a lifelong struggle. Jerome could be downright nasty – he had the bad habit of “naming names” when hurling invective.
Thanks, I might look into that, and Mary’s book suggestion above. Another one that comes to mind as one I’d like to check out is called “_Saints_For_Sinners_”.