The Devil in the Castle: St. Teresa of Avila, Spiritual Warfare, and the Progress of the Soul by Dan Burke. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, NH, 2021). 192 pp., $21.95.
Have you ever felt confused in the spiritual battle? Are you looking for a guide to help you grow spiritually? Dan Burke’s news masterpiece The Devil in the Castle unpacks insights from St. Teresa of Avila’s spiritual classic Interior Castle to guide you amid the enemy’s schemes and temptations. It provides practical solutions for spiritual warfare.
This practical and enlightening play book features the goals of the demonic to harm the soul in each mansion and unveils the key tactics of the enemy. It also teaches how to battle these wiles successfully, and provides spiritual encouragement and reflection questions.
Gripping stories of St. Teresa’s encounters with the demonic are also revealed.
Burke explains how St. Teresa exposes the subtle, yet pernicious, activity of demons in deceiving souls, such as distractions from prayer, worldly attachments, and vices.
Contemporary crises, such as fear of illness and “Catholic mindfulness” are also addressed in light of the one fear St. Teresa believes we should possess — fear of the Lord.
This book also advises ways to counter root sins, the antidote for spiritual deception, and how to develop a “rule of life” plan to grow spiritually through the Paradigm of Ascent. It includes a list and description of spiritual resources to assist readers in growing in virtue and obedience to God’s will.
Great for individual learning or group discussion, each chapter contains reflection questions at the end.
The Devil in the Castle provides an in-depth Daily Examination Guide, Confession Guide, and spiritual progress indicators, organized similarly to Dom Chautard’s The Soul of the Apostolate. It maps out stages of growth, as mentioned in the writings of Saints Teresa, John of the Cross, and Thomas Aquinas.
St. Teresa directs the soul to look within and examine itself on the path to holiness. Burke synthesizes the strategies she provides to fortify the reader on the road to union with God, incorporating tips on overcoming discouragement, desolation, occasions of sin, and aridity.
Since the enemy hates souls who are strong in their love for God and will lead others to Him, those who seek greater intimacy with God will experience spiritual warfare. Yet, St. Teresa of Avila consoles the beleaguered with the promise of God’s abundant grace and mercy at work in their lives.
In his review of the book, Bishop Athanasius Schneider writes “In the midst of dark times, we need light and clarity. Dan Burke provides both through his illumination of the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila regarding how we can and must fight the forces that seek to keep us from our high calling to union with God.”
Dan Burke recently discussed his book on EWTN news and Divine Intimacy Radio.
This book is 192 pages and available in both hardcover and eBook formats.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Publicity Coordinator at kvanuden@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of The Devil in the Castle or to schedule an interview with the author, Dan Burke.
Photo: Dan Burke, Sophia Institute Press
1 thought on “Bestselling Author Releases “Battle Manual” for Spiritual Warfare”
I’m an avid reader and few authors have helped me in the spiritual life as much as Dan Burke. This practical, but profound, advice is so beneficial. I also love the questions at the end of these chapters. It is perfect, not just to revisit myself, but also to share with my Church group.