The Dominican Tradition

This useful introduction to the characteristics of Dominican life provides a range of perspectives on how to know and love God and flourish as a person.

The lives and writings of the men and women in this anthology show how dedicated Dominicans over eight centuries have been faithful to Dominic's vision. . . . Readers will learn about the core spiritual values behind the lives of those featured, and will understand that the spiritual legacy established by St. Dominic is as vibrant today as it was centuries ago.

This book is an excellent introduction to the Dominican Tradition and its spirituality. It is well-conceived and well-written. It does not gloss over negative aspects of the tradition, such as the Inquisition, but puts them in context. It includes a bibliography for each chapter. It would be a useful text for an undergraduate or graduate spirituality class. As a lay teacher in a Dominican university I found the book very valuable in deepening my own understanding of and appreciation for Dominican charisms and spirituality.

This attractive book contains an anthology of short selections by, or in some cases about, significant figures from the seven centuries of Dominican history.

Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, The Dominican Tradition provides an excellent introduction to core Dominican spiritual values, and offers unmistakable evidence that the Dominican legacy is as relevant today as it was centuries in the past.

McGonigle lays out the history of the Dominican order by portraits of its most prominent and in many cases influential spiritual leaders. . . . The portraits include not only biographical facts, highlights of spiritual interests, and summaries of insights, but also representative selections from writings of the 16 exceptionally spiritual individuals through the centuries. [T]hey offer focus and direction for contemporary individuals.

While the intent and style is simply an introduction to the length and continuity of the history and the facets of the spirituality inspired by the precepts and the regimen originating with St. Dominic, they offer focus and direction for contemporary individuals.

The Dominican Tradition would make a great college text for a class exploring various strains of spirituality. It would also be useful as a starting point for anyone seeking to know more about the Dominicans and their impact on the world.

This book is a useful collection of texts from the Dominican tradition. It demonstrates how the Dominican family has embraced a wide variety of preachers through the centuries: men and women, lay people and religious, contemplatives and missionaries, academics and people who fight for justice. What binds them all together is a passion for the truth and for community. It is a tradition rooted in meditation on the Word of God.