Dark Nights and Doubts in Our Lives: A Failure of Faith—Or Imagination?

The Rev. Ron Rolheiser of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio hosts another retreat for Roman Catholic clergy and laity in Dark Nights and Doubts in Our Lives, which like his earlier Sacred Fire: An Anthropology and Spirituality of Sexuality (VL-3/11) consists of three lectures. The main subject here is what is commonly referred to as “the dark night of the soul”—those doubts that periodically challenge the religious beliefs of even the most devout. Rolheiser's basic teaching is that such experiences are a positive part of God's redemptive plan, ultimately bringing growth in both humility and maturity—as well as our acceptance of divine ineffability—while also purifying the soul. Although naturally speaking from a theological perspective, Rolheiser is an amiable presenter, avoiding jargon in favor of common-sense language and using personal reflection and humor to leaven his argument. And he illustrates his points with aptly chosen excerpts from various texts, including those of such mystics as John of the Cross and figures like Mother Teresa, whose diaries reveal her own struggle with uncertainty. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)