Summa of the Christian Life, Books I-II

Kathie Scott-Avery reviews writings of a spiritual master, Venerable Louis of Granada, in Summa of the Christian Life.

Summa of the Christian Life, Books I-II: The Existence and Perfections of God and The Marvels of Creation 

By Venerable Louis of Granada, OP; translated and adapted by Fr. Jordan Aumann, OP

Published by TAN Books

Early in his life as a Dominican friar, Venerable Louis of Granada, OP, felt called to be a missionary to Mexico and was preparing to board a ship in 1534 when denied that opportunity. Instead, or perhaps ironically, he did become a missionary of sorts despite, geographically, spending his life within the borders of Spain and Portugal. As a powerful preacher, he reached people from all stations of life, but as a gifted writer, his translated works continue to inspire and instruct around the globe.   

Summa of the Christian Life is a collection of passages taken from his extensive writings, translated and adapted into three volumes by Fr. Jordan Aumann, OP. Containing eight books in total, the first volume, reviewed here, includes two: The Existence and Perfections of God and The Marvels of Creation, as well as an introduction which provides a biography and a prologue which contains an instructional welcome in the friar’s own words. 

In Matthew 13:13, referring back to Isaiah’s prophecy, Jesus explains to His disciples that He speaks in parables, “because ‘they look but do not see.’”  While not using parables, Friar Louis does utilize our familiarity with the world, exhorting us to look and see, to recognize the wonder of God and His creation. He is not simplistic but uses uncomplicated observations to explain Truths.  

The Introduction  

If Friar Louis had wished it, his life could have been a rags-to-riches story: from an impoverished childhood where 5-year-old Louis and his newly widowed mother begged for alms, all the way to becoming an exalted preacher and confidant who was called on by monarchs and others of the elite. Yet Friar Louis was not tempted to cater to the wealthy and powerful, believing instead that holiness was not just for the chosen few. He embraced material poverty and generously shared his spiritual treasures, wishing to teach the truths of the Faith to all — rich or poor — at a time when most faith formation did not trickle down to the common people.   

Recognized as a dynamic preacher from the start, he was 50 years old before his first book was published. Nearly 50 more followed. Translated and extensively circulated, his reach expanded to distant audiences. In addition to being appreciated by countless anonymous individuals, his influence has been documented by many we know, including Saints Charles Borromeo, Francis de Sales, and Teresa of Avila.  

The Prologue  

In the prologue of Summa of the Christian Life, Books I-II, Friar Louis addresses the reader, providing an endearing look at a holy man whose longing was to provide anyone who desired to know God with the opportunity and means to do so. Perhaps recognizing that his own humble beginnings could have prevented him from receiving the Faith, he was dedicated to all, seeing rich and poor alike as fellow pilgrims. Lucky for us, he was not only skilled in delivering on his desire to make theology accessible, but he also particularly valued the written word because it could be recorded carefully then read slowly and repeatedly so as to ensure absorption. 

Book One: The Existence and Perfections of God  

“Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalms 46:11) kept coming to mind while reading the first book. Each of 13 chapters homed in on a particular wonder of God and, simultaneously, our inability to fully grasp the enormity of His perfection, beauty, goodness, mercy, and justice — to name just a few attributes highlighted. Rather than delivering despair at our lack of comprehension, Friar Louis’ approach inspires holy awe. 

Book Two: The Marvels of Creation  

Here Friar Louis turns his attention to nature, not to simply admire God’s handiwork, but also to ponder how God reveals Himself, particularly His goodness, wisdom, and omnipotence. Again, he takes the reader on a slow walk through the wonders and gifts, this time of the created world, drawing attention to how all has been given for our particular benefit out of love.   

Summa of the Christian Life, Books I-II offers the opportunity to step away from busy-ness and allow the wonders of God’s creation and His love to wash over us. It can be read — in fact it’s best to read — in small pondering bites. If, like me, you have a tendency to be more Martha than Mary, these first two books of the series are a wonderful companion for slowing down and admiring God and His handiwork, for absorbing His love, and contemplating how that can impact the daily call to love Him and others.

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Copyright 2026 Kathie Scott-Avery
Images: Canva