Fr. Robert Spitzer S.JFinding True Happiness: Satisfying Our Restless Hearts (Happiness, Suffering, and Transcendence) (Volume 1)

I bought the four book series by Father Robert Spitzer that I must say is incredible. I am 73 yeas old and have a library of books that cover nearly every aspect of Catholicism. I am now half way through the fourth book and can say without a doubt--this is the most life-changing stuff I have ever read. It made many aspects of my faith very clear, reinforced my beliefs, clearly outlined who The Father and The Son are from scripture, and provided a mountain of evidence for the existence of God that every atheist and agnostic should read. Each book covers another aspect starting with the four levels of happiness, the strong evidence for God ( most of this was new to me), Revelation and how it answers questions that cannot be answered by philosophy or other disciplines, and finally, an understanding of suffering. This review doesn't even come close to how great this four book series is

Having really enjoyed Spitzer's shows, more recently, Spitzer's Universe, I am glad I purchased this book. It's uplifting, includes science and philosophy and I enjoy the discussions of near death experiences. It seems clear to me that there is a part of us that "persists", some energy source that is not destructible after people die. But I still have times of doubt, so this, and his TV shows, are helpful to me, at those times. If you are religious or not, and wonder about our souls or spirits, and questions of an afterlife, etc., this is a good start. I'm not good at philosophy, but enjoy his discussions, and analysis. Especially with the TV series, and his magis website. Recommended.

This book appeals on so many levels.I have read a number of books about happiness, understand and appreciate well-argued philosophy, and have read numerous religious texts. I have enjoyed many of each kind, but have never found a single source that combines the best of each.The author is both highly literate and highly spiritual. Besides bringing his enormous gifts and learning to this undertaking, he shares his personal intellectual and spiritual journey, together with the significant challenges he has faced and overcome.There are so many insights, that I intend to read it again; indeed, this book is one where there is much to absorb and ponder.

The most inspiring explanation of happiness. I have been searching the last 10 years for the right words for the space in my heart and longing for God. I finished RCIA last year and completed all my sacraments at 49 years old. I now understand better how lost I was and how the only true happiness is transcendence. I now see what God's plan was for my life. Thank you Father Spitzer for the tools I needed to put everything into perspective and how keep it properly balanced.

This is an excellent book for someone who is struggling with the problem of believing in God, but even more for a person whose faith needs to be "consolidated" in one broad perspective that addresses not only our intellect, but our hearts and the way we live our lives. I would give it five stars, but it is a little repetitive. Nonetheless, some repetition is necessary in order both to make sure important points are reinforced, and to show the reader how the various aspects fit together and mutually reinforce one another. Fr. Spitzer writes with great intelligence and clarity. Even more importantly, he writes as someone who lives his faith, and is profoundly moved to help others enter into the joy that faith gives him.

Father Spitzer does humankind a noble service with all his books by which he shares his beautiful knowledge of the teachings of Jesus in language that is comfortable for modern scholars.

This book is one of the BEST books I have read that blends both spirituality and science to explain the humans heart to strive for happiness and HOW ultimate happiness we all are yearning can be achieved I only wished I had this book to read when I was in my 20's and struggling with this. Thank you Father Spitzer for sharing your your powerful spiritual and intellectual insights with us. It will change the lives of many!

St. Francis de Sales made history when he wrote Introduction to the Devout Life, by making spiritual growth accessible and attractive to people of his time. Robert Spitzer has achieved something similar in this book. He addresses the audience of intelligent and "spiritual but not religious" people of the present culture and re-introduces Catholic spirituality In a way that is both faithful and winsome. In short, he speaks the gospel in the language of people today. As a priest of 27 years, I have read this book, derived much personal profit from it, and have decided to put its recommendations into practice. The lessons of this book need to be widely spread.

Happiness from within comes from God and Fr. Spitzer does a fantastic job of writing in depth about it. I bought Out of the Darkness first and since reading the two ahd being made aware of the good in life, my depression episodes have significantly lessened. This and Mother Angelica's practical guide to holiness fill me with hope and have good applications of the topics as well. All are great in the midst of grief or any luvel of sadness. It would make a great gift.

It's an excellent book that tells us about the 4 different levels of happiness. The difficult philosophical ideas are explained in a way that is easy to understand. I love it!

Everyone over the age of eighteen must read this and ask why have I never engaged with this before?

Liked everything

No matter where you may be on your journey, this book can speak to you, and speak volumes. He looks at the four kinds of happiness, and shows us how to find true fulfillment and joy. He also warns of the pitfalls that can get in the way of true happiness. Although I have experienced all four levels, I found a lot that was fresh and inviting. Father Spitzer knows what it is to suffer, so this is not pie in the sky.