Holy Daring - The Fearless Trust of St Thérèse of Lisieux by John Udris

Review – Holy Daring: The Fearless Trust of St Thérèse of Lisieux by John Udris

Holy Daring: The Fearless Trust of St Thérèse of Lisieux by John Udris is a thoughtful but narrowly focused exploration of the spirituality of Thérèse of Lisieux. Centred on the idea of “fearless trust” in prayer, the book presents Thérèse as a model of bold, childlike confidence in God, drawing heavily on her writings and Catholic teaching. (Eden)

Udris writes with clarity and evident devotion, and his strength lies in distilling complex theological ideas – particularly the concept of parrhesia (spiritual boldness) – into accessible reflections. The book is concise and readable, making it approachable for those new to Thérèse’s “Little Way,” and many readers have found it helpful in deepening their appreciation of her spirituality. (catholicfreeshipping.com)

However, its limitations are equally clear. The work is more devotional than analytical, often assuming a sympathetic, faith-based perspective rather than engaging critically with its subject. As a result, readers looking for historical context, scholarly debate, or a broader examination of Thérèse’s life may find it somewhat one-dimensional. Its brevity – just under 100 pages – also means that themes are introduced rather than fully developed. (Eden)

Overall, Holy Daring is best understood as a reflective spiritual guide rather than a critical study. It will appeal most to readers interested in Catholic devotion and prayer, but may feel limited for those seeking a more rigorous or comprehensive treatment of Thérèse of Lisieux.

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