Spiritual Simplicity.

Book Review

Yount, David. Spiritual Simplicity. Simplify tour life and enrich your soul. Thomas Nelson. 1997
D.Y.- a writer and lecturer. Former chairman of the College of Preachers in Wash. D.C., president of the National Press Foundation.

Comment. Henry
In a culture that is becoming increasingly hectic and out of control this is a welcome resource. David brings a wealth of sound information to those who have a genuine desire to do something about their overly busy lives. The focus is quite heavy on self-help. An important part of the picture of a simplified spirituality seems to be either missing or only implied. That is a personal relationship with Jesus who isn’t referred to directly in this resource. I hasten to add that what has been presented definitely has merit and if applied as suggested would be very helpful, I’m sure.

Simplicity is sensible and does not require that we embrace poverty the way St. Francis of Assisi did. Simplicity is not a form of escapism. It will involve making solitude a goal and priority. Happiness comes from within.

One of the first steps in finding a simple life is learning to be still. A list of twenty one specific ‘exercises’ are presented how we can save time and reduce stress. Then follows a list of ways to save money which is basic to having a simpler life. We need to learn how to work to live rather than live to work.

“Discover your strengths and rid yourself of routines and persons that inject uncertainty into your life.” (72) I see some challenges in this exhortation. When past failures are shared as part of one’s story it is important that ‘victims’ are not left with unrealistic consequences of destructive life-styles.


Confrontation with self is devastating if you don’t have a good opinion of yourself. A good opinion of yourself is the foundation for effectively living for others. Solitude is essential when we seek to make peace with ourselves. Such a peace is part of a simple life (spirituality). “Be still and know that I am God.” Make a pilgrimage. “Enjoy life’s simple pleasures.” (102) Embrace deferred gratification.

Love, the pillar of Christianity, has many facets, e.g. God’s love, man’s love for God and his creation, etc. “To sustain itself, personal love must be reciprocal.” (127) Love involves risk. “Simple living becomes spiritual when it is internalized.” (141) This requires faith. We cannot expect certainty before we act.

Last on the list of things to do to find spiritual simplicity are “prayer, reflection and meditation.” (161) It is strongly recommended that in your ‘search for simplicity’ regular retreats become a priority.