Mature Spirituality According to von Hügel: A Practitioner's Voice

Abstract

Baron Friedrich von Hügel (1852–1925) is best known as a religious philosopher from the late nineteenth and early twentiethth century. Less well known is von Hügel's work as a spiritual director, which some have suggested underlies his entire religious philosophy. This article seeks to examine aspects of von Hügel's understanding of the nature of mature spirituality as exemplified in his practice of spiritual direction: his theology of God and the necessary response of adoration; the three elements of religion, suffering well, humility, cultivating non-religious interests and leisurely spirituality.