The first part of this book presents the life of Edith Stein while going behind the well known labels--Jewess, philosopher, Carmelite nun, martyr of Auschwitz--to reveal the inner struggles of a truly inspirational person. She was guided in all her thoughts and actions by a constant search for the truth and the acceptance of the will of God, even when it led to the ultimate gift of herself. Added to these ideals, which Edith lived out in the challenge of everyday reality, are the ideal figures whom she kept ever before her eyes; Edith's love of Jesus and Mary, Old Testament characters and modern-day saints forms the second part of this book which draws upon her writings on prayer, some of which are not yet available in English. These chapters open up her insights into Scripture and the Eucharist, the Church's rich spiritual heritage, and the silent, inner presence of God. Edith Stein: modern saint and martyr presents its subject to readers as a companion in the Christian life--one who found her courage and fulfillment through daily contact with God in prayer and in this way was able, in Edith's own words, to "go to the world in order to carry the divine life into it." The book should appeal to the general Christian and Catholic reader, religious and lay alike, and in particular to those with an interest in Edith Stein, saints for our times, Carmelite spirituality, the Holocaust, and Christian-Jewish relations. +
