Discussion Prompts for Letter XVI: The Tower

1. The author writes “the body is a miracle of wisdom, harmony and stability, which does not merit scorn but rather the admiration of the soul.” He says this as a way of criticizing the unfortunate dualism through much of Christian history which blames the body’s weakness and desire for much of human sin. How can our understanding of sin and holiness, or good and evil, be changed for the better, if we truly accept this premise that it is the soul, rather than the body, which is the cause of the mistakes we make?

2. John of the Cross suggests that the presence of a hostile and unfriendly spirit will result in “dryness of spirit, in a tendency to self-esteem, to accept and make much of visions; and in no degree whatever do they produce the gentleness of humility, and love of God” (page 416). Do you think this is a helpful description of what it is like to encounter demonic or unfriendly spirits? What other qualities do you think would be indicative of an encounter with evil (or, for that matter, of an encounter with good)?

3. Our author suggests that “sacred magic” is necessary for protection against demons and/or for combating demonic energy. But is sacred magic the same thing as prayer? Do you believe prayer is an effective form of spiritual self-defense? If not, then what is it that sacred magic does, that prayer cannot do?