Mature spirituality according to von Hügel: a practitioner’s voice

Baron Friedrich von Hügel (1852-1925) is best known as a religious philosopher from the late 19th and early 20th century. Less well known is von Hügel’s work as a spiritual director, which has been suggested to underlie his entire religious philosophy.

This paper seeks to outline von Hügel’s understanding of the nature of mature spirituality as exemplified in his practice of spiritual direction, particularly to Evelyn Underhill and Gwendolen Greene.

This understanding encompasses several axes, namely: the mystical – the affective life, the life of adoration; the intellectual/historical – theological groundedness and historical awareness; the institutional: the place of the church, and the function of spiritual disciplines; spiritual character: death to self, humility, enduring suffering, etc.; and praxis: the importance of both the contemplative and active lives.

von Hügel‘s unique contribution to mature spirituality is rooted in his holistic approach to spiritual direction, his profound intellect and broad education, his unusual perspective as a lay Catholic director within a tradition of priestly direction, and his deep commitment to ecumenicism. von Hügel is a voice that still has much to offer our understanding of spiritual maturity.