God’s Ecstatic Love: An Interview With Dr. Bruce Tallman

Dr. Bruce Tallman recently joined me via Zoom to discuss his conversion to the Catholic church, his spiritual direction practice, and his new book titled “God’s Ecstatic Love: Transform Your Life With A Spiritual Masterpiece”. In this interview we discuss what led him to the Catholic church, what spiritual direction is and how the Holy Spirit led him to it, and the work of St. Francis de Sales that led to his newest release.

About God’s Ecstatic Love (Taken From The Book Description)

Jesus of Nazareth said the first and greatest commandment is: “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.” Francis de Sales, bishop, doctor, saint, and mystic, published Treatise on the Love of God in 1616. Scholars consider it to be one of the classics of Christian literature, on the level of The Cloud of Unknowing, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, and The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. Yet, most people have never heard of it.

Love, Died, Cross, Thorns, Crown, Heart

Dr. Bruce Tallman’s new book God’s Ecstatic Love takes de Sales’ spiritual masterpiece and updates it in a way that makes sense to 21st century minds. Packed full of key quotes from scripture and the original Treatise, the goal of God’s Ecstatic Love is to enable believers to master the most important life-skill of all: a passionate and intelligent life-transforming love of God.

You can purchase the book here.

About Dr. Bruce Tallman (From His Website)

In spiritual direction, he has worked with laity and clergy from every Christian denomination. He has published two books for spiritual directors (one of them, Finding Seekers: How to Develop a Spiritual Direction Practice from Beginning to Full-Time Employment, is a bestseller in the field). He has also published two books on spirituality for clergy and lay people (see the “Books” page).

He has had over 175 articles on spirituality published in the London Free Press and other newspapers and is an adjunct faculty for the Haden Institute for Spiritual Directors Training.

From 1988 to 2002 Dr. Tallman was the director of two adult religious education centers for the Roman Catholic Diocese of London, Ontario. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Direction/Counselling from the Graduate Theological Foundation, which is affiliated with the Gregorian Institute in Rome and Oxford University in England.

Interview On God’s Ecstatic Love

St. Francis De Sales Quotes For Reflection

Since Dr. Tallman’s book is based on a work of St. Francis De Sales I found it fitting to list some quotes for reflection.

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew.― St. Francis de Sales

The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings. ― St. Francis de Sales

God takes pleasure to see you take your little steps; and like a good father who holds his child by the hand, He will accommodate His steps to yours and will be content to go no faster than you. Why do you worry? ― St. Francis de Sales

Truly it is a blessed thing to love on earth as we hope to love in Heaven, and to begin that friendship here which is to endure for ever there.”― St. Francis de Sales