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COMMENTARY BY SEVERAL REVIEWERS

An Orthodox icon of Mary the Mother of God (58k JPG)

Father P.B.T. Bilaniuk's {deceased 1998} impeccable credentials. He says that I {Robert} have written a spiritually unique book, visions of the divine light, anointed physical eyes, apprehended intellectually, mystical experiences like those of St. Symeon the new theologian and pseudo-dionysius, true spiritual union with Jesus Christ, he deserves nothing {in his own eyes}, a willing directee, book recommended, for its uncounted, often profound, mystical event.

The following were the opinions and sentiments of the former Right Reverend, Mitrophoric Archpriest, Petro B. T. Bilaniuk:S.T.B., Dr. Theol., Dr. Phil., C.D.S.P., D.D., L.F.I.B.A. Father Petro died in 1998.

He was a Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at St. Michael's College, The University of Toronto and was an Honorary Canon of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Lviv.

The author of 12 books, and also 160 articles to learned journals, encyclopedias and collections, he was my director and mentor for four years, at the apex of my mystical life.

Father Petro's knowledge and experience were the foundation of his spirituality, and are unsurpassed, perhaps anywhere, in the Eastern Catholic Churches to the best of my knowledge.

Saint Basil: Picture courtesy of the Basilian Father's of Cali, Colombia. (26k JPG)

Quoting Father Bilaniuk, with his version of my work, he endorsed this book by issuing his agreement and collaboration as follows: "Robert Lind Defries has written a spiritually unique book.

Like some writers in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, he has the vision of the Divine Light. This is revealed to him through his anointed physical eyes. It is also apprehended intellectually, carrying in it a potentially infinite number of ideas, intuited as words and sentences.

The significance of this cannot be underestimated. Only writers such as St Maximos the confessor, Pseudo - Dionysius and St. Symeon the New Theologian have written in this mode. Mr. Defries is definitely not the theologian these men were and are, but his mystical experiences are often almost identical to theirs.

An excellent example of Mr. Defries' major Divine encounters is his spiritual union with Jesus Christ. This occurrence is so sublime that it is obviously true and it puts him in the company of a select few, who have recorded such events. He is quick to point out that he deserves nothing.

The author of the book was a willing directee. I recommend his book, and its uncounted, often profound, mystical events, to anyone interested in the Christian mystical tradition. It is very well worthy of the genre."

Petro Bilaniuk
Toronto, May 5, 1994

An anonymous mystic of the western church who has the interior vision of the trinity writes: God says Robert's experiences are real, valid and true, Robert is absolutely honest, 12 year friendship, Robert was my spiritual director early on.

Robert draws from the great Christian mystical writers, he has faults like everybody, fascination of the divine light and Robert, his diary reflects the divine life, mystical marriage between Robert and Jesus fascinating and other-worldly.

Poetry very unique and original, Robert's emotional life very enhanced by his spiritual life, we share the will of the lord, both desire church unity.

A mystic of the Western Church who has the interior vision of the Trinity and who desires anonymity in the interests of his peace, writes: "I have had many times the Word from the Lord Himself that this man's experiences are real, valid and true. Robert is absolutely honest.

I have known him for over 12 years. He has a wide range of experiences in life, so he is not a narrow - minded mystic. He has been a spiritual director to me informally, especially in my formative years as a Christian mystic.

His spirituality is genuine, built on the integration and appropriation of ideas from great Christian, mystical writers. Virtue is acquired from constant effort and so it is in the case with Robert Defries. By the way, he has faults like everyone.

It is fascinating to read about the displays of the Divine Light which Robert experiences. I myself, have a visual, "verbal" relationship with the Trinity which in some ways parallels Robert's experience of the Divine.

God speaks daily to both of us. Some people like to read the diaries of famous people that reflect their lives, but this diary reflects the Divine Life. I found the account of the Mystical Marriage between Robert and Jesus to be fascinating and other - worldly.

His poetry is very original and proceeds from a unique perspective. It is very valuable and precious to read. In Robert's case, his emotional life is greatly enhanced by his spiritual life. We teach each other about the Will of the Lord. We both ardently desire Church unity.

God's plethora of beauty. (59k JPG)

Paul Coates, theology lecturer expounds: communion & ecclesia, a profound relationship, touch of Jesus Christ, like a husband and his spouse, honesty and care, deepens communities faith and prayer, Robert anoints identity as children of God, shows that God is unbelievably attracted to us, called us to closeness and spiritual availability, this book calls you to ponder your mystical call and the life of Christ within.

The experience that Paul Coates,{B.A., B.ED., M. Div.: Part - time theology lecturer, full - time religion teacher and Christian, recording artist} has of Mr. Defries' book is one of communion and ecclesia. He recounts: "The words contained in this book speak of a profound relationship.

What happens to the soul when Christ touches it? Like a lover who responds to the beloved, a communion presides over the two, engendering a very real and unique conversation. A 'knowingness' exists, a spontaneous communication.

This book of stories from beyond the veil, abides in that communication, and like the mystics of old, the author attends the experience with honesty and care. Mr. Defries journeys to a rare and wonderful place, and then comes back to share with the Christian community.

Most do not attempt a mystical venture, but for those who do, their experience allows the Divine to inform and deepen our community's faith and prayer. This book affirms and anoints our identity as children of God. It highlights the truth that God is unbelievably attracted to us, and has called us to closeness and spiritual availability.

The pages of this book will cause you to ponder your own mystical call and the life of Christ within you.

Father Michael King writes, possible constraints of his office, open minded skepticism, open generally but cautious of individuals claims of mystical phenomena, St. Theresa of Avila & Saint Faustina should also be treated this way, some experiences may be natural not from God.

The fascination of this book, revealed workings of another's soul with God -- truly remarkable, written with intelligence and humor.

Remarkable knowledge, honesty--open transparent and refreshing, very good example of psychology of religious experience, deeply personal relationship with God, wonderful wise revelations of a large soul.

Father Michael King has a completely different view. Perhaps because of the constraints of his office, he writes: "In seminary, we were taught to view all forms of alleged mystical phenomena with 'open - minded scepticism' that is, 'to be open - minded generally but cautious of individual's claims of mystical phenomena.'

So my training dictates that I reserve judgement on Mr. Defries' work. I would react in the same way to the claims of St. Teresa of Avila or Sr. Faustina. Their theology is sound, but I think some of their experiences may be natural, not from God."

But then he says: "What I must do however, is to testify to the fascination this book exerts on me.

To get a long look at the workings of another person's soul, especially in realms so deeply personal as that soul's relationship with God is something truly remarkable.. Mr. Defries writes with considerable intelligence and not a little humour.

His knowledge of the Churches' Eastern Fathers and mystics is quite remarkable and his honesty regarding himself is open, transparent and refreshing. Anyone with an interest in the psychology of religious experience would do well to read this book as it is the deeply personal account of one person's relationship with God and the wonderful and wise revelations of a large soul."

Rolf Koster, generic Christian, engineer and survivor: this book will inspire wonder among the faithful, a lot in it, for believers, unique book in genre of spiritual literature, coherent throughout, open it-- it makes sense anywhere.

The author has abundant skills in different contexts, knowledge and literary styles, author scampers up and down Jacobs ladder effortlessly, he puts tough questions to the public's views, he puts on an exhibition of science and literary skills about contemplation. Padre Pio and The Cure of Ars patron saint parish priests similar to robert lind defries in demonic oppression.

Rolf Koster, generic Christian, engineer and survivor writes: " Robert Defries has written a mystical book that will inspire wonder among the faithful. There is a lot in it. This is a book for believers! It is a unique book even in the genre of spiritual literature. . . . the book is coherent throughout. One can open it up anywhere and make sense of it.

Defries shows much skill in a large range of contexts, knowledge and literary styles. Appearing to have an [obvious motivation] to his prose, he scampers up and down Jacob's Ladder effortlessly, questioning the public's views, e.g.:

Who IS and who IS NOT sane? What is true, eternal reality? Can we see God? Does a saint know who he or she is? Robert puts on an exhibition of science and literary skills about contemplation as the Art of arts and the Science of sciences"

TESTIMONY OF ROLF KOSTER, STUDENT OF RELIGION, GENERIC CHRISTIAN, ENGINEER, SURVIVOR working together with ROBERT LIND DEFRIES' about the POPULAR PAGE ANIMAL or animal.htm at the address http://www.accessv.com/~theosis/animal.htm. Rolf is sometimes known as a bon vivant, a man about town and a teller of true tales, "tell it like it is and he always said "TAKE A CHANCE AND TAKE CHARGE ROB". IN MANY WAYS HE IS INSCRUTIBLE.

My intention when I had made up my mind was to suggest that this would be a brief discertation on the nature of religious controversy. When I first read the essay by Robert Lind Defries especially ANIMAL{animal.htm} I could not come up with anything to write;

Later I discovered that I could not trump Robert Defries essays. Bewilderment is a natural response to these chaotic seeming “Animal” paragraphs. One might say: Who does Robert Defries think he is; he’s got a lot of nerve {as one of His old Girls said recently verbatim {non-sexual}}

In truth, Robert has climbed the steps of the academy and his achievements vis a vis the internet and web publishing that are very, very popular in the present genre of Christian Mysticism on the web ; it could be said that he has some right to effuse although not be proud of such negative animal experiences among his spiritual gems. It is almost a complete reversal of genre for him.

In truth, as well it’s people like Robert who, by means of their prayers and good works navigate the Roman Catholic's irresistable force through the stormy seas of this the Third Millenium of the Year of Our Lord, 2004.

Robert draws upon many of his theological and literary resources. Robert first became deeply interested in Christianity as long ago as l947 {age 1} to 1964 and more recently in 1973 to 2004, he was a victim of Jim Bakker’s PTL club bible study program;

He is familiar with radical reformation Christianity; and he sometimes draws upon his knowledge of evangelicism. He became a Roman Catholic in 1978 and studied Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy at The {now} University of St. Michael’s College, Faculty of theology for 7 years part time.

The value of these essays can only be determined by the test of time and popularity;

Although the animal page has shown some outrageous, perhaps some would say, notorious beginnings with widespread popularity it remains an enigma.

Quite possibly Robert may foment a revolution in the writing of personal autobiographies.

Robert has told me that he stills sees these animal entities although seldom as he says in the essay, he is in control now {occasionally!!!–snicker}.

The Christian monks of East referred to the seven deadly sins; The point I Rolf would like to make is that the six realms of being as stated by the Buddhists, are not exactly the same as the seven deadly sins of Christianity. What I’ve found to be true of these deadly sins is that I should never speak of any of them unless I have mastered them. (Sic)

I have not mastered them.

Robert points out that he has mastered, drinking alcohol, street drugs, cigarettes, coffee, sex of every kind including impurity, fornication, adultery, He says he is totally celibate in every physical route of mortal sin except his incredible bulk{food}. The 7 deadly sins especially pride are more difficult.

Curiously, Robert’s animals do not speak audibly; they communicate by means of telepathy {perhaps???} {for those who believe in such things.}

Robert is fully persuaded of a fact that these furry animals are demonic in origin if not in nature. One person suggested to Robert that they are humanoids. He has told me that these creatures may be sent by a purveyor of the devil to be Roberts undoing in the most extreme ways. I suppose if there’s a lesson to learn in this and that it’s that the ladies should keep one’s clothes neatly folded and put away so that He, Robert does not see these creatures in the folds of the cloth and slip back into obsession and or “contact/psychosis.”{RLD} This is all vestigial “practice” to minimize obsession and occasional trauma. The onslaughts of what seems like thousands of devils comes from the evil/penitent human person, not Robert, the one who introduced the animals anyway.

They are hallucinations but, are they real in any way??? they are seamless, occupy totally all senses of the afflicted one's Body and extra-sensory faculties as well. One's spiritual life is demolished -- it appears they are not from God.

ARE THEY REAL???

WHY AND HOW ARE THEY REAL??? IN WHAT WAYS ARE THEY REAL???

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM???

LEAPS IN HUMILITY IN ROBERT HAS BEEN ONE OF THEIR GREAT FRUITS. {GRAPEFRUITS???}

DGD asserts, "I think that this book is very outstanding, extremely sublime and very, very unique and it hasn't got an equal." veritably, ie yours truly, DGD

Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, Woman counsellor and childhood friend of the author: he combines mysticism & it's suffering with realities of daily life in highly readable, humorous and touching account of spiritual encounters, leads us on mind and soul searching journey as he wrestles with his religious relationships, spirituality and loneliness.

Plagued by the labels and doubts of those around him, alternates between certainty and confusion, suffering & loss of girlfriend and feeling God has abandoned him, his bursts of confidence, we are like him in these, his humanity grounds us in reality as he explores his mystical life.

Robert was devastated by loss of girlfriend, hope restored through fulfilling relationship with Jesus, Robert suffers considerable mood swings {manic depression} in his relationship with Jesus, the tempter, describes growth as mystic, destined from youth to seek a spiritual liason or marriage.

People play second fiddle to the divine, suffering and confusion but also some exhilarating and wonderful visions shared openly, honestly and vividly, at book's end Robert apparently in the dark night of the spirit.

Elizabeth Williams, (B.A.. Psych. E.C.E. Cert. a woman's counsellor and a childhood friend of the author) reviews his book as follows:

News: Robert's Reality by Elizabeth Williams B.A.(Psych) E.C.E. Can we know what is real? Author Robert Defies introduces us to a world only he can describe, a world inhabited by creatures only he can know. These beings are very real, with personalities, character and substance. They carry on relationships with him and each other. And yet he knows on another level of awareness that they are not there. How can he live with such a disperate knowledge of reality? Robert describes his stuggle in his latest work.

I was very severely "In THE EXPERIENCE

Robert Defries combines mysticism and it's incumbent suffering with the realities of daily life, in a highly readable, humorous and touching account of his spiritual encounters. He leads us on a mind and soul searching journey as he wrestles and struggles with his religious relationships, his spirituality, his loneliness.

He is convinced, usually, of his mystic enlightenment, of his relationship with God, but is plagued by the labels and doubts of those around him. This leads to a rollercoaster ride between certainty and confusion. His readers will relate to his suffering, especially at the loss of his girlfriend and the dark times he feels God has forsaken him.

They will also be lifted by his bursts of confidence. Do we not all go through these phases for various reasons? This humanity keeps our image of Robert grounded in reality while he is exploring his mystical and spiritual life.

Roberto's birthday party. (27k JPG)

Robert's girlfriend left him feeling abandoned and without hope. Gradually over many years and through countless trials, this hope has been restored through faith and a fulfilling relationship with Jesus.

This relationship is hardly smooth sailing any more than a conventional marriage. Robert suffers through considerable mood swings depending on his perceptions of his relationship with Jesus. On this journey, we also witness Robert's struggle with the tempter.

He delves into his early years as well as recent happenings as he describes his growth as a mystic. Clearly, from his youth onwards, he has been destined to seek a spiritual liaison or marriage. People take second place to his relationships with the Divine.

His life as a contemplative has brought some suffering and confusion, but also exhilarating and wonderful visions and experiences that he shares with us openly, honestly and vividly. By the end of the book, Robert's spiritual director feels he may be enduring the dark night of the spirit with the anticipation of a joyous resolution."

INDEX

THE HOME PAGE

THE REVIEWS PAGE

FIVE TEXTUAL EXCERPTS PAGES

ST. THEOPHANE THE RECLUSE

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

SOME REASONS FOR WRITING THIS BOOK

THE LEGAL PAGE

THE SEARCH PAGE

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