Spiritual theology is both speculative and practical, but it is eminently practical because it deals
with Christian life in relation to the perfection of charity. Consequently, the study of the theology
of Christian perfection should proceed scientifically and systematically, although its aim is not to
produce scholars but to form holy Christians. Therefore the first part of this volume investigates
the theological principles of Christian holiness; the second part deduces from those principles the
general directives by which souls can be guided in their journey to the goal of the Christian life.