Quietism (Christianity)

François de Lamothe-Fénelon reinterprets spiritual life by distinguishing between the two loves: concupiscent, mercenary or selfish love of God with hope for future benefits, which may be assisted by discursive meditation; and totally selfless love, expressed only in acts of perfect simplicity. This perfect love, expressed through total indifference to the vicissitudes of life, leads to union. There is a gradual surrender of active control of the spiritual life as one develops towards pure love. Eventually the soul acquires a holy passivity which leaves all initiative to the divine impulses of grace.