Desert Fathers and Mothers

Early Christian Wisdom Sayings Annotated & Explained

AvChristine Valters Paintner

Häftad, Engelska, 2012

Del i serien Skylight Illuminations

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Beskrivning

The desert fathers and mothers were ordinary Christians living in solitude in the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, Syria and Arabia who chose to renounce the world in order to deliberately and individually follow God's call. They embraced lives of celibacy, labour, fasting, prayer and poverty, believing that denouncing material goods and practising stoic self-discipline would lead to unity with the Divine. Their spiritual practice formed the basis of Western monasticism and greatly influenced both Western and Eastern Christianity.Their writings, first recorded in the fourth century, consist of spiritual advice, parables and anecdotes emphasising the primacy of love and the purity of heart. Focusing on key themes of charity, fortitude, lust, patience, prayer and self-control, the Sayings influenced the rule of St. Benedict and have inspired centuries of opera, poetry and art.This probing and personal SkyLight Illuminations edition opens up their wisdom for readers with no previous knowledge of Western monasticism and early Christianity. It provides insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that describes historical background, explains the practice of asceticism and illustrates how you can use their wisdom to energise your spiritual quest.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2012-09-13
Mått:140 x 216 x 13 mm
Vikt:238 g
Format:Häftad
Språk:Engelska
Serie:Skylight Illuminations
Antal sidor:192
Förlag:Jewish Lights Publishing
ISBN:9781594733734

Utforska kategorier

Religion: allmänt inom Filosofi och religion

Mer om författaren

Christine Valters Paintner, a Benedictine Oblate, frequently leads retreats and teaches on the wisdom of Benedictine, Celtic and desert ways of praying. A writer, artist, spiritual director, retreat facilitator and teacher, she is the online Abbess of www.abbeyofthearts.com, a global online monastery dedicated to the integration of contemplative practice and creative expression.

Recensioner i media

"Provides not only a wonderful introduction to a fascinating world (the opening chapter alone is worth the price of the book), but an invitation to seek our own 'word' from the abbas and ammas of Christian antiquity.... Offers one of the best guidebooks I've seen for those who’ve been called to the contemplative life."—Paula Huston, author, The Holy Way and Simplifying the Soul"Offers the reader a good drink from the clear stream of desert wisdom. She honors the tradition while making it entirely relevant to our times."—Mary C. Earle, writer and Episcopal priest; author, The Desert Mothers: Spiritual Practices from the Women of the Wilderness and Celtic Christian Spirituality: Essential Writings—Annotated & Explained“A splendid introduction to one of the most essential periods of the Western contemplative tradition.... Offers insight into the austere and wondrous spirituality of the desert ... and why their pithy teachings remain so essential for the study and practice of Christian spirituality today. [The] commentary makes the wisdom of the desert come alive.”—Carl McColman, author, The Big Book of Christian Mysticism and Answering the Contemplative Call

Innehållsförteckning

Introduction ixGive Me a Word 3Your Cell Will Teach You Everything 7Heart-Centered Spirituality 27Thoughts, Desires, and Passions 37Humility, Simplicity, and the Beginner's Heart 57Spiritual Elders and Soul Friends 85Tears of Compunction 93The Necessity of Practice 101Virtues, Charity, and the Service of Love 111Solitude, Silence, and Hesychia 119Three Essential Things 125Prayer and Differing Gifts 129Conclusion: How to Become a Monk 137Notes 144Suggestions for Further Reading 146