Oasis of Wisdom : The Worlds of the Desert Fathers and Mothers

by Keller, David G. R.

• ISBN13: 9780814630341
• ISBN10: 0814630340
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-04-30
• Publisher: Liturgical Pr

Summary

The life and wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers is not only retained in historical volumes, but has been a constant presence throughout the development of the church. A formative influence since the time of the early Christians, this wisdom has the power to transform and nurture even today. Using six fundamental aspects of desert monastic life as windows--The Cell, Patience, Praxis, Labor and Time, Solitude and Silence, and Humility--Oasis of Wisdom reveals the world that created the wisdom of early Christian monastic men and women. With this experiential approach to learning, Keller goes beyond simple reflection by providing substantial historical background, including the environment of solitude, ascetic disciplines, labor, and daily life experiences. Touching on the social, religious, political, and linguistic influences of the culture, it is an ideal introduction for modern readers with limited backgrounds in theology or church history. Oasis of Wisdom is ideal for those seeking spiritual mentoring or a discipline of prayer, and will appeal to those from all denominations and backgrounds, from those new to church history to oblates. The richness of this ancient wisdom will challenge modern Christians to catch the spirit of the desert elders and join in their struggle to live an authentic human life.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
Introduction	xiii
1 Politeia: The Monastic World of the Desert Fathers and Mothers	1	(13)
2 Oikoumene: The Inhabited Worlds Surrounding the Desert Fathers and Mothers	14	(13)
3 Sunrise to Sunrise: The Daily Lives of Early Egyptian Desert Elders and Monastic Communities	27	(20)
4 The Cell: Meeting God and Ourselves	47	(15)
5 Patience: Learning Not to Run from God or Ourselves	62	(16)
6 Stillness and Silence: Being Present to God, Ourselves, and the World	78	(17)
7 Praxis: An Ascetic Vocation That Forms, Nourishes, and Guards the Soul	95	(23)
8 Praxis and Labor: The Sanctification of Daily Life	118	(13)
9 Humility: Making Christ Tangible	131	(25)
10 Two Deserts	156	(10)
Select Bibliography	166	(3)
Maps	169	(4)
Index of Names and Places	173	(4)
General Index	177