The Desert Fathers: Saint Anthony and the Beginnings of Monasticism

by Peter H. Gorg

In the late third century, more and more people withdrew to the radical seclusion of the desert so as to live entirely for God under the direction of a spiritual father. Among these "Desert Fathers" one figure is especially Saint Anthony the Hermit. This book takes the reader back to the hour when monasticism was born and describes the life of those revolutionary Christians who sought God in the Egyptian desert. The focus of the book is the life and work of Saint Anthony, whose experiences of the spiritual life have a timeless beauty and validity, even for those not called to live as a monk. The second half of the book presents other Desert Fathers, such as Paul of Thebes, Pachomius, and Simeon Stylites, as well as the great founders of the monastic communities in Western Europe who were inspired by John Cassian, Columban, and Benedict, for example. "The monk's self-denial begins radically in precisely those departments of life which have perennially seemed to be the most ownership, self-determination and sexuality. At the same time those who admonish so uncomfortably become the salt that lends Christianity its original flavor. . . . Just as the saints are God's specific answer to the needs of a given time, so too are the religious orders that have been founded over the course of the centuries."
- Peter Görg

Genres: Biography, History, Catholic, Christianity

145 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2011

Reviews

[Baelor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Görg has crafted a brief introduction to the early hermits and monastics. It is merely an overview based on historical writings; those expecting a deep analysis should look elsewhere. Görg goes into the most detail about Saint Anthony the Great, the most famous early hermit and father of monasticism. He then discusses Paul of Thebes, legendarily the first hermit. Finally, he discusses the spread of monasticism in different areas (from Syria to Ireland).

The translation from the German by Michael J. Miller is lucid and simple. Görg focuses on Athanasius' biography of Anthony (written after the two had met and shared their experiences) and mostly on Jerome for Paul. This is a good introductory book and provides a very brief bibliography for further study. I would have liked to have had footnotes or references in the chapters so as to follow up on specific points.

A good, fast read.

[Joseph Yue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew this book is introductory, but how elementary the content is is still unexpected. With the exception of St. Anthony of Egypt, all other major figures in early monasticism were covered in less than five pages, and these are essentially summaries of the primary sources for beginners. There is neither in-depth analysis nor worthwhile spiritual insight - in a word, suitable only for someone who knows absolutely nothing about monasticism. Even so, I'd recommend going to the primary sources directly.

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book about Saint Anthony and a few other saints. Not really much beyond conveying the basic story, other than some cranky digressions about the reality of miracles. But the basic story is so interesting that I enjoyed it.

[Fr Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, basic introduction to the beginnings of monasticism in the East and West, with biographical information of many of its founders.

[Brian Jay Kane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great content, though not very well written. It’s essentially a republication of St. Athanasius without the first person experience.