Give Me a Word: The Alphabetical Sayings of the Desert Fathers, PPS52 (Popular Patristics) Paperback July 25, 2014

Popular Patristics Series #52

by John Wortley

When Christians first began living as monks in the Egyptian desert at the beginning of the fourth century, they had few books and almost no learning. As they gained experience, they concentrated that experience in the form of an oral tradition of tales and sayings (apophthegmata). Apart from the Scriptures (also learned by heart) this was the only training manual they had. Consequently, when the onslaught of barbarians drove many monks out of Egypt early in the following century, they found it better to preserve their oral tradition in writing.

Genres: Church History, Theology, Religion, Spirituality, Christianity, Catholic, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published July 25, 2014

Reviews

[Raphael Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Off you go then: love affliction more than repose, dishonor more than esteem, and giving rather than receiving" - Abba Matoes

This quote, for me, was the closest that any of the sayings of the desert fathers got to encapsulating the entire collection of sayings and stories that make up this rich, riveting, beautiful book. I could not put it down. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. The lives of these men and women who gave up their homes and livelihoods to live in "voluntary exile" and poverty are grounding, refreshing, and a source of hope to us "worldlings" who fight the spiritual battle out in the cities and towns.

Read. This. Book.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a relatively recent translation of one of the major collections of the sayings of the Desert Fathers. Other translations exist, but this is a good one with a strong introduction to these highly idiosyncratic figures. For those familiar with these desert ascetics, you'll find many of the most often quoted sayings from the familiar desert monks- Anthony, Poemon etc.

For those less familiar, this volume offers an interesting introduction to a series of disparate monks. Be aware, of course, that this is not meant as a systematic theology, but rather are the best remembered sayings of an incredibly diverse group of highly eccentric individuals. Those who fled the late Roman cities in Egypt, Palestine and Syria were nothing, if not, characters in their own right and there is much in here to both approve and disapprove. With next to no commentary, the reader is left to understand these sayings to the best of their ability. Some sayings are straightforward enough or resonate with the modern world. Others just seem out of context and bizarre. Others are heart-stopping offensive. Some of that is just culture shock, but the reader should beware that they probably will find something to love and something to loath in this volume.

So, why read it? I could say for the historical reasons of understanding a distinctive cultural movement in Late Antiquity and I'd be right. However, the reason why I read it and why I enjoyed it is that, however odd these monks are, they are experts on the interior life. Because they spend all their time in meditation and prayer (even while working), they have a peculiarly deep understanding of the thoughts which block our prayer life as well as, eventually, the calmness of a connection to God. They were, after all, the ones who identified the eight bad thoughts (the origins for the seven deadly sins) and developed ways to defuse them. Those methods are so strikingly like cognitive behavior therapy that they can even be used today. They were also the ones who saw that the final goal of meditation was not just connection with God, but loving actions to one's neighbour. Frequently, the fruit of these efforts was a loving service to the world.

I love the wisdom, the gentleness and, yes, even the quirkiness of these sayings which is why I can forgive the less palatable parts of this collection which combines the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of this life.

Well worth reading, but, maybe, know a little about this world before you dip in unawares.

[FrDrStel Muksuris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of sayings from the Eastern Desert Fathers, arranged alphabetically according to the monk credited with it, reflects the fifth-century codification of these spiritual gems. These apopthegmata, or excerpts, reflect a manner of Christian ascetical mindset and practice unique to such desert climates as Egypt, Palestine, and Cappadocia.

In these sayings, one encounters the extreme rigor of a self-imposed Christian lifestyle, replete with practical wisdom, simplicity, but also, on occasion, a light and refreshing humor. The major themes range from hesychia (stillness), self-examination, and obedience to fasting, prayer, and control of the tongue. The saintly figures appear larger than life, always prepared with an answer to their disciples' quandaries, at times perhaps too harsh, but always seeking the rule of admonition out of love and concern for their hearers' salvation.

This book is an excellent reference source for everyone seeking a deeper understanding of Orthodox spirituality. A topical index, which does not exist in this text, would have been helpful, but that organizational arrangement represents the second form of this early codification.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book over a year ago and I have been reading it constantly since that time. I have several collections of the sayings of the Desert Fathers, this is by far my favorite. Popular Patristics always makes great monographs of patristic writings. They are the perfect size for the hand, large pocket, and small bag. This translation is especially readable. It is organized alphabetically by desert father for easy reference. I have flipped to random passages and read it strait through. If you are looking for a collection of the sayings of the Desert Fathers I would recommend you start here.

[Nate Maier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great little book looking at a very different way to follow Jesus to what most of us live and do today. It is a dense book chalked full of sayings and stories that range from crazy encounters with demons to small pithy statements that sting and last in the best of ways. The book is a long collection and definitely takes a lot of time to work through because each statement or story is so dense. There is times when what they consider humility seems to be more self-hatred but that is a balance I certainly haven't found so I am not one to judge. Amazing book for people looking to live a slower, more ascetic lifestyle in our instant, self-gratifying culture these days.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is in the wisdom tradition - each saying stands on its own. The book is not meant to be read like a novel. Rather one has to examine each saying to see if it is a diamond for you. One also needs a good deal of background and experience in the Orthodox life to benefit from the wisdom. The book was written by and for monks living in the desert somewhere in the 5-6th Centuries. The stories have to first be read in that context. One can't read them literally, but when understood in their context one can derive lessons for one's own life in the modern world. Some of the sayings really can't be translated into the life of 21st Century Christians living in the world, and they shouldn't be. This is not a rule book, not a recipe book, not a step by step instruction manual for how to become a monk or how to imitate 4th Century monks. Wisdom requires us to contemplate how we might live today. My old adage about the difference between law and wisdom is this: A stop sign is the law. It tells you that you must stop. it can never tell you to go. That takes wisdom.

[Christian Proano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing reading, there is more in the words of this book than what an initial read with the plain eye may perceive.