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The Illumined Heart: Capture the Vibrant Faith of Ancient Christians
Why are modern Christians so indistinguishable from everyone else?
How come Christians who lived in times of bloody persecution were so heroic, while we who live in safety are not?
How could the first Christians fast valiantly, but we feel deprived without dessert?
How did New Testament believers pray without ceasing?
How could the early Christian martyrs actually forgive their torturers?
What did the Christians of the first centuries know that we don't?
That's what this book is about.
From the author:
When I look back at the process of writing The Illumined Heart , I'm amazed all over again at how God directed it. I wrote the whole thing in a week, the week before Christmas, in fact, which is so typically congested with last-minute errands, unpredicatable weather, aches and sniffles. For Orthodox Christians, it's also a week that we fast from meat and dairy, adding another ball to the juggling act. Yet somehow I started writing the book on Monday morning and completed it Sunday night, just fourteen minutes after the Christmas Eve service began. (I kept wondering where in the week I'd dawdled and lost that fourteen minutes.)
It's no wonder that I look at The Illumined Heart as the one out of all of my books that felt the most God-directed. Mostly, he told me when to shut up. For a cup-runneth-over writer like me, starting a book is like moving into mid-pregnancy and putting on those stretch-front trousers for the first time; they're like a license to eat. And knowing that I have room to write on and on, whatever comes to mind, makes for abundant, wandering prose. Yet The Illumined Heart is quiet, proportional, just-enough; it's like a jewel. It's no wonder that this is a personal favorite among my own books, and the one I must urge people to read. I'm pleased by the amount of good work it's done so far, and hope that it will continue to do much more.
How come Christians who lived in times of bloody persecution were so heroic, while we who live in safety are not?
How could the first Christians fast valiantly, but we feel deprived without dessert?
How did New Testament believers pray without ceasing?
How could the early Christian martyrs actually forgive their torturers?
What did the Christians of the first centuries know that we don't?
That's what this book is about.
From the author:
When I look back at the process of writing The Illumined Heart , I'm amazed all over again at how God directed it. I wrote the whole thing in a week, the week before Christmas, in fact, which is so typically congested with last-minute errands, unpredicatable weather, aches and sniffles. For Orthodox Christians, it's also a week that we fast from meat and dairy, adding another ball to the juggling act. Yet somehow I started writing the book on Monday morning and completed it Sunday night, just fourteen minutes after the Christmas Eve service began. (I kept wondering where in the week I'd dawdled and lost that fourteen minutes.)
It's no wonder that I look at The Illumined Heart as the one out of all of my books that felt the most God-directed. Mostly, he told me when to shut up. For a cup-runneth-over writer like me, starting a book is like moving into mid-pregnancy and putting on those stretch-front trousers for the first time; they're like a license to eat. And knowing that I have room to write on and on, whatever comes to mind, makes for abundant, wandering prose. Yet The Illumined Heart is quiet, proportional, just-enough; it's like a jewel. It's no wonder that this is a personal favorite among my own books, and the one I must urge people to read. I'm pleased by the amount of good work it's done so far, and hope that it will continue to do much more.
111 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
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336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 2, 2023
Full of good wisdom. The authors stuff on the Jesus prayer is beautiful. Over the years I continue to find myself more and more in awe over this simple prayer and was humbled by her words on it. Same with the need for a throughly theological liturgy that seeps into the heart week by week. Moreover, her stuff on repentance as being “bittersweet” because it reveals our sin while also pointing us to Christ is great.
However, her traditions rejection of original sin showed by how often she talked about demonic influence in the life of a believer. I guess that’s what someone who doesn’t believe in original sin has to do to square away believing that we don’t share in Adam’s fall (Romans 5:12-19) while looking at the fallenness that the world, and even Christians, participate in. I don’t think her persistent use of 1 Peter 5:8 sustained her point enough to say what she said.
Overall I would recommend this book, there are things western Christians need to hear in it and I will read it again for sure.
However, her traditions rejection of original sin showed by how often she talked about demonic influence in the life of a believer. I guess that’s what someone who doesn’t believe in original sin has to do to square away believing that we don’t share in Adam’s fall (Romans 5:12-19) while looking at the fallenness that the world, and even Christians, participate in. I don’t think her persistent use of 1 Peter 5:8 sustained her point enough to say what she said.
Overall I would recommend this book, there are things western Christians need to hear in it and I will read it again for sure.
March 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. As the cover says, "Mathewes-Green explores prayer, fasting, and alms-giving as aids to 'theosis' - total transformation in Christ." It's beautifully written and very simple. I loved chapter 9, especially, and am challenged to truly pray without ceasing. This is my favorite quote: "Murmuring like a brook, the prayer becomes the background music of every other thought and deed in life. It beats in the heart through long years, accompanying the believer at every moment. As he approaches declining age and enfeeblement, it is still there; it is there even when consciousness grows dim and memories fade away. The prayer beats inside until the last moment when the weary heart is stilled, and the believer steps through the veil to see the one he has loved so long, face to face."
June 23, 2013
This book took more time to read than its thickness would suggest because it is the type of material one needs to marinade in. I am already applying some if the principles, though not as holistically as the book suggests.
There are two things that rub me a little bit the wrong way about this book, though I still rated it highly because the meat of the book is so worthwhile. First, this book comes across more strongly than the other FMG book I have read in suggesting that the Orthodox Church has all the answers. I think they have a lot for the rest of us to learn and grow from, and in the end, there are suggestions for how to apply this book without converting, but it's still feels a little like you are being looked down upon. Second, flat, fictional characters that exist as a literary device to make a point generally annoy me as I would rather the point just be made.
Regardless of these critiques, the book is thoroughly worthwhile and I intend to follow through on starting to use the Jesus prayer regularly.
There are two things that rub me a little bit the wrong way about this book, though I still rated it highly because the meat of the book is so worthwhile. First, this book comes across more strongly than the other FMG book I have read in suggesting that the Orthodox Church has all the answers. I think they have a lot for the rest of us to learn and grow from, and in the end, there are suggestions for how to apply this book without converting, but it's still feels a little like you are being looked down upon. Second, flat, fictional characters that exist as a literary device to make a point generally annoy me as I would rather the point just be made.
Regardless of these critiques, the book is thoroughly worthwhile and I intend to follow through on starting to use the Jesus prayer regularly.
July 1, 2008
Concise, 100-page tract for modern Christians to think about what the ancient church believed, and then try to appropriate things that we have lost. She ends up equating ancient Christianity with the modern Eastern Orthodox Church, but doesn't get too pushy. I think her conviction is that if one really reads the early fathers and puts things into practice that they recommend and did, one may be led to become Orthodox.
Who knows? She may be right. Look at Peter Gillquist and buddies, who in the 80s converted from the upper echelons of Campus Crusade......
If anything, this book was helpful for me to see what the life of faith entails in a less theologically-heavy way.
Who knows? She may be right. Look at Peter Gillquist and buddies, who in the 80s converted from the upper echelons of Campus Crusade......
If anything, this book was helpful for me to see what the life of faith entails in a less theologically-heavy way.
September 14, 2020
Its a short book. I get it. But the over-simplifications and straw men [in all directions] hurt rather than helped her argument. It came off like a set of talking points dressed up in a parable.
Despite this, there is good here, and few paragraphs are absolute gold.
Despite this, there is good here, and few paragraphs are absolute gold.
August 13, 2016
I love this book! Mathewes-Green explores prayer, fasting, and alms-giving in the ancient church in a serious, but still engaging and easy-reading way.
December 27, 2021
Oh this book was just what I needed! I started out Advent reading C.S Lewis and it was so good for me, I turned next to Frederica Mathewes-Greene who is likewise good for my heart.
I so often find that what I consume determines my mood, my attitude and how I feel about the world. And when I say consume, I mean all kinds of consumption. As an Orthodox Christian we already fast for Advent, giving up many foods in preparation for the birth of Christ. But living in the world in the modern West there are many other things to consume that can equally hurt me. What I read, what I watch and what I buy (especially in preparation for the consumer-fest that is Christmas) all can upset my equilibrium at best and at worst affirmatively hurt my heart (I’m looking at you, pornographic content in chick lit). I was in definite need of a change, a cleanse if you will. A choice to be in the world and not of it.
Enter The Illumined Heart. The main purpose of this book is to ask “How come Christians who lived in times of bloody persecutions were so heroic, while we who live in safety are fretful and pudgy?” Excellent question! FMG answers this question by contrasting the beliefs of an imagined woman, Anna, from the fifth or sixth century with the beliefs of modern day Christians.
First of all, modern Christians tend to regard their relationship with Christ almost like they would with a shop vendor. What can you do for me to make me feel better? And in the same vein because Jesus has died for our sins, pouring grace upon us, we no longer need to feel burdened by our failures. In keeping with the shop keeper analogy, modern Christians stamp the bill “Debt Paid,” and regard that as the end of the relationship. There is no need in this instance to pay any real attention to failures, to our sins, because we don’t need to. For Anna, living so much closer to Christ’s time, all of these ideas are completely alien. Anna pays much more attention to her failings, and prays every day for forgiveness and for the Lord’s help. She does this because she knows that her sins distance her from God and her purpose in life is to move ever closer to him. She expects to be transformed by his love, but because God’s love is a healing love it is not always comfortable. The self-reflection and correction necessary to receive his love is often very uncomfortable.
We in the modern world have embraced the notion that nothing is our fault. We are victims and someone else is to blame for our failings. I get it. It’s hard to admit we have done something wrong or hurtful. Again, this would be anathema to Anna. But she lived in a time when there was a unified church teaching. Now the church has splintered to such a degree that everyone chooses what they want to believe; a supermarket version of Christianity where you can skip the aisles with the vegetables so to speak, even though deep down we know they are good for us. This is also why people are leaving modern western churches in droves. There is no there, there. There is no guidance, no correction, no clear path to Christ, if we all can choose what we want to do and believe. This is in part why my family joined the Orthodox Church: it is the closest thing to the original church, the church that Anna knew, that we could find. And now more than ever, we need the illumined heart that FMG promises in the worship of the early Christians. We need the honesty and truth of a worship practice that brings us closer to God.
The rest of the book is devoted to how we get to God, the practices of the early Christians that kept them rooted in this journey to unification with Him. This was most helpful to me, putting my heart and mind on the right path and noting how interconnected the two are. It made me more conscious of my sins in a very necessary way. In recognizing all the ways I am failing it becomes ever clearer to me how much I need God and that I should turn to him for answers. It’s wonderfully painful. As FMG writes, “God’s truth is beautiful, and this beauty casts us to our knees.”
Reading this book at the beginning of Advent was so good for me. It turned me away from the world and filled me with a gladness that made navigating the many events and tasks required at this time of year that much easier, joyful even. This is a book I will return to again and again to remind me of what is truly important.
I so often find that what I consume determines my mood, my attitude and how I feel about the world. And when I say consume, I mean all kinds of consumption. As an Orthodox Christian we already fast for Advent, giving up many foods in preparation for the birth of Christ. But living in the world in the modern West there are many other things to consume that can equally hurt me. What I read, what I watch and what I buy (especially in preparation for the consumer-fest that is Christmas) all can upset my equilibrium at best and at worst affirmatively hurt my heart (I’m looking at you, pornographic content in chick lit). I was in definite need of a change, a cleanse if you will. A choice to be in the world and not of it.
Enter The Illumined Heart. The main purpose of this book is to ask “How come Christians who lived in times of bloody persecutions were so heroic, while we who live in safety are fretful and pudgy?” Excellent question! FMG answers this question by contrasting the beliefs of an imagined woman, Anna, from the fifth or sixth century with the beliefs of modern day Christians.
First of all, modern Christians tend to regard their relationship with Christ almost like they would with a shop vendor. What can you do for me to make me feel better? And in the same vein because Jesus has died for our sins, pouring grace upon us, we no longer need to feel burdened by our failures. In keeping with the shop keeper analogy, modern Christians stamp the bill “Debt Paid,” and regard that as the end of the relationship. There is no need in this instance to pay any real attention to failures, to our sins, because we don’t need to. For Anna, living so much closer to Christ’s time, all of these ideas are completely alien. Anna pays much more attention to her failings, and prays every day for forgiveness and for the Lord’s help. She does this because she knows that her sins distance her from God and her purpose in life is to move ever closer to him. She expects to be transformed by his love, but because God’s love is a healing love it is not always comfortable. The self-reflection and correction necessary to receive his love is often very uncomfortable.
We in the modern world have embraced the notion that nothing is our fault. We are victims and someone else is to blame for our failings. I get it. It’s hard to admit we have done something wrong or hurtful. Again, this would be anathema to Anna. But she lived in a time when there was a unified church teaching. Now the church has splintered to such a degree that everyone chooses what they want to believe; a supermarket version of Christianity where you can skip the aisles with the vegetables so to speak, even though deep down we know they are good for us. This is also why people are leaving modern western churches in droves. There is no there, there. There is no guidance, no correction, no clear path to Christ, if we all can choose what we want to do and believe. This is in part why my family joined the Orthodox Church: it is the closest thing to the original church, the church that Anna knew, that we could find. And now more than ever, we need the illumined heart that FMG promises in the worship of the early Christians. We need the honesty and truth of a worship practice that brings us closer to God.
The rest of the book is devoted to how we get to God, the practices of the early Christians that kept them rooted in this journey to unification with Him. This was most helpful to me, putting my heart and mind on the right path and noting how interconnected the two are. It made me more conscious of my sins in a very necessary way. In recognizing all the ways I am failing it becomes ever clearer to me how much I need God and that I should turn to him for answers. It’s wonderfully painful. As FMG writes, “God’s truth is beautiful, and this beauty casts us to our knees.”
Reading this book at the beginning of Advent was so good for me. It turned me away from the world and filled me with a gladness that made navigating the many events and tasks required at this time of year that much easier, joyful even. This is a book I will return to again and again to remind me of what is truly important.
January 11, 2018
Illumined Heart is a beautifully written book by Khoury Frederica Mathewes-Green. Khoury Frederica writes about the depth of the Orthodox faith in lucid prose without over simplification. This work is a short introduction to living the Orthodox life. She sets the scenario by contrasting the dilemma of a contemporary Christian with that of an ancient Christian. At the outset she captures the malady of the modern believer who is not content with simply knowing her eternal fate but rather who desires "to see the glory of God reflected in the face of her beloved Lord Jesus". According to the author, this is possible if we are able to capture the vibrant faith of the ancient Christians. In the following chapters the author introduces us to the practices of ancients that we can adapt today. In this simple to read manual, Khoury Frederica introduces the goal of Christian life as theosis; repentance as the beginning of the journey; ascesis as the training; wrestling with sinful passions; fasting; spiritual father "who can guide you regarding prayer, fasting, and other elements of the path, acting as a personal trainer does to an athlete"; mental discipline; Jesus prayer; humility in dealing with others in inner circle; belonging to the body of Christ; alms giving. The book also includes a helpful glossary that introduces reader to Orthodox words (often Greek). Additionally a categorized bibliography will help any reader to take the wisdom garnered from this book to the next level.
This book is a great introduction to the wealth of Orthodox spirituality and introduces the reader to basic concepts and classic authors of that spirituality. It can also be a refresher for someone well versed in Orthodox writings. I know that I will return to this book for regular reminders of the purpose of spiritual practices.
some worthy quotes from the work:
"repentance enlarges the heart until it encompasses all earthly life, and the sorrow tendered to God is no longer for ourselves alone."
On Jesus Prayer: "The goal of prayer, of course, is not to get good at saying the prayer. The goal of the prayer is to encounter Jesus, to grow in theosis, to live 'in Christ.' The prayer is a means to this end, a way to discipline and quiet the mind and dispose it to receive God's grace and presence."
"For Anna, dinner at Irene's house is a better arena for athletic struggle than a desert cave."
This book is a great introduction to the wealth of Orthodox spirituality and introduces the reader to basic concepts and classic authors of that spirituality. It can also be a refresher for someone well versed in Orthodox writings. I know that I will return to this book for regular reminders of the purpose of spiritual practices.
some worthy quotes from the work:
"repentance enlarges the heart until it encompasses all earthly life, and the sorrow tendered to God is no longer for ourselves alone."
On Jesus Prayer: "The goal of prayer, of course, is not to get good at saying the prayer. The goal of the prayer is to encounter Jesus, to grow in theosis, to live 'in Christ.' The prayer is a means to this end, a way to discipline and quiet the mind and dispose it to receive God's grace and presence."
"For Anna, dinner at Irene's house is a better arena for athletic struggle than a desert cave."
June 4, 2023
The Illumined Heart offers us a challenge to look back at how the early Christians followed Jesus. The author does this by creating a fictional couple: Anna and Theodore, who lived in the 5th or 6th century and were searching for the 'illumined way' of living intimately with Jesus. They are introduced to various practices that 'worked' for the ancients and which perhaps we in this modern age are either ignorant of or have left on the shelf to grow dusty.
The author writes in a very easy to read style and expresses that, she too is on the same path as Anna and Theodore, and doesn't have all the answers but has benefited herself from following the various practices she mentioned in the book.
I liked her emphasis on repentance, a 'turning around' one's life. We perhaps can forget the importance of this and that following Jesus is a daily pursuit of surrendering ourselves to follow Him. Her introduction on the Jesus Prayer was very good especially how she reflected on the 'have mercy' element. My pastor summed it up well in his message on Psalm 123: "God be gracious to us. Show us favour. Enter our situation, be inclined towards us." So that whatever situation or circumstance, the Jesus Prayer is a good one.
The book also contains a useful bibliography on references relating to the Ancient ways which some readers will find very useful I suspect.
The author writes in a very easy to read style and expresses that, she too is on the same path as Anna and Theodore, and doesn't have all the answers but has benefited herself from following the various practices she mentioned in the book.
I liked her emphasis on repentance, a 'turning around' one's life. We perhaps can forget the importance of this and that following Jesus is a daily pursuit of surrendering ourselves to follow Him. Her introduction on the Jesus Prayer was very good especially how she reflected on the 'have mercy' element. My pastor summed it up well in his message on Psalm 123: "God be gracious to us. Show us favour. Enter our situation, be inclined towards us." So that whatever situation or circumstance, the Jesus Prayer is a good one.
The book also contains a useful bibliography on references relating to the Ancient ways which some readers will find very useful I suspect.
February 8, 2018
Short review: I listened to this as I was at the dentist getting a crown put in. So I wasn't as closely paying attention as I do sometime.
I like Frederica Mathewes-Green and really appreciate her introduction to the Eastern Orthodox world. I think this is the third or fourth books of hers I have read (and a bunch of articles). But as much as I like the short introductions from a couple of different perspectives as I have read her work, many of my questions are not quite answered. I need to do some more focused reading around Orthodox theology. But I don't really have time for that now. So I will keep poking around the edges. This primarily focuses on the liturgy and why Orthodox focus on maintaining the ancient liturgy is important. Orthodox focus on whole body, not just intellectual or individualist as is common among western evangelicals.
My only slightly longer review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/illumined-heart/
I like Frederica Mathewes-Green and really appreciate her introduction to the Eastern Orthodox world. I think this is the third or fourth books of hers I have read (and a bunch of articles). But as much as I like the short introductions from a couple of different perspectives as I have read her work, many of my questions are not quite answered. I need to do some more focused reading around Orthodox theology. But I don't really have time for that now. So I will keep poking around the edges. This primarily focuses on the liturgy and why Orthodox focus on maintaining the ancient liturgy is important. Orthodox focus on whole body, not just intellectual or individualist as is common among western evangelicals.
My only slightly longer review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/illumined-heart/
March 24, 2018
Wow. For such a short book, it really packs a punch. It's an excellent read during Great Lent. My only regret is not having read it years ago. Frederica is a beautiful writer. Describing a "Christian Life" is a feat of itself, and she does a great job doing so in the context of our Christian forefathers/mothers. If you're struggling with prayer and how to BE a Christian, this book is encouraging and practical and hopeful for things to come.
February 14, 2022
A short book but a heavy read that takes time to mull over. Especially for my western way of looking at things. There are a lot of new (to me) concepts in here that go over my head a bit. I think this is a good place for a beginner to think about the whole church and what early Christians would do. There are a lot of good points to help us run this race with diligence and discipline. I think I'll need to read it over again soon to get a better understanding.
April 29, 2022
This is a little book but it packs quite a punch. Frederica
Mathewes-Green's goal in this book is to share some of
the core beliefs and practices of the early orthodox church
in contrast to current beliefs and practices of the western
church. She covers quite a bit for such a small book.
Repentance, forgiveness, fasting, prayer, spiritual direction
and more…
I found it helpful and really enjoyed the writer's style. I'll be
exploring more of her books.
Mathewes-Green's goal in this book is to share some of
the core beliefs and practices of the early orthodox church
in contrast to current beliefs and practices of the western
church. She covers quite a bit for such a small book.
Repentance, forgiveness, fasting, prayer, spiritual direction
and more…
I found it helpful and really enjoyed the writer's style. I'll be
exploring more of her books.
October 11, 2024
A beautiful exposition of the wisdom and beauty of the ancient spiritual path. It’s simple and brief, but a profound introduction to theosis and the well-trodden path of our Christian forefathers.
I found the fictional characters used as an extended literary device to to be rather flat, and the resulting oversimplification felt at times condescending. But overall a delight to read! Full of wisdom and encouragement.
I found the fictional characters used as an extended literary device to to be rather flat, and the resulting oversimplification felt at times condescending. But overall a delight to read! Full of wisdom and encouragement.
July 3, 2023
Very good introduction to Orthodoxy. I especially liked chapter 8, where she gave a good explanation of the terms nous, nepsis, and talked about the heart and mind. I also really liked chapter 9 on the Jesus Prayer.
April 22, 2024
Good points made throughout the book.
Light read.
Great for a book club which is why I picked up this book.
The only part that I had a struggle connecting with was Anna's story. I know she was used as an example, but it threw it me off from time to time.
Light read.
Great for a book club which is why I picked up this book.
The only part that I had a struggle connecting with was Anna's story. I know she was used as an example, but it threw it me off from time to time.
March 24, 2019
Excellent little book about the “orientation” of eastern orthodox thought. Not comprehensive but a good intro for seekers.
January 6, 2023
Simple wisdom
June 21, 2023
Short and sweet, this book is incredibly practical and helps ward against the chubby western faith I've grown to not only tolerate but nurture.
March 3, 2024
Fantastic quick read to nourish your modern Christian walk.
April 5, 2025
Highly recommend! An incredible connection between the ancient church and modern Western Christian faith.
May 30, 2025
Not all new to me, bu some really really really good parts.
February 18, 2023
Very different book than what I typically read, but it was short, wise, intriguing, practical, and enjoyable. I’m enjoying saying the Jesus prayer now throughout my day: “Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me (or a certain person).” Our book study group loved it.
January 10, 2025
Take the time to soak this book up!
November 3, 2021
This was a tiny but powerful and informative read! As always, I love Frederica's writing and insights. This is a must read for any Christian desiring to walk the same path as the first Christians did and rediscover heir faith.
This book attempts to answer the questions: what is the difference between today's Christians and those in the earliest days of the Church? How can we have the same faith that they did, faith that stood in the midst of persecution and torment? What practical changes do we need to make in our thinking and practice to truly grow closer to God? It briefly covers history, culture, and ancient spiritual disciplines and includes a bibliography at the end for extra reading if necessary.
I love Frederica's writing style so much. She has a true gift for communicating deep truths in simple ways that any reader can understand. This book is so short, but it makes use of every single space in such a way as to give a really fabulous perspective of ancient Christianity versus our current Western models as well as guidance on how to follow what the ancients believed and practiced. It gives such a great perspective on how our modern world has created unique stumbling blocks and misunderstandings among today's Christians, yet the tone is gentle, humble, and at times even humorous. It's a perfect introduction book for the modern Christian who is looking for something deeper in his faith.
I'm truly amazed that Frederica fit so much in such a small book. I read it in one sitting, yet I left it encouraged and inspired in the faith. It's a simple read, and though it's definitely Orthodox in its roots and theology, it's written for any Western Christian who is struggling with how to recapture their timeless faith in a way that's true to the way the earliest Christian's lived it. I love how practical it is, and I definitely added some of its suggested reading to my list. If you're at all interested, please give it a read!
This book attempts to answer the questions: what is the difference between today's Christians and those in the earliest days of the Church? How can we have the same faith that they did, faith that stood in the midst of persecution and torment? What practical changes do we need to make in our thinking and practice to truly grow closer to God? It briefly covers history, culture, and ancient spiritual disciplines and includes a bibliography at the end for extra reading if necessary.
I love Frederica's writing style so much. She has a true gift for communicating deep truths in simple ways that any reader can understand. This book is so short, but it makes use of every single space in such a way as to give a really fabulous perspective of ancient Christianity versus our current Western models as well as guidance on how to follow what the ancients believed and practiced. It gives such a great perspective on how our modern world has created unique stumbling blocks and misunderstandings among today's Christians, yet the tone is gentle, humble, and at times even humorous. It's a perfect introduction book for the modern Christian who is looking for something deeper in his faith.
I'm truly amazed that Frederica fit so much in such a small book. I read it in one sitting, yet I left it encouraged and inspired in the faith. It's a simple read, and though it's definitely Orthodox in its roots and theology, it's written for any Western Christian who is struggling with how to recapture their timeless faith in a way that's true to the way the earliest Christian's lived it. I love how practical it is, and I definitely added some of its suggested reading to my list. If you're at all interested, please give it a read!
August 15, 2019
Dallas Willard endorsed this book.
On the back cover are a number of questions, one of which was:
"How come Christians who lived in times of bloody persecution were so heroic, while we who live in safety are not.?" - I may have missed it but I don't think she answered this question.
In the book it seems that Mathewes-Green relates a spiritual quest of hers to become more spiritual or something. The book pulls information and experiences from Christian historical figures and from her own life and even some scripture. But I didn't resonate with much as she seemed to flop around in her quest. I didn't really sense her clearly define what she was working out and am not sure that she solved her problem.
So I muddled through this and tried to listen but it mostly seemed like a hodge-podge of thoughts. Maybe I wasn't concentrating on what she was trying to achieve.
On the back cover are a number of questions, one of which was:
"How come Christians who lived in times of bloody persecution were so heroic, while we who live in safety are not.?" - I may have missed it but I don't think she answered this question.
In the book it seems that Mathewes-Green relates a spiritual quest of hers to become more spiritual or something. The book pulls information and experiences from Christian historical figures and from her own life and even some scripture. But I didn't resonate with much as she seemed to flop around in her quest. I didn't really sense her clearly define what she was working out and am not sure that she solved her problem.
So I muddled through this and tried to listen but it mostly seemed like a hodge-podge of thoughts. Maybe I wasn't concentrating on what she was trying to achieve.
January 14, 2016
This book is a real gem! I read it in less than 24 hours, I could not put it down. I enjoyed Fredercia Mathewes-Green's easy, conversational writing style. And the content was superb! Taking her knowledge and background (she is a Khouria, spiritual mother, at Holy Cross Orthodox Church), the author clearly lays out a picture of the life of an ancient Christian living around 400AD. The author obviously has a good amount of knowledge of the Bible, as well as, the numerous writings from the ancient Christian church. And she gleans from both to portray a fictional family, easily and clearly how they would have lived and practiced as Christians in this time period. I had so many "a ha!" moments. This little book will be one I read over and over to glean the knowledge it contains. The title says it all: "capture the vibrant faith of ancient Christians", I recommend it if you would like to learn more on how to live a vibrant faith. I think the only downside, it's pretty light, more of an introduction. The author has a detailed book list in the back so the reader can delve deeper when ready.
December 30, 2012
This book was a gift from a dear friend. Mathewes-Green is a wonderfully accessible voice for/from the Orthodox faith. Subject aside, she reminds me of a hybrid of Joseph Girzone and Paulo Cueho. In terms of content, as a "Western Christian" I certainly didn't find anything objectionable. I do think she might be a bit quick to write certain ideas/practices off as being strictly "Eastern". I liked her hypothetical characters for the sake of her argument and I appreciated her humility in admitting that nothing she had to say was especially original. I will keep this one on my shelf and refer to it often.
November 26, 2011
I didn't encounter anything new in this little book, but it did sparkle with spiritual insight and beauty nonetheless, and I am glad I read it. The book explains how the early Christian laity practiced and grew in their faith. My only criticism is that, as Mathewes-Green writes from an Eastern Orthodox Catholic perspective, she sometimes portrays the Roman Catholic Church in a harsh and not altogether accurate light.
June 24, 2023
A little over a hundred pages, this book is small – but mighty. Drawing from the Orthodox Christian tradition, Mathewes-Green examines the faith through the eyes of early Christians. While she admits to sharing nothing new per se, I loved how well she captures the beauty of theosis – how this process by which God’s life through Christ fills us & transforms us is both a practical hope & a real change happening every day.
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