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God's Revelation to the Human Heart
What does man seek in religion, and what should he seek in it? How does God reveal Himself in order to bring man to a knowledge of the Truth? How does suffering help this revelation to occur?These and other questions were discussed by Fr. Seraphim Rose, an Orthodox Christian monk from the mountains of northern California, during a lecture he gave at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1981. The contents of this lecture comprise God's Revelation to the Human Heart. Drawing from a variety of sources -- the Holy Scriptures, patristic writings, the lives of both ancient and modern saints, and accounts of persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain -- Fr. Seraphim goes to the core of all Christian life: the conversion of the heart of man, which causes it to bum with love for Christ and transforms one into a new being.
51 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1988
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About the author
Seraphim Rose
47 books329 followersSeraphim Rose, born Eugene Dennis Rose, was a hieromonk of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia in the United States, whose writings have helped spread Orthodox Christianity throughout modern America and the West. They have also been widely read in Russia. Although not formally canonized as of 2008, he is venerated by some Orthodox Christians as a saint in iconography, liturgy, and prayer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 31, 2021
Fr. Seraphim Rose was an unusual, interesting man. Like many in the 60s generation, he looked upon the prosperity and materialism of his time, rejected both it and the Protestant Christianity in which he was raised, became an atheist, and embarked on a search for higher truth and meaning. As such he became deeply involved in Eastern religion and philosophy, even becoming expert in Asian literature and philosophy, even becoming proficient in Chinese so that he could read the ancient texts in the original. Over time, his research into Eastern philosophies and religions would lead him to looking into Orthodox Christianity, and this, in turn, eventually led to his conversion to it, becoming a Russian Orthodox monk. Ironically, unlike many of his peers, Seraphim's search led back to Christianity, but in a different way.
This book is a lecture Fr. Seraphim Rose gave to a college students at UC Santa Cruz as part of a comparative religion class on world religions ---- 1981 a time when, in the previous century's thinking, it was thought intellectually healthy for students to develop critical thinking and understanding of new ideas and cultures outside the bounds of their normal experience.
As such, Fr. Seraphim discusses how revelation of truth occurs via faith and how suffering strengthens one such he or she can become receptive to the truth. He then answers the questions from the students patiently --- most of which deal with enquiring on differences from Orthodox Christianity and the various denominations.
I found this interesting ---- I only wish it could have been longer so that I get more insight to Fr. Seraphim's thoughts and teachings. I look forward to reading more of his books this year.
This book is a lecture Fr. Seraphim Rose gave to a college students at UC Santa Cruz as part of a comparative religion class on world religions ---- 1981 a time when, in the previous century's thinking, it was thought intellectually healthy for students to develop critical thinking and understanding of new ideas and cultures outside the bounds of their normal experience.
As such, Fr. Seraphim discusses how revelation of truth occurs via faith and how suffering strengthens one such he or she can become receptive to the truth. He then answers the questions from the students patiently --- most of which deal with enquiring on differences from Orthodox Christianity and the various denominations.
I found this interesting ---- I only wish it could have been longer so that I get more insight to Fr. Seraphim's thoughts and teachings. I look forward to reading more of his books this year.
April 19, 2025
Very briefly, Fr. Seraphim Rose outlines the necessary foundation for accepting God’s grace in any era, but especially our own. His words ring true as though they were thousands of years old.
February 17, 2020
Some brilliant moments, like the confession of Yuriy Mashkov about the Gulag Archipelago and his conversion to faith from communist atheism as a result of his suffering and longing for God.(Also, Solzhenitsyn description of atheism is mentioned here, and why it always leads to death and world without any meaning)
Also, the stories about Philip,the apostle, and the Etiophian and Simon Magnus from the Bible were also memorable, and so was the story about Saint Nikita the Stylite, last two as examples of simony(from Simon Magnus) and prelest(Saint Nikita in his youth), and the first story an an example of faith that comes from the hearth, and not the miracles and wonders that men produce.
It suffers, like all speeches do,from the conciseness and precision necessary to give it 5 stars when given in a book form.
*Also, the questions were not great, but that isn't the fault of father Seraphim.
Also, the stories about Philip,the apostle, and the Etiophian and Simon Magnus from the Bible were also memorable, and so was the story about Saint Nikita the Stylite, last two as examples of simony(from Simon Magnus) and prelest(Saint Nikita in his youth), and the first story an an example of faith that comes from the hearth, and not the miracles and wonders that men produce.
It suffers, like all speeches do,from the conciseness and precision necessary to give it 5 stars when given in a book form.
*Also, the questions were not great, but that isn't the fault of father Seraphim.
May 2, 2025
"Western Christendom, however, had long since been cut off from the fulness of the Christian Faith: the fulness not only of ancient tradition and Divinely revealed wisdom, but also of the profound experience of God made possible by Christ in His Church."
A former atheist (and other things) finds truth and peace in Russian Orthodoxy. A lecture to comparative religion students at University of California, Santa Cruz and the discussion afterward. First published in 1988 while the Soviet Union still loomed in politics and philosophy, not to mention its military menace. Also a short biography of Rose.
"Spiritual life was not just something to be “enjoyed,” but was rather a kind of battleground where the soul becomes purified through suffering."
Rose discusses how suffering often prepares for the Holy Spirit to awaken faith in the believer. He quotes published Russian dissidents Alekander Solzhenitsyn and Yuri Mashkov as examples of how people are drawn by God even when they are not seeking Him.
"We say that the Holy Spirit guides the Church, and therefore He will not be false to the Church. If you haven’t got the feeling that this is so, then you devise things like making the Bible infallible, making the Pope infallible."
Yes, this is another my-church-is-truer-than-yours book, but Rose also makes a good case for the failure of many religious and philosophical systems to meet human needs and address reality. A good read.
"A person must be in the religious search not for the sake of religious experiences, which can deceive, but for the sake of truth."
A former atheist (and other things) finds truth and peace in Russian Orthodoxy. A lecture to comparative religion students at University of California, Santa Cruz and the discussion afterward. First published in 1988 while the Soviet Union still loomed in politics and philosophy, not to mention its military menace. Also a short biography of Rose.
"Spiritual life was not just something to be “enjoyed,” but was rather a kind of battleground where the soul becomes purified through suffering."
Rose discusses how suffering often prepares for the Holy Spirit to awaken faith in the believer. He quotes published Russian dissidents Alekander Solzhenitsyn and Yuri Mashkov as examples of how people are drawn by God even when they are not seeking Him.
"We say that the Holy Spirit guides the Church, and therefore He will not be false to the Church. If you haven’t got the feeling that this is so, then you devise things like making the Bible infallible, making the Pope infallible."
Yes, this is another my-church-is-truer-than-yours book, but Rose also makes a good case for the failure of many religious and philosophical systems to meet human needs and address reality. A good read.
"A person must be in the religious search not for the sake of religious experiences, which can deceive, but for the sake of truth."
January 6, 2026
The amount of well-read people who come out the other end of their studies following a different God than me is a hard thing. Reading Fr. Rose’s comments on those in the Gulags who continue to actively reject Christ is really tough.
To believe that my faith is something that goes beyond mere intellectualism is sadly the thing that probably scares me more. Probably because I then must admit it’s something that is outside of my immediate grasp and control, and there may not be answers to all of my questions.
However, what’s currently eating away at my brain is that I might have asked the same questions the students did had I been there. Not saying those questions are inherently bad — I mean how can someone not ask them when newly exposed to this crazy stuff?… I mean especially when Orthodoxy makes such polarizing claims.
But for someone who has already spent countless hours researching those exact questions, I probably don’t have a good excuse. I guess I mean to bring this up to ask myself what good another book is if I’m not softening my heart.
To believe that my faith is something that goes beyond mere intellectualism is sadly the thing that probably scares me more. Probably because I then must admit it’s something that is outside of my immediate grasp and control, and there may not be answers to all of my questions.
However, what’s currently eating away at my brain is that I might have asked the same questions the students did had I been there. Not saying those questions are inherently bad — I mean how can someone not ask them when newly exposed to this crazy stuff?… I mean especially when Orthodoxy makes such polarizing claims.
But for someone who has already spent countless hours researching those exact questions, I probably don’t have a good excuse. I guess I mean to bring this up to ask myself what good another book is if I’m not softening my heart.
November 26, 2018
I received this short book while talking about Fr. Seraphim to another priest in the St. Herman of Alaska Monastery in Northern California. I read it the same night I received it, and while I didn't exactly learn that much, it provided some new people to look up and read, such as St. Ignatius Brianchaninov and Yuri Mashkov.
I could see, however, this book being very valuable to those who are new to Orthodoxy or just religion/Christianity in general.
I could see, however, this book being very valuable to those who are new to Orthodoxy or just religion/Christianity in general.
February 24, 2020
Very concise and clear and intuitively to the point as always from Blessed Fr. Seraphim
November 28, 2022
Short, interesting, informative. 👍
July 24, 2024
A book with much wheat and little chaff.
Fr Seraphim Rose in this book provides an excellent introduction to the psychological and philosophical change especially through suffering that makes one convert and devote themselves to God. His perspective is thoroughly orthodox yet not entirely Eastern Orthodox to the point that other Christians would object to his thesis.
The purpose of miracles is very clearly and insightfully explained as not reasons in themselves for belief but signs which require discernment. The right use of miracles is for their effects such as healing or building of faith. We believe miracles as they fulfill these ends and so we believe the ultimate miracle of Christ’s death and resurrection as it is the sign which points to our ultimate spiritual satisfaction in Christ for our sins.
Seraphim Rose makes the very keen observation that in converting there is not merely the intellectual change but also a change of heart in order for one to re-orientate themselves toward Christ. This allows him to approach philosophy, particularly Dostoyevsky’s moral argument from a holistic viewpoint. Love and humility are correctly identified as the most important virtues for truth seeking so that when the truth disagrees with our own inhibitions as imperfect people we do not close ourselves off from it. This approach invites the reader to consider how they would respond to the persecution Rose describes.
Unfortunately this also seems to imply for Fr Seraphim that truth can be divorced from reason in some cases when the non-intellectual change must be relied on. The error of this thinking is that to rely on something without reason opens the can of worms. If my heart changes to accept clear logical delusions should I rely on it?
In the section on rebirth Rose quotes Yuri Mashkov that in the spiritual hunger he immediately knew without reason that Eastern Orthodoxy was true. It is also a consistent theme that seemingly only Orthodoxy can provide the spiritual satisfaction but Rose never substantiates why apart from some criticisms at American televangelist culture.
Throughout the book there is also a clear ignorance of western particularly protestant spiritual teaching. Much of what he says about suffering being the station of a Christian and being the state of spiritual change is also reflected in Luther and the puritans. Particularly in the Freedom of The Christian and On Secular Authority where Luther discusses at length the relationship between the spiritual vocation of a Christian and suffering.
“The power of which we speak is spiritual. It rules in the midst of enemies and is powerful in the midst of oppression. This means nothing else than that “power is made perfect in weakness” II Cor. 12:9 and that in all things I can find profit toward salvation Rom. 8:28, so that the cross and death itself are compelled to serve me and to work together with me for my salvation." - The Freedom of A Christian
The general argument of man’s thirst for the divine pointing to the divine is also extremely similar to an argument C.S Lewis made about 40 years earlier in Mere Christianity from our natural desires being linked to our supernatural desire.
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” - Mere Christianity
The questions and answers clearly show Fr Seraphim Rose had almost no understanding of high church protestantism such as saying protestants don’t really believe in sacraments. The only protestant denomination he explicitly mentions is Anglicans who have very high views of the sacraments so this categorisation is especially frustrating. I think if he knew more of Protestant history he could recognise the great and beautiful common ground we have as orthodox nicene Christians.
I think if you can set aside the bias towards Russia and the Russian Church nearly all else that Rose discusses is excellent and stimulating. A full 50 pages worth of excellent healthy introduction to Christian spirituality at large.
A PRAYER OF ST. CHRYSOSTOM
Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee, and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them, granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
- From the 1662 Book of Common Prayer
2 TIMOTHY 3
10 Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at Ico′nium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Fr Seraphim Rose in this book provides an excellent introduction to the psychological and philosophical change especially through suffering that makes one convert and devote themselves to God. His perspective is thoroughly orthodox yet not entirely Eastern Orthodox to the point that other Christians would object to his thesis.
The purpose of miracles is very clearly and insightfully explained as not reasons in themselves for belief but signs which require discernment. The right use of miracles is for their effects such as healing or building of faith. We believe miracles as they fulfill these ends and so we believe the ultimate miracle of Christ’s death and resurrection as it is the sign which points to our ultimate spiritual satisfaction in Christ for our sins.
Seraphim Rose makes the very keen observation that in converting there is not merely the intellectual change but also a change of heart in order for one to re-orientate themselves toward Christ. This allows him to approach philosophy, particularly Dostoyevsky’s moral argument from a holistic viewpoint. Love and humility are correctly identified as the most important virtues for truth seeking so that when the truth disagrees with our own inhibitions as imperfect people we do not close ourselves off from it. This approach invites the reader to consider how they would respond to the persecution Rose describes.
Unfortunately this also seems to imply for Fr Seraphim that truth can be divorced from reason in some cases when the non-intellectual change must be relied on. The error of this thinking is that to rely on something without reason opens the can of worms. If my heart changes to accept clear logical delusions should I rely on it?
In the section on rebirth Rose quotes Yuri Mashkov that in the spiritual hunger he immediately knew without reason that Eastern Orthodoxy was true. It is also a consistent theme that seemingly only Orthodoxy can provide the spiritual satisfaction but Rose never substantiates why apart from some criticisms at American televangelist culture.
Throughout the book there is also a clear ignorance of western particularly protestant spiritual teaching. Much of what he says about suffering being the station of a Christian and being the state of spiritual change is also reflected in Luther and the puritans. Particularly in the Freedom of The Christian and On Secular Authority where Luther discusses at length the relationship between the spiritual vocation of a Christian and suffering.
“The power of which we speak is spiritual. It rules in the midst of enemies and is powerful in the midst of oppression. This means nothing else than that “power is made perfect in weakness” II Cor. 12:9 and that in all things I can find profit toward salvation Rom. 8:28, so that the cross and death itself are compelled to serve me and to work together with me for my salvation." - The Freedom of A Christian
The general argument of man’s thirst for the divine pointing to the divine is also extremely similar to an argument C.S Lewis made about 40 years earlier in Mere Christianity from our natural desires being linked to our supernatural desire.
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” - Mere Christianity
The questions and answers clearly show Fr Seraphim Rose had almost no understanding of high church protestantism such as saying protestants don’t really believe in sacraments. The only protestant denomination he explicitly mentions is Anglicans who have very high views of the sacraments so this categorisation is especially frustrating. I think if he knew more of Protestant history he could recognise the great and beautiful common ground we have as orthodox nicene Christians.
I think if you can set aside the bias towards Russia and the Russian Church nearly all else that Rose discusses is excellent and stimulating. A full 50 pages worth of excellent healthy introduction to Christian spirituality at large.
A PRAYER OF ST. CHRYSOSTOM
Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee, and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them, granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
- From the 1662 Book of Common Prayer
2 TIMOTHY 3
10 Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at Ico′nium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
August 23, 2020
An excellent book.
Short. Poignant. Would recommend to those curious about Eastern Orthodoxy in a conversational sense.
Short. Poignant. Would recommend to those curious about Eastern Orthodoxy in a conversational sense.
January 25, 2023
It’s been some time since I read a religious work, especially one outside the Islamic tradition. This is a short little primer on Eastern Orthodox theology that was originally a lecture given by the author to University students.
In it, the American monk covers in the broadest of brushstrokes the workings of God’s guidance to men. It is a very general and simple piece which I think many will appreciate, especially those from Abrahamic traditions, as the teachings on love, faith, and guidance are remarkably similar. Of course, the usual disclaimer applies when reading Christian texts - that the blessed Messiah and penultimate Messenger of God, Isa ibn Maryam (peace be upon him) is not a deity nor the literal son of God, and never claimed to be as such.
All in all though, an excellent read. I may have to explore Seraphim of Platina’s more substantial works.
In it, the American monk covers in the broadest of brushstrokes the workings of God’s guidance to men. It is a very general and simple piece which I think many will appreciate, especially those from Abrahamic traditions, as the teachings on love, faith, and guidance are remarkably similar. Of course, the usual disclaimer applies when reading Christian texts - that the blessed Messiah and penultimate Messenger of God, Isa ibn Maryam (peace be upon him) is not a deity nor the literal son of God, and never claimed to be as such.
All in all though, an excellent read. I may have to explore Seraphim of Platina’s more substantial works.
April 24, 2025
Brilliant book of written by the great Fr. Seraphim Rose. I think this book brilliantly paints the picture of a seeking soul in search for its inherent meaning. And spoiler alert.. Unlike Frankl’s search for meaning, it’s a condition of the heart and its desire to go the lengths and find truth. Not about the indomitable spirit.
It was also perfectly depicted through Solzhenitsyn’s written document of ‘the gulag archipelago’ shows the horrors of a “Godless” society and belief leading it to no inherent meaning.
So whats the revelation to the human heart? It’s the simple truth. It’s difficult and a process. Go read it!
Wish the book was longer hence why i give it a 4. XD
It was also perfectly depicted through Solzhenitsyn’s written document of ‘the gulag archipelago’ shows the horrors of a “Godless” society and belief leading it to no inherent meaning.
So whats the revelation to the human heart? It’s the simple truth. It’s difficult and a process. Go read it!
Wish the book was longer hence why i give it a 4. XD
November 1, 2023
A beautiful and simple book with a mix of philosophy, theology, and history.
October 27, 2025
was gifted this for my bday because I love religious fanatics and boy did it deliver
Read
January 27, 2023In just a few brief pages, Fr. Seraphim Rose captures the heart of Orthodoxy. This is the #1 book I'd recommend (or just give away) to an inquirer.
December 9, 2023
A concise and clear eyed exposition of the spirit of Christianity
August 6, 2025
Rekindled my soul
October 26, 2022
An eye-opening book that I’m very glad I read. Also a very good introduction to the works of Blessed Fr. Seraphim Rose.
In an increasingly new-age and “live and let live” religious landscape, Fr. Seraphim concisely explains why we should be far more concerned with what’s true than what gives us the most “spiritual experiences”, which can be and often are demonic deception. He then explains how we can know what is true and how to approach our own search for God.
“The right approach is found in the heart which tries to humble itself and simply knows that it is suffering, and that there somehow exists a higher truth which not only can help this suffering, but can bring it into a totally different dimension”.
In an increasingly new-age and “live and let live” religious landscape, Fr. Seraphim concisely explains why we should be far more concerned with what’s true than what gives us the most “spiritual experiences”, which can be and often are demonic deception. He then explains how we can know what is true and how to approach our own search for God.
“The right approach is found in the heart which tries to humble itself and simply knows that it is suffering, and that there somehow exists a higher truth which not only can help this suffering, but can bring it into a totally different dimension”.
March 29, 2015
Not much provided here(40 or so pages long). A lecture by Fr.Seraphim Rose more humdrum and tailored to a group college students, later transcribed and turned into this book. The disappointing question and answer session from the lecture is also provided here. I would avoid this haphazardly published work.
February 24, 2025
This isn't really a book, but a transcription of a fantastic lecture regarding the pursuit of spiritual and living truth in the modern western world. Drug use, mainstream ideologies of demon worship, selfish inner journeys and how they stack up against genuine suffering leading to Christ entering the heart, from the most prolific and published Orthodox convert of the past century.
January 3, 2021
Short, easy-to-read, thought-provoking book about struggle, God's love for humankind, and how He reveals His plan for us, to us, individually. Great for those on their journey to becoming Orthodox Christians and to those who are already practicing Orthodox Christianity.
August 20, 2024
This book/recording has reinforced my belief that the Eastern Orthodox tradition tends to emphasize storytelling over rational, systematic theology. They are more inclined to be powerful narrators of faith and practice, following the way of Christ.
September 24, 2018
An excellent introduction to Orthodox spirituality and the reality of christian life.
February 8, 2022
All men seek the Truth that is God. Blessed Seraphim shows how through suffering and bearing our cross we find this.
July 21, 2025
Read a for a second time. Not bad.
September 8, 2024
O livro é uma transcrição de uma palestra dada por Seraphim Rose na Universidade da Califórnia, em 1981.
Vale ressaltar a introdução ao livro, escrita pelo hieromonge Damascene, que destaca a crise espiritual que tomou conta da população americana em 1960-1980, de modo que os jovens buscavam espiritualidade em drogas e experiências sobrenaturais, sendo enganados por gurus nessa busca incessante por uma religião perfeita.
Creio que até hoje haja uma crise espiritual no mundo. A palestra de 1980 já relata como os jovens buscavam espiritualidade nas drogas e em experiências que poderiam ser facilmente forjadas para enganá-los, e até hoje vemos isso. Eu mesmo flertei com o ateísmo no início da minha adolescência e com o Zen Budismo no fim dela. E Seraphim Rose trata justamente disso ao explicar como Deus se revela para nós, como o processo de conversão acontece, o que é necessário para que aceitemos Jesus como nosso verdadeiro Salvador. Durante sua palestra ele deu vários exemplos: os rapazes que viram Jesus após sua ressurreição (Lucas capítulo 24), a história de São Nicetas de Kiev, a fonoaudióloga de São John Maximovitch de Shangai e São Francisco, que viu a nota de 20 dólares, entre outros.
É confortante a forma com que ele relata suas próprias experiências e passa os ensinamentos. O livro é muito importante para entendermos como se dá o processo de aceitação divina nos nossos corações.
Por fim, na palestra Seraphim Rose também ressalta como a União Soviética buscou aniquilar a Igreja durante seu regime, e como o relato (importantíssimo) de Yuri Mashkov denuncia como o ateísmo e o comunismo são portas para a destruição da alma do homem.
Buscarei ler mais obras do Seraphim Rose.
Vale ressaltar a introdução ao livro, escrita pelo hieromonge Damascene, que destaca a crise espiritual que tomou conta da população americana em 1960-1980, de modo que os jovens buscavam espiritualidade em drogas e experiências sobrenaturais, sendo enganados por gurus nessa busca incessante por uma religião perfeita.
Creio que até hoje haja uma crise espiritual no mundo. A palestra de 1980 já relata como os jovens buscavam espiritualidade nas drogas e em experiências que poderiam ser facilmente forjadas para enganá-los, e até hoje vemos isso. Eu mesmo flertei com o ateísmo no início da minha adolescência e com o Zen Budismo no fim dela. E Seraphim Rose trata justamente disso ao explicar como Deus se revela para nós, como o processo de conversão acontece, o que é necessário para que aceitemos Jesus como nosso verdadeiro Salvador. Durante sua palestra ele deu vários exemplos: os rapazes que viram Jesus após sua ressurreição (Lucas capítulo 24), a história de São Nicetas de Kiev, a fonoaudióloga de São John Maximovitch de Shangai e São Francisco, que viu a nota de 20 dólares, entre outros.
É confortante a forma com que ele relata suas próprias experiências e passa os ensinamentos. O livro é muito importante para entendermos como se dá o processo de aceitação divina nos nossos corações.
Por fim, na palestra Seraphim Rose também ressalta como a União Soviética buscou aniquilar a Igreja durante seu regime, e como o relato (importantíssimo) de Yuri Mashkov denuncia como o ateísmo e o comunismo são portas para a destruição da alma do homem.
Buscarei ler mais obras do Seraphim Rose.
January 18, 2025
"Why does a person study religion? There are many incidental reasons, but there is only one reason if a person is really in earnest: in a word, it is to come into contact with reality, to find a reality deeper than the everyday reality that so quickly changes, rots away, leaves nothing behind and offers no lasting happiness to the human soul. Every religion that is sincere tries to open up contact with this reality. I would like to say a few words today about how Orthodox Christianity tries to do this-to open up spiritual reality to the religious seeker.
The search for reality is a dangerous task. You all have probably heard stories of how young people in our times of searching have "burned themselves out" trying to find reality, and either die young or drag out a dreary existence at a fraction of their potential of mind and soul. I myself recall a friend from the days of my own searching twenty-five years ago, when Aldous Huxley had just discovered the supposedly "spiritual" value of LSD and had influenced many to follow him. This young man, a typical religious searcher who might be attending a course like this, once told me: "No matter what you might say of the dangers of drugs, you must admit that anything is better than everyday American life, which is spiritually dead." I disagreed, since even then I was beginning to glimpse that spiritual life spreads in two directions: it can lead one higher than this everyday life of corruption, but it can also lead one lower and bring about a literal spiritual-as well as physical-death. He went his own way, and before he was thirty years old he was a wreck of an old man, his mind ruined, and any search for reality abandoned. Similar examples could be found among people who seek various forms of psychic experiences, experiment in "out-of-body" states, have encounters with UFOs, and the like. (The experience of the Jonestown mass-suicide in 1980 is enough to remind us of the dangers inherent in the religious search.) [...]
This story raises a question for us today. How can a religious seeker avoid the traps and deceptions which he encounters in his search? There is only one answer to this question: a person must be in the religious search not for the sake of religious experiences, which can deceive, but for the sake of truth. Anyone who studies religion seriously comes up against this question: it is a question literally of life and death.
Our Orthodox Christian Faith, as contrasted with the Western confessions, is often called "mystical": it is in contact with a spiritual reality that produces results which are usually called "supernatural" which are beyond any kind of earthly logic or experience. One does not need to search in ancient literature to find examples, for the life of a miracle-worker in our own days is full of mystical elements. Archbishop John Maximovitch, who died just fifteen years ago and lived in this very part of California as Archbishop of San Francisco, was seen in glowing light, levitated during prayer, was clairvoyant, worked miracles of healing.... None of this, however, is remarkable in itself; it can easily be imitated by false miracle-workers. How do we know that he was in contact with truth?"
The search for reality is a dangerous task. You all have probably heard stories of how young people in our times of searching have "burned themselves out" trying to find reality, and either die young or drag out a dreary existence at a fraction of their potential of mind and soul. I myself recall a friend from the days of my own searching twenty-five years ago, when Aldous Huxley had just discovered the supposedly "spiritual" value of LSD and had influenced many to follow him. This young man, a typical religious searcher who might be attending a course like this, once told me: "No matter what you might say of the dangers of drugs, you must admit that anything is better than everyday American life, which is spiritually dead." I disagreed, since even then I was beginning to glimpse that spiritual life spreads in two directions: it can lead one higher than this everyday life of corruption, but it can also lead one lower and bring about a literal spiritual-as well as physical-death. He went his own way, and before he was thirty years old he was a wreck of an old man, his mind ruined, and any search for reality abandoned. Similar examples could be found among people who seek various forms of psychic experiences, experiment in "out-of-body" states, have encounters with UFOs, and the like. (The experience of the Jonestown mass-suicide in 1980 is enough to remind us of the dangers inherent in the religious search.) [...]
This story raises a question for us today. How can a religious seeker avoid the traps and deceptions which he encounters in his search? There is only one answer to this question: a person must be in the religious search not for the sake of religious experiences, which can deceive, but for the sake of truth. Anyone who studies religion seriously comes up against this question: it is a question literally of life and death.
Our Orthodox Christian Faith, as contrasted with the Western confessions, is often called "mystical": it is in contact with a spiritual reality that produces results which are usually called "supernatural" which are beyond any kind of earthly logic or experience. One does not need to search in ancient literature to find examples, for the life of a miracle-worker in our own days is full of mystical elements. Archbishop John Maximovitch, who died just fifteen years ago and lived in this very part of California as Archbishop of San Francisco, was seen in glowing light, levitated during prayer, was clairvoyant, worked miracles of healing.... None of this, however, is remarkable in itself; it can easily be imitated by false miracle-workers. How do we know that he was in contact with truth?"
November 7, 2024
Very concise explanation of what Christianity and the spiritual life are truly after. Something I appreciate about this is the acknowledgment of legitimate spiritual experience outside of the Church, rather than just supposing it’s imagined. The Holy Spirit is in fact, not the only spirit that exists as Father Seraphim points out. He points out the reasons why movements towards yogic traditions and their spiritual experiences make so much sense in country that has watered down Christianity to morals. Delusion is not an appropriate response to cold logic, nor is the opposite of any benefit.
So what Father Seraphim comes back to throughout this little book is the idea that in the Orthodox Church there exists the Truth, but not one that is achieved by rationality instead rather by experiencing “God’s Revelation to the Human Heart.” He gives examples that show the susceptibility of spiritual delusions and legalistic living that exist in the Orthodox Church. The point is though, that the end goal of the spiritual life must be Truth rather than spiritual experience. And how, when we pursue Truth and have spiritual experiences along the way are we supposed to discern whether this is the Holy Spirit or a demon trying to convince us that we are holy? Humility.
So what Father Seraphim comes back to throughout this little book is the idea that in the Orthodox Church there exists the Truth, but not one that is achieved by rationality instead rather by experiencing “God’s Revelation to the Human Heart.” He gives examples that show the susceptibility of spiritual delusions and legalistic living that exist in the Orthodox Church. The point is though, that the end goal of the spiritual life must be Truth rather than spiritual experience. And how, when we pursue Truth and have spiritual experiences along the way are we supposed to discern whether this is the Holy Spirit or a demon trying to convince us that we are holy? Humility.
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June 20, 2023Love his words on suffering:
“… the process of revelation occurs in a very simple way; a person is in need, he suffers, and then somehow the other world opens up. The more you are in suffering and difficulties and are "desperate" for God, the more He is going to come to your aid, reveal Who He is and show you the way to get out.
This is why it is not spectacular things like miracles that we should look for... The right approach is found in the heart which tries to humble itself and simply knows that it is suffering, and that there somehow exists a higher truth which not only can help this suffering, but can bring it into a totally different dimen-sion. This passing from suffering to transcendent reality reflects the life of Christ, Who went to His suffering on the Cross, endured the most horrible and shameful type of death, and then, totally to the consternation of His own disciples, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, sent His Holy Spirit and began the whole history of His Church.”
“… the process of revelation occurs in a very simple way; a person is in need, he suffers, and then somehow the other world opens up. The more you are in suffering and difficulties and are "desperate" for God, the more He is going to come to your aid, reveal Who He is and show you the way to get out.
This is why it is not spectacular things like miracles that we should look for... The right approach is found in the heart which tries to humble itself and simply knows that it is suffering, and that there somehow exists a higher truth which not only can help this suffering, but can bring it into a totally different dimen-sion. This passing from suffering to transcendent reality reflects the life of Christ, Who went to His suffering on the Cross, endured the most horrible and shameful type of death, and then, totally to the consternation of His own disciples, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, sent His Holy Spirit and began the whole history of His Church.”
July 8, 2025
I am in the active process of researching books suitable to share with people who have a worldview different from the Christian one, but who seek to experience God's Truth fully and with an open heart.
So far, this book is the best resource I've found and experienced myself.
It shares an interesting perspective on the steps of what it means to believe, all while reminding us not to be disillusioned or tempted by fireworks, but to focus on the raw truth.
It also mentions great Russian confessors of the faith and miracles I hadn't previously heard about. It highlights the aspect of suffering and the general disaster that atheist government systems like communism have been for mankind, while contrasting this with the beauty that suffering can bring, both on a personal and societal level.
So far, this book is the best resource I've found and experienced myself.
It shares an interesting perspective on the steps of what it means to believe, all while reminding us not to be disillusioned or tempted by fireworks, but to focus on the raw truth.
It also mentions great Russian confessors of the faith and miracles I hadn't previously heard about. It highlights the aspect of suffering and the general disaster that atheist government systems like communism have been for mankind, while contrasting this with the beauty that suffering can bring, both on a personal and societal level.
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