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

by David G.R. Keller

The life and wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers is not only retained in historical volumes, but has been a constant presence throughout the development of the church. A formative influence since the time of the early Christians, this wisdom has the power to transform and nurture even today.

Using six fundamental aspects of desert monastic life as windows - The Cell, Patience, Praxis, Labor and Time, Solitude and Silence, and Humility - Oasis of Wisdom reveals the world that created the wisdom of early Christian monastic men and women. With this experiential approach to learning, Keller goes beyond simple reflection by providing substantial historical background, including the environment of solitude, ascetic disciplines, labor, and daily life experiences. Touching on the social, religious, political, and linguistic influences of the culture, it is an ideal introduction for modern readers with limited backgrounds in theology or church history.

Oasis of Wisdom is ideal for those seeking spiritual mentoring or a discipline of prayer, and will appeal to those from al denominations and backgrounds, from those new to church history to oblates. The richness of this ancient wisdom will challenge modern Christians to catch the spirit of the desert elders and join in their struggle to live an authentic human life.

Chapters are: Politeia: The Monastic World of the Desert Fathers and Mothers," *Oikoumene: The Inhabited World Surrounding the Desert Fathers and Mothers, - *Sunrise to Sunrise: The DaIly Lives of Early Egyptian Desert Elders and Monastic Communities, - *The Cell: Meeting God and Ourselves, - *Patience: Learning Not to Run from God or Authentic Human Life, - *Stillness and Silence: Being Present to God, Ourselves, and the World, - *Praxis: An Ascetic Vocation that Forms, Nourishes and Guards the Soul, - *Praxis and Labor: The Sanctification of DaIly Life, - *Humility: Making Christ Tangible, - and *Two Deserts. - Also includes an introduction and a bibliography.

The Rev. David G.R. Keller, Ed D, is the former Steward of the Episcopal House of Prayer at St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota. He currently leads contemplative retreats at Mercy Center in Burlingame, California, and at The Bishop's Ranch in Healdsburg, California. Along with Fr. Thomas Keating, OCSO, he has formed and facilitates The Contemplative Ministry Project.

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Genres: Church History, Spirituality

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2005

Reviews

[Willa Guadalupe Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oasis of Wisdom, The Worlds of The Desert Fathers and Mothers is not so much about what they said or how they lived as it is about what it *meant*. The book does have some sayings and it does explain what their days were like, what their cells were like but the exploration of what their lives meant & what it might mean to us now, was really inspiring to me. The chapter on praxis and labor alone, is worth the reading. I renewed this book, so that I might read it several more times before it is returned to the library. The author suggests a cursory read & then a deeper re-read of each chapter & perhaps journaling as well. It is a book that works on a deeper spiritual level than it's appearance might suggest.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to desert monasticism. It helps to make sense of these strange men and women who left mainstream society in the 3rd and 4th centuries and fled to the Egyptian desert to live in solitude and community with other like-minded ascetics. This source led to the monastic movements of Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy and Western Catholic and Anglican traditions. This movement continues as a vital aspect of the Christian tradition today.

[Drew Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keller introduces the desert mothers and fathers and fills out the context of the world they lived in. A scholarly, informative, and at times inspiring read. This is an essential book for anyone interested in desert spirituality and the origins of monasticism.