Entering the Twofold Mystery: On Christian Conversion

by Erik Varden

In this follow-up to his critically acclaimed book The Shattering of Loneliness, Erik Varden provides a glimpse of the value of a monastic life and a Christian calling in our troubled modern age.

"Be whole and so be happy."--St. Bernard, founder of the Cistercian order

In the aftermath of a pandemic and the midst of political upheaval, Erik Varden has observed a growing interest in the monastic life – even among those who have no intention of entering a monastery. For in times of anguish and uncertainty, basic principles of monastic life have become particularly appealing.

Varden, Trappist monk and now Bishop, invites us to observe and learn from monastic life in our turbulent times. After a very personal introduction, he follows the Church year and seasons, always inspired by scriptural reading. The values he highlights tranquility; seeking peace; obedience; personal integrity; not continually passing judgement on others; asceticism as opposed to self-indulgence; the importance of generous hospitality; balance; and a life ordered to contemplation.

The teachings within the monastery offer simple, valuable lessons for readers of all creeds struggling to keep faith in an uncertain world.

Genres: Spirituality

272 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2022

About the author

Erik Varden is a monk and bishop, born in Norway in 1974. In 2002, after ten years at the University of Cambridge, he joined Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in Charnwood Forest. Pope Francis named him bishop of Trondheim in 2019.

Reviews

[Alexander Pyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not as engaging as Varden's previous work -this was a fascinating inside look at monastic life for Benedictians and a centered perspective on what the Christian life *could* look like. I appreciate Varden's insights and perspectives a lot, but this work felt more unfocused and more of a collection than a unified work.

[Njpb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice meditation on monastic life. If you've ever wondered what monkhood is all about, this seems like a good place to start. Approachable and readable, Varden helps the reader to understand the appeal of monastic practices that are seen from the outside as restricting, but can actually be liberating. Also has much of psychological insight that can apply to those who are not in religious life, but who nonetheless want to embark on the adventure described herein in their own way. The author comes off as a good and gentle teacher. Good stuff.

[Maester Prolog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop Erik Varden does a masterful job of taking classic ideas and trains of thought and bringing a fresh perspective. It comes out very well in his writing his excellence in knowledge of scholasticism and his life in monasticism. Together they make a wonderful combination that many can easily consume spiritually.

[Jeena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. His writing style is amazing and his way of speaking about monastic life makes it easily translated to regular life. I particularly liked the way he spoke about murmurings in the church and authentic masculinity.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read the first 3 chapters over and over again.