On the Mystical Life: The Ethical Discourses : The Church and the Last Things Vol. 1

by Saint Symeon the New Theologian, Alexander Golitzin (Introduction)

Now Back in Print. St Symeon's theology emphasizes the mystical encounter with God and transfiguration by grace.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction

193 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful little book. The translation is very readable, and the personality of Symeon really comes through. The discourses are lively and full of memorable imagery. I was particularly struck by his calling on all Christians to emulate Mary in becoming mystically pregnant with Christ, and describing the relationship of the penitent soul and God in terms of same-sex intimacy. The translator obviously disapproves of the latter, but I love it!

[Christian Proano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though there is a time and context for St. Symeon's writing, his writing is such that he speaks to all Christians of all times, and as far a this book goes, he writes in such a way that no doubt will make everyone upset at some point of his reading.

He is not writing against tradition (the living faith of the dead), he actually is a product of it, he writes against traditionalism (the dead faith of the living). So His writing ought to be taken not in isolation but with the rest of the Fathers. And for this reasons his conclusions should not be taken as overriding 1000 years of traditions, or a flushing of it for a new content. If you do the rites in the flesh then you are getting flesh that avails nothing, but if with faith you are aware that there is also Spirit revealing through the gift, and that the gifts becomes actual in the revelation, then you are approaching the Church movement correctly.

[Jay D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical but deficient.