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Desert Christians: An Introduction to the Literature of Early Monasticism,Used
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In the fourth century, the deserts of Egypt became the nerve center of a radical new movement, what we now call monasticism. Groups of Christiansfrom illiterate peasants to learned intellectualsmoved out to the wastelands beyond the Nile Valley and, in the famous words of Saint Athanasius, made the desert a city. In so doing, they captured the imagination of the ancient world. They forged techniques of prayer and asceticism, of discipleship and spiritual direction, that have remained central to Christianity ever since. Seeking to map the soul's long journey to God and plot out the subtle vagaries of the human heart, they created and inspired texts that became classics of Western spirituality. These Desert Christians were also brilliant storytellers, some of Christianity's finest. This book introduces the literature of early monasticism. It examines all the bestknown works, including Athanasius' Life of Antony, the Lives of Pachomius, and the socalled Sayings of the Desert Fathers. Later chapters focus on two pioneers of monastic theology: Evagrius Ponticus, the first great theoretician of Christian mysticism; and John Cassian, who brought Egyptian monasticism to the Latin West. Along the way, readers are introduced to pathbreaking discoveriesto new texts and recent archeological findsthat have revolutionized contemporary scholarship on monastic origins. Included are fascinating snippets from papyri and from littleknown Coptic, Syriac, and Ethiopic texts. Interspersed in each chapter are illustrations, maps, and diagrams that help readers sort through the key texts and the richlytextured world of early monasticism. Geared to a wide audience and written in clear, jargonfree prose, Desert Christians offers the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to early monasticism.
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For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of 'Desert Christians'? A: This book has five hundred twelve pages. It offers an in-depth exploration of early monastic literature and theology.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Desert Christians'? A: The book measures nine point three inches in length, six point twelve inches in width, and one point zero seven inches in height.
- Q: What type of binding does 'Desert Christians' have? A: This book is available in paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for reading.
- Q: How do I read 'Desert Christians' effectively? A: To read this book effectively, approach it chapter by chapter, focusing on the key themes of early monasticism. Engage with the illustrations and maps for better understanding.
- Q: Is 'Desert Christians' suitable for beginners? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. It is written in clear, jargon-free prose, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Q: What reading level is 'Desert Christians' appropriate for? A: This book is appropriate for high school students and adults interested in early Christianity. The content is engaging and informative for various readers.
- Q: How should I store 'Desert Christians' to keep it safe? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the quality of the paperback binding and the pages.
- Q: Can I clean 'Desert Christians' if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquids, as they may damage the pages.
- Q: Is 'Desert Christians' a safe book for children? A: While the book is well-written, it is recommended for older teenagers and adults due to its complex themes. Parents should review it before allowing younger readers.
- Q: How does 'Desert Christians' compare to other books on monasticism? A: This book is more comprehensive and accessible than many others. It integrates new discoveries and texts, making it a valuable resource for understanding early monasticism.
- Q: What makes 'Desert Christians' unique? A: The book uniquely combines historical context with engaging storytelling. It examines lesser-known texts and archaeological finds, enriching the understanding of monastic origins.
- Q: What if 'Desert Christians' arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or replacement. Most retailers have a customer service policy for such issues.
- Q: Does 'Desert Christians' have illustrations or maps? A: Yes, the book contains illustrations, maps, and diagrams. These visual aids help readers comprehend the key texts and the world of early monasticism.
- Q: What topics does 'Desert Christians' cover? A: The book covers various topics, including the Lives of Antony and Pachomius, and the thoughts of Evagrius Ponticus and John Cassian.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Desert Christians'? A: The author of this book is William Harmless. He is known for his expertise in early Christian literature and monasticism.