The Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks (Penguin Classics)

"In Scetis a brother was once found guilty. They assembled the brothers, and sent a message to Moses [a much-revered monk originally from Ethiopia], but he would not come. The presbyter sent for him again saying 'Come, the monks are gathered together waiting for you'. Moses took with him an old basket [i.e. with a hole] which he filled with sand and carried on his back. They went to meet him and said 'What does this mean, abba?' He said 'My sins run out behind me and I do not see them and I have come here today to judge another.' They said no more to the brother who had sinned but forgave him."This collection of sayings and stories attributed to the early "desert fathers" gathered together for the spiritual edification of the reader are arranged according to certain ideal qualities, such as non-judgement (from which the above quotation), self-control, discretion, humility, patience, charity and so forth.Bendicta Ward's introduction is brief but enough to give a flavour of the history of the early monastic movement and the motivations behind it - often thought to be world-hating but not necessarily so ("They did not talk, not because they hated conversation, but because they wanted to listen to the voice of God in silence; [...] they did not avoid company because it bored them, but, as one of them said, 'I cannot be with you and with God.'").A good bedside book to dip into.

I read this book after reading exempts of it on Twitter. It was a simple read and it entails a lot of ancient wisdom. Would read again.

Have just dipped in and out of this book, many profound truths from the desert fathers of centuries ago ring down to this age. Some amusingly quirky sayings with a twinkle of truth. Other totally religious and seemingly harsh self chastisement that the poor souls felt they had to suffer, to gain Jesus acceptance. Not a lot of joy in the Lord - but beautifully put together, still have to dip some more.

An accessible translation that speaks well to the modern reader. Good introductory historical chapter and "list of characters" as an endnote. The roots of Christian thought and practice lay in these remembered and recorded sayings of men and women. As well as hearing the Desert Fathers, it is fascinating to hear the voices of early Christian women across 1700 years.

A lot to take in - need to read small amount then meditate - a book to have at hand - glad I have a copy - highly recommended for those who are interested in the desert Fathers

Second hand but in good condition....a good book to dip into

Brilliant..The wisdom of the Desert Fathers is timeless and is truly the Wisdom of God! Such simplicity with such a big impact, I keep reading them over & over as there is so much to be learned from them...Inspirational, love it!

Good book with advice that combats against the devil and his works and guards against the great sulk of humanity: spiritual warfare.