The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality

by Brock Bingaman (Editor), Bradley Nassif (Editor)

The Philokalia (literally "love of the beautiful or good") is, after the Bible, the most influential source of spiritual tradition within the Orthodox Church. First published in Greek in 1782 by St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain and St. Macarios of Corinth, the Philokalia includes works by thirty-six influential Orthodox authors from the fourth to fifteenth-centuries such as Maximus the Confessor, Peter of Damascus, Symeon the New Theologian, and Gregory Palamas. Surprisingly, this important collection of theological and spiritual writings has received little scholarly attention. With the growing interest in Orthodox theology, the need for a substantive resource for philokalic studies has become increasingly evident. The purpose of the present volume is to remedy that lack by providing an ecumenical collection of scholarly essays on the Philokalia that will introduce readers to its background, motifs, authors, and relevance for contemporary life and thought.

Genres: Christianity, Theology

366 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2012

Reviews

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book barely touches the surface of the complexity of the Philokalia. It is a good introduction to this work of Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Spirituality.

If you decide to delve into studying this work, get a bit of a “background” by reading about Western Christianity’s Desert Mothers and Fathers. The Philokalia arises out of a similar tradition.

Also, be prepared for something that will change you life and thinking. If you are under the age of 50 when you start studying this work, make sure you have a spiritual advisor to talk to while undertaking this journey.

[Michal Paszkiewicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great introduction to the Philokalia. Multiple essays that look at the texts from different perspectives. I enjoyed learning about Orthodox spirituality and a bit of history - especially about the hesychast controversy.

[Jay B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of us have been waiting for a book like this! It will serve as the definitive introduction to the Philokalia for some time, as Vigen Guroian (Professor of Eastern Christianity at University of Virginia) suggests. With contributions by Kallistos Ware, Andrew Louth, Rowan Williams, Paul Blowers, Verna Harrison, and John McGuckin, this is a must-read for those interested in the Philokalia.

[Dr. Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a much needed introduction to this powerful collection of Orthodox spiritual writings. It is an academically oriented book, but will be appreciated by serious readers of the Philokalia. The book covers the history, theology, and spiritual practice of the Philokalia, with essays by scholars from Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant traditions.

[Ted · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea as they say. Very scholarly, but I wasn't interested at their level. Perhaps if you have a very particular scholarly interest in one of the book's articles it would be a great resource.

[Amos Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of chapter 18, John Chryssavgis, is particularly eloquent and insightful.

I would also highly recommend the writings of chapter 1, Kallistos Ware.

-Amos Smith (author of Healing The Divide)