What do you think?
Rate this book
In the Heart of the Desert: The Spiritualilty of the Desert Fathers and Mothers
Words of spiritual counsel from the heart of early Christian monasticism.
200 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2003
64 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 14, 2015
I was sitting in the doctor's exam room today in that utterly humiliating backless cotton gown, awaiting the hideous ordeal that is Western medicine, with my In the Heart of the Desert book all the way across the room. I could have scurried over to retrieve it, but I did not know when the doctor would arrive, and I had managed to arrange the embarrassing sartorial array so that all my bits were covered, and I was not about to risk the, um, exposure. Since I could not read my book, I decided to try one of the spiritual disciplines of the Desert Fathers and Mothers: utter solitude. For as long as it took for the doctor to arrive, I was going to sit still with myself and God. Or, as Desert Spirituality scholar Anthony Bloom once wrote, “be completely in the present moment.”
Yeah, OK, so I am really boring. That was the longest ten minutes of my life. BUT, the Desert Mothers and Fathers are most emphatically NOT boring. I was delighted by how readable and engaging this book is. You know, 4th and 5th Century hermitic Christian mystics may not seem like a good time, but they really are. Author John Chryssavgis has framed their eclectic sayings admirably, as well, grouping them by themes of spiritual disciplines.
Who are the Desert Fathers and Mothers? Well, when the Emperor Constantine halted the persecution of Christians in 313 AD, and especially after it became the official religion of the Roman Empire later that same century, almost immediately a group of believers rose up against the worldliness and corruption of the Church, who they perceived had lost her way in her newfound power. Some of these dissenters fled to the deserts of Egypt and Palestine to live out their faith in small communities of hermits (that is not an oxymoron; see: Chesterton's Orthodoxy). These wise people became known as the abbas and ammas, the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Pilgrims came from all over Christendom to glean their wisdom and reap their knowledge. What these pilgrims found were no soft and yielding purveyors of weak-kneed spiritual platitudes; rather, these were giants among men – confrontational, crusty, challenging, courageous, and candid – with a deep, abiding love for man and God that must have overwhelmed and humbled even the most self-satisfied seeker.
The Desert Fathers and Mothers struggled against all of the besetting sins of mankind since the Fall, and their way of life led to interesting observations that would not have been reached by a less ascetic path. Their striving for self-denial – emotional, physical, material – is difficult to understand. But, the sayings that have been left for us that came out of their struggles are full of depth, wit, and reassurance. The way is hard, but the reward is worth it. One of my favorite chapters was “The Treasury of the Heart” which took on the Desert Fathers’ views of the controlling passions in our lives. There are two main ways of dealing with them. The first is to strive to eradicate them; the second is to rejoice in the continuing struggle against them. Both of these takes are very counterintuitive to our modern way of thinking. Chryssavgis explains:
The Desert Fathers and Mothers recognized that it takes a long time to become a human being. It takes an infinitely patient waiting to put together all the variegated parts of the human heart. Moreover, in the unnoticeable changes toward ever-growing perfection, it is the things that we love that reveal to us who we are. It is the things to which we are most attached that show us where our priorities lie. It is our very imperfections – what they like to call passions, and what we invariably call our wounds – that lead us to the way of perfection.
Spending a few hours with the Desert Fathers is to be introduced in a new way to that fount of Living Water and every blessing that springs up in the driest, most desolate of places.
Yeah, OK, so I am really boring. That was the longest ten minutes of my life. BUT, the Desert Mothers and Fathers are most emphatically NOT boring. I was delighted by how readable and engaging this book is. You know, 4th and 5th Century hermitic Christian mystics may not seem like a good time, but they really are. Author John Chryssavgis has framed their eclectic sayings admirably, as well, grouping them by themes of spiritual disciplines.
Who are the Desert Fathers and Mothers? Well, when the Emperor Constantine halted the persecution of Christians in 313 AD, and especially after it became the official religion of the Roman Empire later that same century, almost immediately a group of believers rose up against the worldliness and corruption of the Church, who they perceived had lost her way in her newfound power. Some of these dissenters fled to the deserts of Egypt and Palestine to live out their faith in small communities of hermits (that is not an oxymoron; see: Chesterton's Orthodoxy). These wise people became known as the abbas and ammas, the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Pilgrims came from all over Christendom to glean their wisdom and reap their knowledge. What these pilgrims found were no soft and yielding purveyors of weak-kneed spiritual platitudes; rather, these were giants among men – confrontational, crusty, challenging, courageous, and candid – with a deep, abiding love for man and God that must have overwhelmed and humbled even the most self-satisfied seeker.
The Desert Fathers and Mothers struggled against all of the besetting sins of mankind since the Fall, and their way of life led to interesting observations that would not have been reached by a less ascetic path. Their striving for self-denial – emotional, physical, material – is difficult to understand. But, the sayings that have been left for us that came out of their struggles are full of depth, wit, and reassurance. The way is hard, but the reward is worth it. One of my favorite chapters was “The Treasury of the Heart” which took on the Desert Fathers’ views of the controlling passions in our lives. There are two main ways of dealing with them. The first is to strive to eradicate them; the second is to rejoice in the continuing struggle against them. Both of these takes are very counterintuitive to our modern way of thinking. Chryssavgis explains:
The Desert Fathers and Mothers recognized that it takes a long time to become a human being. It takes an infinitely patient waiting to put together all the variegated parts of the human heart. Moreover, in the unnoticeable changes toward ever-growing perfection, it is the things that we love that reveal to us who we are. It is the things to which we are most attached that show us where our priorities lie. It is our very imperfections – what they like to call passions, and what we invariably call our wounds – that lead us to the way of perfection.
Spending a few hours with the Desert Fathers is to be introduced in a new way to that fount of Living Water and every blessing that springs up in the driest, most desolate of places.
March 26, 2025
Knygos apibūdinimas iš autoriaus baigiamojo žodžio itin taiklus:
"Bet į dykumą niekas negali mūsų nuvesti. Kiekvienas turime surasti savo kelią. Kiekvienas turi ieškoti, kur yra gundomas, vienišas, trokšta prasmės ir alksta gelmės. Kiekvienas atras vietų, kurias reikia tyrinti, kur galima sutikti Dievą ir kur Dievas mums kalba. (...)
Žinoma, atsitraukimas į dykumą nebus toks radikalus kaip ankstyvosios krikščionybės metais Egipte. Akimirkos, kai turime galimybę mokytis atsižadėti ir persikelti į kitą tikrovę, slypi kasdieniame gyvenime. Būdami nepakankamai atidūs galime jas pražiopsoti: tai tylos akimirka vienumoje, tylos akimirka su draugu, pasivaikščiojimas vienumoje, tylos laikas stovyklaujant, plaukiojant ar žvejojant, susimąstymo laikas ramiame kampelyje, ilgesnis vairavimas, ilgas laukimas važiuojant netoli, kai užstringame kamštyje. Reikėtų priimti tokias tylos akimirkas ir jas suprasti. Tokios akimirkos turėtų tapti mūsų kalbų ir veiksmų pagrindu. Mumyse atsispindi mūsų išgyvenama ramybė ir tyla.(...)
Dykumą galima atrasti ir miesto šurmuly. Visi galime ieškoti vietos ir laiko, kur kausimės su savimi ir susitiksime su Dievu. Kur patirsime pagundas, bet drauge ir keisimės. Tada atrasime ypatingumo paslaptį pačiame neypatingume, kasdienybės stebuklą ir mus nustebins grožis. (...)
Mūsų širdis plaks išvien su pasaulio širdimi, nes tada suprasime, kad būdami vienas be kito ir be mūsų pasaulio esame menkesi nei esame pašaukti būti. Tada galime išmokti naujos atjautos ir bendrystės. Tada galime dėkoti Dievui, kad "padarė mus iš tiesų gyvus"."
"Bet į dykumą niekas negali mūsų nuvesti. Kiekvienas turime surasti savo kelią. Kiekvienas turi ieškoti, kur yra gundomas, vienišas, trokšta prasmės ir alksta gelmės. Kiekvienas atras vietų, kurias reikia tyrinti, kur galima sutikti Dievą ir kur Dievas mums kalba. (...)
Žinoma, atsitraukimas į dykumą nebus toks radikalus kaip ankstyvosios krikščionybės metais Egipte. Akimirkos, kai turime galimybę mokytis atsižadėti ir persikelti į kitą tikrovę, slypi kasdieniame gyvenime. Būdami nepakankamai atidūs galime jas pražiopsoti: tai tylos akimirka vienumoje, tylos akimirka su draugu, pasivaikščiojimas vienumoje, tylos laikas stovyklaujant, plaukiojant ar žvejojant, susimąstymo laikas ramiame kampelyje, ilgesnis vairavimas, ilgas laukimas važiuojant netoli, kai užstringame kamštyje. Reikėtų priimti tokias tylos akimirkas ir jas suprasti. Tokios akimirkos turėtų tapti mūsų kalbų ir veiksmų pagrindu. Mumyse atsispindi mūsų išgyvenama ramybė ir tyla.(...)
Dykumą galima atrasti ir miesto šurmuly. Visi galime ieškoti vietos ir laiko, kur kausimės su savimi ir susitiksime su Dievu. Kur patirsime pagundas, bet drauge ir keisimės. Tada atrasime ypatingumo paslaptį pačiame neypatingume, kasdienybės stebuklą ir mus nustebins grožis. (...)
Mūsų širdis plaks išvien su pasaulio širdimi, nes tada suprasime, kad būdami vienas be kito ir be mūsų pasaulio esame menkesi nei esame pašaukti būti. Tada galime išmokti naujos atjautos ir bendrystės. Tada galime dėkoti Dievui, kad "padarė mus iš tiesų gyvus"."
August 10, 2021
Although I'm generally partial to anything Thomas Merton writes, this discussion of the Desert Fathers from an Eastern Orthodox perspective beats Merton's in my mind. Its thorough discussion of the major themes of the Fathers, along with many of their sayings, encouraged me greatly as a slow meditative read, and has helped further cement humility, silence, patience, and peace as the central virtues of the Christian life through which all acts of love or preaching should flow. Highly recommend. Probably my favorite book so far this year.
February 3, 2025
This anthology of sayings was well crafted: expertly introduced, arranged by topic, and minimally annotated.
April 29, 2009
Chryssavgis deftly explores early Christian monastic thought and praxis in this accessible and beautiful book. His writing is such that someone unfamiliar with the overarching early Patristic corpus of work and thought can easily approach the ideas contained within these pages. And yet, others who may have more specialized understanding or academic interest would also do well to dwell a while here. Rowan Williams, in his 2005 book, 'Where God Happens: discovering Christ in one another', reports setting about to write a warm, insightful exploratory work regarding the spirituality of the Desert Fathers, only to discover that he had already been beat to the punch (and, according to Williams, more profoundly so) by John Chryssavgis with the publication of this book.
I would recommend this easily, and not only for Chryssavgis's words regarding the Fathers and Mothers. In the rear of the book, one will find Chyrssavgis's own translation of the Reflections of Abba Zosimus (a first introduction for us English speakers who wished we could read Greek, Latin, Syriac, and Coptic). As the introduction by the famed Benedicta Ward attests, both the book and the translation are a welcome addition to the world of literature of and about early Christian monasticism, and indeed, of and about Christian spirituality on the whole.
I would recommend this easily, and not only for Chryssavgis's words regarding the Fathers and Mothers. In the rear of the book, one will find Chyrssavgis's own translation of the Reflections of Abba Zosimus (a first introduction for us English speakers who wished we could read Greek, Latin, Syriac, and Coptic). As the introduction by the famed Benedicta Ward attests, both the book and the translation are a welcome addition to the world of literature of and about early Christian monasticism, and indeed, of and about Christian spirituality on the whole.
March 21, 2021
This is a wonderful book to not only introduce someone to the history and personalities of the Desert Fathers and Mothers but more importantly to their mindset and spirituality. Deacon Chryssavgis is a gifted writer and theologian who is able to let the Desert Fathers and Mothers speak to us today, to make alive the relevance of their lives and teaching in short, accessible , and well structured chapters. He approaches his topic in a holistic manner treating not only easily recognized spiritual topics like silence,spiritual guidance and detachment but also an inclusion of topics like the Desert and the Body and the Desert and the Environment.In his closing chapter on Encountering God he sums up what he hopes for prospective readers, “We should read these stories in order to catch alight with the same convictions that kept them aflame. When we are attentive to this spark we shall discover certain fundamental insights about our encounter with God.” As an added bonus, the author has translated and provided a first ever translation of the ‘Reflections’ by Abba Zosimas.
June 24, 2014
Some of the insights here were so profound that I wanted to give it like ten stars, really thought-provoking, grounding, reorienting stuff. But the organization of the book and linking between the authors thoughts and the quotes of the mothers and fathers were sometimes unclear and didn't seem to convey a cohesive message and that was distracting. Anyone who has faced or is facing a time of desert abandonment or solitude will easily get past that, I think, and it is incredibly profitable. I'm always afraid that forays into spiritualism will make saints too lofty to understand or try to reach, but these saints seemed to become more and more authentic (or nuts). Loved the guy who turned his back and refused to speak to another brother about his theological questions saying something to the effect of "he asks me about God, who is too lofty for me to speak of, if he asked about the world, now that I know." Word.
August 20, 2010
This book is a great introduction to the desert fathers.
March 1, 2012
Excellent book on practical spirituality from the wisdom of the desert.
June 15, 2021
I have not yet delved into the full sayings or writings of the "desert fathers" and so Chryssavgis introduction was a perfect way to dip my toe into deep waters. The desert fathers and mothers are the monks, hermits and ascetics who followed the footsteps of Anthony the Great and retreated from secular life by seeking an experience of God in the Egyptian desert. This text gives a good overview of the journey of these spiritual seekers and offers a sample of their wisdom in the form of short "sayings". After reading, I will certainly explore more of their writings.
I was drawn to this after recently reading Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. There are themes that are similar - in the sense that we all must "winter" in our lives, whether we want or not. Much like the fact that you do not have to seek out the desert - it catches up with you through suffering, emptiness and brokenness. While Katherine May approaches the subject from a contemporary and secular path, Chryssavgis guides us to the resources of the early Christian church. And he does so with moving and helpful commentary.
I was drawn to this after recently reading Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. There are themes that are similar - in the sense that we all must "winter" in our lives, whether we want or not. Much like the fact that you do not have to seek out the desert - it catches up with you through suffering, emptiness and brokenness. While Katherine May approaches the subject from a contemporary and secular path, Chryssavgis guides us to the resources of the early Christian church. And he does so with moving and helpful commentary.
January 13, 2025
It can be quite difficult to separate religion from its institutions, but unlike the abbas and ammas (monks) described in this book, I will not ascetically fall into hermitage in the deserts of Egypt and Palestine in protest of that inevitable connection.
Rather, I will practice my passion of literature more astutely in subjects, like such, that focus on the importance of faith and love, as the backbone for any and all spirituality.
Rather, I will practice my passion of literature more astutely in subjects, like such, that focus on the importance of faith and love, as the backbone for any and all spirituality.
December 7, 2018
Selections from the writings of the Desert Fathers (and occasional Mothers) with commentary. Usually more commentary than not. Makes an easy introduction to the general group of them, though.
March 23, 2022
Fr. Deacon John put's the lives and sayings of the Desert Fathers in perspective for 21st Century readers, without compromising their radically holy ethos.
July 10, 2022
One of my favourite books on the desert fathers and mothers. Beautifully written.
June 14, 2023
Surprisingly, this was quite dry and boring. I wanted more of the Fathers themselves and less of the shallow commentary.
September 14, 2025
3.5 stars
August 6, 2011
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1703931...
Several years ago I read the collected sayings of the Desert Fathers (and Mothers); this is an introduction to their spirituality by an Australian theologian, who at least I suppose has some insight into deserts. I must say I have been spoiled for this sort of thing by my recent reading of Rūmī, who was able to develop profound philosophical insights while living his daily life without fleeing from society or concerning himself too much with mortification of the flesh. Again I observed that there is a certain amount of eremitical one-upmanship here, and while there are many reflections on how to set one's soul right within oneself and with God, there's not a lot about other people, who are usually an important part of whatever problems one may have. So I fear that the Desert fathers may not be for me.
Several years ago I read the collected sayings of the Desert Fathers (and Mothers); this is an introduction to their spirituality by an Australian theologian, who at least I suppose has some insight into deserts. I must say I have been spoiled for this sort of thing by my recent reading of Rūmī, who was able to develop profound philosophical insights while living his daily life without fleeing from society or concerning himself too much with mortification of the flesh. Again I observed that there is a certain amount of eremitical one-upmanship here, and while there are many reflections on how to set one's soul right within oneself and with God, there's not a lot about other people, who are usually an important part of whatever problems one may have. So I fear that the Desert fathers may not be for me.
January 2, 2014
Okay - but I was hoping for more primary texts and less commentary, and it was almost all commentary. Chapters explore themes like Silence, Patience, etc. A good introduction for someone with little familiarity, I'd think - easy to read, for a general audience. But not what I was looking for.
October 2, 2014
A must read
Where the blood of the martyrs have watered the deserts, seeds of asceticism bore its fruit monastic mothers and fathers continue still to battle on behalf of the infirmed.
Where the blood of the martyrs have watered the deserts, seeds of asceticism bore its fruit monastic mothers and fathers continue still to battle on behalf of the infirmed.
September 24, 2015
I love this book. It is a power house of insight into the writings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers written with wisdom and grace. -Amos Smith (author of Healing The Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots)
October 4, 2008
5 stars for content. 1 star for writing. For an average of 3 stars. The writing was really boring.
Read
November 21, 2009None
September 20, 2012
Always reading this!!! ♥
June 21, 2013
I expected more from it. What, I'm not sure but more. Not enough Fathers and Mothers, too much Chryssagis.
October 13, 2015
This was an amazing book. Chryssavgis walks us through the spirituality of the Desert Fathers, but he does so in a way that it can apply to us today.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews