Living in Christ: Essays on the Christian Life by an Orthodox Nun

by Mother Raphaela Wilkinson, Raphaela Wilkinson

Over the last twenty years Mother Raphaela has written essays on the Christian life in her community newsletter as well as for other Church publications. These reflections, some of which are published in this little book, were born and shaped by her interactions with the women who came to test their monastic vocations, with the seekers who spent time in the monastic setting, with Mother's many correspondents, and with the many friends and supporters, as well as questioners and critics, who observe the life and work of the monastery. The 19 essays cover topics such as Prayer and Life, Silence Today, Family Life and the Monastery, Building Community, Challenged by Freedom and Human Love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Church

111 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some very good chapters, mostly near the beginning of the book, but many did not resonate with me. Though the title says "Christian Life", suggesting a broad view, much of the book is about monastic life - what it's like, defending it, and answering common questions about it (especially for the benefit of those considering religious life). Other authors have managed to write from a monastic experience without losing generality in moral lessons. Still, it's a decent little book that's worth getting cheap from a used book store.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent choice for a church zoom women’s teaching held weekly by our priest.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is one of the good ones. Mother Raphaela is an Orthodox nun and currently the abbess of the Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in New York. Each chapter is taken from her writings over the years in her community newsletter and for some other Christian outlets, and each one is a true treasure.

Mother Raphaela writes with a no-nonsense manner, but her writing doesn't come across as anything other than loving and factual. In a very common sense way she points out what it is to live in Christ. The first few chapters especially are meant written for the monastic community she is a part of, but I found them nonetheless applicable to those of us in the 'regular' world.

Too often because the author or subject of a book are related to monasticism people consider them to be not for the real world. It is instead very rarely the case that the layman will finish reading one of these books and not find anything of value to take away. And this is also the case with Living in Christ. There is much here, even in the chapters on monasticism, that can be applied in the lives of everyday Christians wherever they are.

While Mother Raphaela is very straightforward in the difficulties that a life in Christ encounters, I found her overall tone to be very encouraging. She explains her points in a very clear and accessible manner. There is no mysticism, no theoretical explanations, and no double talk that leaves you wondering what just happened. She simply tells you what a Life in Christ involves, and says it in such a way that when you walk away and decide NOT to live that way, you are doing so by your own choice. And this is in fact the subject of the final narrative chapter, which clearly outlines in a sort of stream of consciousness what our choices are.

In the end our choices are simple - a life in Christ or no life at all. It's nonetheless something we all have to struggle with. Mother Raphaela's book can be of some help with that.

Recommended for anyone, regardless of age or experience in the Christian life.