The life and wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers is not only retained in historical volumes, but has been a constant presence throughout the development of the church. A formative influence since the time of the early Christians, this wisdom has the power to transform and nurture even today. Using six fundamental aspects of desert monastic life as windows?The Cell, Patience, Praxis, Labor and Time, Solitude and Silence, and Humility?Oasis of Wisdom reveals the world that created the wisdom of early Christian monastic men and women. With this experiential approach to learning, Keller goes beyond simple reflection by providing substantial historical background, including the environment of solitude, ascetic disciplines, labor, and daily life experiences. Touching on the social, religious, political, and linguistic influences of the culture, it is an ideal introduction for modern readers with limited backgrounds in theology or church history. Oasis of Wisdom is ideal for those seeking spiritual mentoring or a discipline of prayer, and will appeal to those from all denominations and backgrounds, from those new to church history to oblates. The richness of this ancient wisdom will challenge modern Christians to catch the spirit of the desert elders and join in their struggle to live an authentic human life.Chapters are: ?Politeia: The Monastic World of the Desert Fathers and Mothers,? ?Oikoumene: The Inhabited World Surrounding the Desert Fathers and Mothers,? ?Sunrise to Sunrise: The Daily Lives of Early Egyptian Desert Elders and Monastic Communities,? ?The Cell: Meeting God and Ourselves,? ?Patience: Learning Not to Run from God or Authentic Human Life,? ?Stillness and Silence: Being Present to God, Ourselves, and the World,? ?Praxis: An Ascetic Vocation that Forms, Nourishes and Guards the Soul,? ?Praxis and Labor: The Sanctification of Daily Life,? ?Humility: Making Christ Tangible,? and ?Two Deserts.? Also includes an introduction and a bibliography.?Keller acknowledges the obstacles to a modern spirituality but invites us to overcome them and make the journey into our own hearts. He is to be congratulated on opening up a world often seen as accessible only to monastics and professional theologians. This is a rewarding book on which to meditate and ponder.? Theology?There is so much that resonates (and stirs my conscience) on every page, and so much that is relevant and helpful here and now in very practical terms, not only for solitaries like me, but also for anyone committed to God, and indeed anyone searching for commitment, for we all have the need for solitude in our spirit, whatever form of life we live. It is full of wisdom, not only that of the abbas and ammas, but your own. It is a book to savor and re-read. Indeed it is one of those rare books where a paragraph or even a sentence or phrase is enough for the time being.? Theresa Margaret, C.H.N. Hermit, Iconographer Llyn Peninsula, Wales?. . . Of the making of books there is no end, as the Preacher, said, but to find grain among the chaff is a gift.? Theresa Margaret, C.H.N. Hermit, Iconographer Llyn Peninsula, Wales?The author succeeds in his twin aims of highlighting the lives and spirituality of the extraordinary holy men and women and answering the question he poses, ?What is the significance of their experience and wisdom for our lives today??? The Midwest Book Review?The author makes accessible to readers, unfamiliar with the spirituality of the early desert fathers and mothers, important historical background and his own considerable theological reflection on aspects of desert monastic life and wisdom. His commentary on sayings and stories puts the wisdom of the desert in its own context and then offers interpretation for living this wisdom in today?s world. Keller holds out to readers and invitation to put the words of these wisdom-elders into action, not merely to enjoy them for their theological insight. He challenges readers to enter int
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