Roots of Christian Mysticism: Texts from the Patristic Era with Commentary, 2nd Edition (Theology and Faith)
Anthologies of mysticism abound, but this one is clearly in a class by itself ... It is spiritual reading in the true sense -- a book to be read and re-read, to be pondered and savored. --Spirit & LifeThere are some books so good that all one wants to say is: go out, buy it and read it - it is marvelous! And so it is with this fine translation. --Andrew Louth,Fairacres ChronicleThe Roman Catholic church and Orthodoxy have been separated for nearly a thousand years. And yet, as Clément so elegantly demonstrates, we have the same communion of faith and sacraments. --Harold Isbell,CommonwealOlivier Clement is a French Eastern Orthodox Christian theologian. He has gathered selections from the Church Fathers (and some Mothers too) by topics. Some selections are just a sentence or two, others are several paragraphs. His commentary is brief and usually helpful, but the book's real greatness is that the spirit of the Fathers is so accessible. In this book, everyone can have easy access to the spirituality of ancient Christians. There is deep theology, but also extensive practical sections on prayer and virtues. The English title is inappropriate; the French title is simply "Christian Sources." Clement does not present Christian esotericism but mainstream ancient Christian thought.I strongly recommend this book to everyone. If you think you are familiar with Christianity, it will open your eyes to the true depths of Christian wisdom. If you are not familiar with Christianity, this book presents the heart of God and the ancient Christian path with clarity, compassion, and wisdom.--Wayne McdanielClement is a Genius! "Roots of Christian Mysticism" is an essential work for any Christian (Orthodox, Catholic, or Protestant) who is serious about moving beyond a superficial faith. By drawing on the teachings from the first witnesses to the Apostolic era, Clement weaves together issues of theology and spirituality of the Christian experience.This book is written in such a way that it can be the source of many hours of meditative prayer. As a source for Lectio Divina, "Roots of Christian Mysticism" can draw modern Christian disciples more deeply and profoundly into prayer with the Trinitarian God. I highly recommend this book.--Dr. Jeffrey Wincel