Author:Benedicta Ward,Benedicta Ward
The Desert Fathers were the first Christian monks, living in solitude in the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, and Syria. In contrast to the formalised and official theology of the "founding fathers" of the church, the Desert Fathers were ordinary Christians who chose to renounce the world and live lives of celibacy, fasting, vigil, prayer and poverty in direct and simple response to the gospel. Their sayings were first recorded in the 4th century and consist of spiritual advice, anecdotes and parables. The Desert Fathers' teachings and lives have inspired poetry, opera and art, as well as providing spiritual nourishment and a template for monastic life.
at times deeply devout, at times joyfully light-hearted, this is an inspirational milestone for an interreligious decade
—— Pilgrims websiteThe book is superb... the insights that it opens in a series of varied fields, tying them in logically to each other, is very lucid
—— Howie Firth, Director of the Orkney Science FestivalA symbol of serenity, a spiritual leader second only to the Pope
—— IndependentHe draws crowds that no other spiritual leader or politician could hope to match...he seems to look at life in a different way to everyone else
—— The Times