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Rating: 
Summary: The Ancient Christian Writers Series. . .
Review: . . .is known for its critical editions of Patristic and Early Medieval writings. Again the series trumps with the addition of this title."The Conferences" of John Cassian are perhaps some of the most powerful commentaries on the eremetical, monastic, and spiritual ways of life ever written -- and they are all too often left unappreciated in today's world. This was not always the case. The great saints, monastics and mystics of the medieval period read and respected this work extremely highly. The "Conferences", set up as though Cassian was in dialogue with the great hermits of his day (and in some cases, perhaps he actually was) deal with the various issues, choices, and crises which beset all Christians -- not merely those to whom the grace of the religious life has been given. This is a book to be digested slowly, one "conference" at a time and to be meditated upon -- not to be rushed through. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: The Ancient Christian Writers Series. . .
Review: . . .is known for its critical editions of Patristic and Early Medieval writings. Again the series trumps with the addition of this title. "The Conferences" of John Cassian are perhaps some of the most powerful commentaries on the eremetical, monastic, and spiritual ways of life ever written -- and they are all too often left unappreciated in today's world. This was not always the case. The great saints, monastics and mystics of the medieval period read and respected this work extremely highly. The "Conferences", set up as though Cassian was in dialogue with the great hermits of his day (and in some cases, perhaps he actually was) deal with the various issues, choices, and crises which beset all Christians -- not merely those to whom the grace of the religious life has been given. This is a book to be digested slowly, one "conference" at a time and to be meditated upon -- not to be rushed through. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Read by St. Thomas Aquinas Every Day!
Review: A very important book ! If the greatest mind in the history of Western Civilation (i.e. St Thomas Aquinas) read it every day and always had it with him what more needs to be said ?
Rating:
Summary: Must read for all Christians
Review: This is the complete text of all 24 of John Cassian's Conferences, some of which are translated for the very first time. This text could be, and indeed was, considered the advanced text on living the Christian life. While the stories of the desert fathers may sound daunting, their thoughts, as transmitted (and certainly adapted) by John Cassian are surprisingly honest, refreshing, and inspirational. These were people who truly sought, and knew God. As Cassian writes in the preface, we can criticize them as being too extreme, but the evidence of their lives testifies on their behalf. Virtually every aspect of life is covered here in some way, as Cassian relates his "conferences" with various monks in the deserts of Egypt. This book is so refreshing and stirring, especially given the "junk food" spirituality that most modern Christian publishers pump out. This way is not simple or quick, but it does point to a fuller life. All those who say they follow Christ should give this a read. (...)
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