PDF The Spiritual Meadow: By John Moschos (Cistercian Studies) by From Brand: Cistercian in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Forget the best place on earth to live; get here and really live in a new dimension.By puzzle enthusiastI haven't finished this yet but gives a lot to think about and inspires and encourages and convinces the reader to draw nearer this wonderful reality.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. One of the best books ever!By PierianWhat a treasure trove of wisdom from the early Christians of the East!Page after page; we encounter an ancient Christian Elder or Eldress sharing with us the gems of their time and earlier.Written just a few centuries after Christ; the Christian spirit is fresh and alive amongst these pious Orthodox Christians living in caves; monasteries; and wandering the desert. How sweet it is to walk with John Moschos through the Holy Land and Egypt; dining on the fruit of organic Christianity. This was a time before the violent crusades of Islam had reached this area; although we read about the early stages of raids by the barbaric Saracen-muslims within the region. Both Roman Catholics and Protestants will find this book quite 'foreign' given the enormous changes that have taken place within those branches of the Western Church. For example the Pope of Rome is barely mentioned; and great importance is given to humility and sacraments that one won't find in many protestant churches. However this book is an excellent resource for those seeking to learn more about the history of Christianity and the day to day lives of so many little known or anonymous Saints. Protestants don't be put off by the term "Saints" - it's just another term for advanced Christian; one that provides a good example for us all to follow to Christ. Highly recommended book!29 of 29 people found the following review helpful. You Can't Judge This Book By Its CoverBy Timothy KearneyI know the old expression "You cannot judge a book by its cover" is perhaps the most overused cliché in the English language; but I assumed that a book titled "The Spiritual Meadow" with flowers on its cover would be a sweet; or at least semi-sweet title with ancient tried and true spiritual quotes; a Desert Father's Lite so to speak. Well; it's not. If anything; the Desert Fathers could be described as "Spiritual Meadow Lite" rather than the other way around.The book itself is an example of an early Christian travel tale. John Moschos traveled to visit the monasteries in Palestine and the book is a recording of his observations; the stories he heard; and the wisdom he learned along the way. The people we meet in the book are serious about the Christian life; and the importance of austerity. There are no excuses for anything but the best from all followers; and readers could wonder if anyone could truly be a follower of Christ. The stories themselves can be a bit difficult for modern Christians to understand; and could seem so far removed from today that the writings are little more than a curiosity. Readers could decide that the writings are too severe; and in some cases; anti-Semitic; at least by our standards. Some of these thoughts were my immediate observations after reading many of the excerpts; especially of I read these writings too critically. Yet when I think about the time in which these monks lived; the power of their witness; and their dedication to God; and this is where the power of this work can be found; and makes it timeless. From a historical point of view; we get an up close and intimate look at early monasticism.Potential readers should note that the translation of this work is literal. Some of the pieces are available only in fragmentary form and this is how it is presented. This is a plus for the work in my estimation. Readers can wrestle with the actual text rather than what a translator feels the text is missing.