57. John Cassian: The Conferences (Ancient Christian Writers) (Hardcover)

by Boniface Ramsey (Editor) "In this first of three prefaces Cassian compares The Institutes and the first ten books of The Conferences (if we are to credit 2 praef..." (more)
Key Phrases: spiritual theoria, aforesaid old man, spiritual soldiery, Holy Spirit, Holy Scripture, Abba John (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
A highly readable translation. -- Ashland Theological Journal

A major event in modern monastic studies. -- The American Benedictine Review

A very welcome addition to the Ancient Christian Writers series. -- Emilie Griffin, America

An excellent translation. -- First Things

For those who are interested in the historical development of monastic spirituality, this is essential reading. -- Monos

Product Description
Since its inception in 1947, the Ancient Christian Writers series has become one of the world's premier patristic collections. Founded by the renowned scholars Johannes Quasten and Joseph Plumpe at The Catholic University of America, the series has grown to fifty-seven volumes over fifty years. Translations of the works of Augustine, Basil, Theodoret, Palladius, Chrysostom, Tertullian and, most recently, Justin Martyr are found amongst the thirty-six authors whose writings comprise the series. Widely recognized as the authoritative American patristic project, the Ancient Christian Writers series launches its second fifty years with the long-anticipated publication of John Cassian's The Conferences, translated and presented by Boniface Ramsey, O.P.

The first complete translation into English of The Conferences, Ramsey's rendering of Cassian is the only extensively annotated edition since the seventeenth century. Included are introductory essays, notes and a useful series of indexes. Popular for centuries in both the East and West, this work will now be available to a wider audience of scholars, students and spiritual seekers.

Anticipated in the next two years are John Cassian's The Institutes (completing the publication of his monastic and ascetical writings in the Ancient Christian Writers series), never-before-published correspondence of Popes Damasus and Liberius, as well as the catechumenate sermons of the North African, Quodvultdeus. As always, each volume will present the reader with a high quality English translation, notes and a scholarly introduction.

The Ancient Christian Writers series is currently edited by well-known scholar and homilist Walter J. Burghardt, S.J., John Dillon of Washington, D.C. and Dennis McManus of Paulist Press.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 912 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press; annotated edition edition (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809104849
• ISBN-13: 978-0809104840
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #145,617 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for all Christians, November 20, 2001

By	Patrick Oden (Lake Arrowhead, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

(...)

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ancient Christian Writers Series. . ., October 25, 2001

By	Peter Abelard (11th century Paris, France) - See all my reviews

. . .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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite book, September 12, 2006

By	D. A. Johnson "Illini" (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Of all my books, this is my most important - the one I keep by my bed just to open up and read. It is filled with post-it tabs.

I agree with all said in other reviews. But for me, it is not the sort of book one reads cover to cover. It is a source for spiritual nourishment, guidance and encouragement on an as needed basis.