Roots of Christian Mysticism: Texts from Patristic Era with Commentary [Paperback]

Olivier Clement (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1996

`Olivier Clement sets out to uncover the deeply mystical spirituality that he suggests is neglected by many Christians today. Clement is an Orthodox theologian teaching at the Institute of St. Sergius in Paris and a member of the Ecumenical Institute founded by L'Institute Catholique. The author laments Christians sentimental fascination with anything Eastern, specifically Tao or Zen. He wants to demonstrate that what they are looking for in the spiritual practices of the religions of East Asia can be found in the Christian heritage.

`In his effort to recover the mystical sources of Christianity, Clement provides an anthology of the first Christian mystics. His selections are not arranged chronologically or alphabetically; the end result is not so much an anthology as a selection of passages with extended and lively commentaries. The pieces are arranged according to Clements theological vision, in which spiritual combat occupies a central role. The most instructive part of the work is Clements extensive treatment of different approaches to prayer and contemplation. By linking a series of texts from early Christian centuries together with his own commentaries, albeit in a sometimes disjointed way, Clement has provided a helpful contribution to all who are interested in the study of spirituality.'

Michael Downey
America

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

From the Publisher

A book of uncommon interest and importance...a new vision of the meaning of Christian doctrine and the scope of Christian prayer and life

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Product Details

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: New City Press (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565480295
• ISBN-13: 978-1565480292
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ancient christianity accessible, December 2, 2000

By 

Wyote (Seoul) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Roots of Christian Mysticism: Texts from Patristic Era with Commentary (Paperback)

Olivier 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.

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Grow Old Without It, April 22, 2003

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Wayne Mcdaniel (Lawrence, KS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Roots of Christian Mysticism: Texts from Patristic Era with Commentary (Paperback)

Excellent, excellent book. Clement does an outstanding job of bringing together quotes by early church fathers. They are organized in a cohesive manner with useful commentary by Clement.

My first reaction as I began to read the book was, "Awesome." I have read some of the early church writings, but generally got bogged down in their style of writing. Clement brings out the richness of what they wrote and said. I am analytical and tend to think a lot, but was blown over by the depth of thought of some of these fathers. They wrote of things I never even considered. They contemplated mysteries and concepts in a way which brings out the shallowness of modern Christian thought.

This is a scholarly work, but which reads more like a devotional. I usually read through a book in a matter of days. However, this one took months. There is such depth that it requires reading a few pages and setting it aside to contemplate what was said. In terms of its value to me, I would place this book second only to the Bible.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, October 9, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Roots of Christian Mysticism: Texts from Patristic Era with Commentary (Paperback)

This is the best book I've read on this subject. This type of Christian thought certainly attracts a lot of pseudo-Christians and there seems to be more books written on Christian mysticism by non-Christians than real ones nowadays, but this book is not one of them. It's basically a compendium of mystical Christian thought from the first millenium. This is a book that needs to be read more than once, the information in it is incredibly complex and engaging. When reading this book the Truth of it can be felt on every page; nothing less than the science of love.