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New Review of Desert Fathers and Mothers (and Living Spiritual Teachers Project)

Desert Mothers and FathersI am really honored by Spirituality and Practice‘s review of my latest book Desert Mothers and Fathers: Early Christian Wisdom Sayings — Annotated & Explained:

In her absolutely brilliant introduction to the desert fathers and mothers, Paintner does a wonderful job explaining the desert as a place of deep encounter; the significant figures in this monastic tradition; the spiritual importance of the cell and the heart; the value of surrender and humility in relationship to the unceasing presence of God; and the challenges of viewing the wisdom sayings of the desert fathers and mothers as Zen koans — “texts to be pondered and chewed on slowly and then integrated into your life.” . . .

In her engrossing commentaries on these sayings, Paintner shares how they have influenced her life, such as her listening for a word from the world of nature; her adoration of trees and their connection with saints; her role as an urban monk; her frighteningly close encounter with death; her love of books and her sense of the shadow side of them; and the need to be very honest with herself as a teacher, writer, and spiritual director.

This is one of the brightest and best resources on the desert fathers and mothers.

Click here to read the whole review>>

I am also deeply honored that I have been added to their Living Spiritual Teachers Project.  You can click the link to find a nice summary of my work as well as a link to the e-course I have available through them on the Wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers.

 

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