The Spiritual World Of Isaac The Syrian (Volume 175) (Cistercian Studies Series)

If you have never before seriously encountered the compassionate heart of St. Isaac the Syrian I strongly recommend this book. Bp. Kallistos Ware wrote the Foreword, glowingly describing his admiration for St. Isaac. "Running through all three of my initial encounters with Isaac was a single theme: the primacy of love. It is love that provides an explanation- so far as any explanation is possible - for the creation of the universe and for the Incarnation of Christ. It is love that enables us, as nothing else can do, compassionately to embrace and transfigure the suffering of the world. And it is the logic of divine love that provides a key to the dark mystery of hell...Never before, outside Holy Scripture, had I found someone who could say so much in so few words." A quote from the book, "The 'merciful heart' in a human person is therefore the image and likeness of God's mercy, which embraces the whole of creation, people, animals, reptiles, and demons. In God, there is no hatred towards anyone, but all-embracing love which does not distinguish between righteous and sinner, between a friend of truth and an enemy of truth, between angel and demon. Every created being is precious in God's eyes." God's infinite love is the lens through with St. Isaac views the entire economy of God. His descriptions of this love are breathtaking in their scope and implications. What a compassionate heart St. Isaac has, as he seeks to emulate our Savior in this regard. There are also extensive descriptions of St. Isaac's intimate knowledge of the ascetic life which offer great insight and encouragement.

I ran across Isaac the Syrian in the footnotes of many of my Christian spiritual books I have read through the years and I wanted to read about this great spiritual guide from the source. Bishop Hilarion provides a scholarly book on St Isaac and includes his historical setting, explains differences in culture and languages both of which are often overlooked in our modern society and is essential to understanding writings of ancient authors, Hilarion provides a writing of St Isaac and then his analysis.This is an essential book for those who want to gain greater insight and appreciation for Isaac the Syrian who was a guide to many of the spiritual leaders I read today

The grouping of St Isaac's sayings by category is very helpful in bringing to light the gems of this great mystic, and in making his thoughts widely accessible. St Isaac's thoughts do not emerge from mere theory or philosophy, they are primarily based on his direct personal experience of the divine through prayerful meditations and ineffable heavenly revelations.

St. Isaac stands out as a theologian of love par excellence even among the saints. Truly one of the greatest Christian figures of all time. This work by Hilarion Alfeyev is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish in all aspects including content, organization and style. Additionally the author generously quotes from St. Isaac's original works so the reader will get a feeling for St. Isaac himself and not just an analysis. A rare combination of insightful analysis and spiritual depth.

This book is necessary for understanding Isaac the Syrian. Well written in an easily understandable manner it captures the essentials that are dispersed throughout the Homilies. This is a must prior to reading Isaac.

A good read.

I found it very inspiring and easy to read, but I have theological training. Others may find it harder to understand.

Excellent for an understanding of St. Isaac the Syrian.

Top quality copy. Thank you amazon. If it can be shared to my other devices or a pendrive, I can keep it in safe coustody even tablet get damaged.

The Desert Fathers who retreated into the desert, give us a view of spiritual life that we need to-day. Silent prayer, not merely the absence of words, but of waiting on God and listening to him is vital for the Chrisian who means business with the Lord. . This wonderful book containing passages from Abba Isaac and Fr Hilarion Alfeyev's commentary on them is inspirational. Here is real food for the soul from a Desert Father who lived in the sixth century.

Worth a read if you like Early Fathers- but it needs determination to read. Very compact!