Be Still and Know: God's Presence in Silence

by Norris J. Chumley (Editor)

Overview

Early Christian spirituality is a topic of enduring fascination today among scholars and general readers alike. Stories of hermits living in the desert in their pursuit of God catch our fancy. What motivated them and drew them to silence on their path to God? In this gracious tour, Norris J. Chumley introduces us to Hesychasm, or the practice of silence and contemplative prayer, and to the lives of its early practitioners. The reader is introduced to St. Anthony, St. Pachomius, Evagrius, St. John Climacus, and many others. Then, as only a teacher and mentor can, he opens up the important possibilities the practice has for today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781451479911
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	02/01/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	332 KB

About the Author

Norris J. Chumley earned his doctorate from Union Theological Seminary. He is an internationally recognized author and filmmaker, a Huffington Post contributing editor, an Emmy award winner, and the author of Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vii

Preface ix

Silence (Hesychia): A Method for Experiencing God 1

Part I Development and Methodology of Hesychia through Stories of the Ancient Practitioners

1 The Great Hesychast Fathers and Mothers 19

2 An Analysis and Comparison of Ancient Practitioners and Methodology 51

3 Evolution of Monastic Life 55

4 Hesychia Provides Peace and Connection to God for Individuals 67

Part II Silence (Hesychia) in Contemporary Focus: Methodology and Importance of the Practices inside and outside Monasteries

5 On the Experience of Communication with God through Hesychia 81

6 Hesychia as a Model for Those Outside Monasteries 91

7 Peace and Compassion through Prayer: A Union of Mind and Body 101

8 Hesychia in Our Own Practice 109

Conclusion 117

Appendix 1 Glossary of Terms 123

Appendix 2 Chronology of Places Visited and Persons 139

Interviewed for This Book and Ethnographic Film Bibliography 141

Index 155

Additional Information 157