Publisher's Synopsis
The Monks Before Christ: Their Spirit And Their History by John Edgar Johnson is a comprehensive exploration of the origins and evolution of monasticism in the pre-Christian era. The book delves into the spiritual and historical aspects of the lives of these early monks, tracing their development from the ancient Egyptian hermits to the ascetics of the Syrian desert.The author examines the lives and teachings of prominent figures such as St. Anthony, St. Pachomius, and St. Basil, as well as lesser-known monks who played significant roles in the development of monasticism. Johnson also explores the social and cultural contexts in which these monks lived, including their relationships with the early Christian church and the wider society.Throughout the book, Johnson emphasizes the importance of the spiritual practices and disciplines of these early monks, including prayer, fasting, and meditation. He also highlights the impact of their teachings on later Christian thought and practice.Overall, The Monks Before Christ provides a fascinating and informative account of the origins and evolution of monasticism in the pre-Christian era, shedding light on a crucial aspect of early Christian history and spirituality.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
