Written in the fifth century, during one of the most formative periods of christian monasticism in Egypt and Palestine, the Ascetic Discourses show a strong influence of the Scriptures, both Old and New, and of earlier monastic writers. They are marked by a faithfulness to tradition, yet equally by a note of originality distinctive to the Gaza region. Abba Isaiah has set forth a practical guide for monks, ever aware of the challenges that interpersonal relationships present within monastic communities. Functionality, however, does not overwhelm Isaiah's emphasis of the intimate nature of the relationship between the monk and Jesus. He does this by illustrating that the imitation of Christ is at the core of each monk's life.
Until now, the only English translations to be found of Abba Isaiah's Discourses were twenty-seven extracts within the Philokalia (on ''Guarding the Intellect'') and various sayings included in Benedicta Ward's alphabetical collection, Sayings of the Desert Fathers. Written in the fifth century during the most formative period of Christian monasticism, the Ascetic Discourses were intended as a practical guide for monasticism, and Abba Isaiah consistently shows his indebtedness to Old and New Testament Scripture as well as the Apocrypha while retaining a unique voice in regard to the monk's intimacy with Christ. Though this may be an influence of monophysite tendencies (in which the divinity of Christ is held in higher honor than His humanity), Abba Isaiah's references to the ''sweetness'' and ''tenderness'' of Jesus - coupled with his clear-sighted practicality and sensitivity to the interpersonal relations of the monastic community - exhibit a balanced theology of asceticism. Here we find God's mercy most greatly encountered through man's humility, and ''the strength of those who wish to acquire the virtues is that, if they fall, they will not be discouraged, but will try again.'' 282 pp.
Until now, the only English translations to be found of Abba Isaiah's Discourses were twenty-seven extracts within the Philokalia (on ''Guarding the Intellect'') and various sayings included in Benedicta Ward's alphabetical collection, Sayings of the Desert Fathers. Written in the fifth century during the most formative period of Christian monasticism, the Ascetic Discourses were intended as a practical guide for monasticism, and Abba Isaiah consistently shows his indebtedness to Old and New Testament Scripture as well as the Apocrypha while retaining a unique voice in regard to the monk's intimacy with Christ. Though this may be an influence of monophysite tendencies (in which the divinity of Christ is held in higher honor than His humanity), Abba Isaiah's references to the ''sweetness'' and ''tenderness'' of Jesus - coupled with his clear-sighted practicality and sensitivity to the interpersonal relations of the monastic community - exhibit a balanced theology of asceticism. Here we find God's mercy most greatly encountered through man's humility, and ''the strength of those who wish to acquire the virtues is that, if they fall, they will not be discouraged, but will try again.'' 282 pp.
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