Words to Live by

“Give me a word, Father.” From the time of Saint Antony–at least0younger monks would ask older, experienced monks, abbas or ammas ( 'fathers' or 'mothers'), for a saving word, for advice, for wise counsel on how to live. In this book, Coptic scholar and priest Tim Vivian shares personal accounts of journeys to present-day monasteries in Egypt, and translations of ancient texts exemplifying the 'words,' the insights that have guided desert monks for nearly two millennia. Those who study the monastic tradition professionally and those who search it spiritually will find matter for reflection here.

Tim Vivian is professor emeritus of religious studies at California State University Bakersfield and a retired priest in the Episcopal Church. In 2018, he received an honorary doctorate of divinity from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP, Episcopal) for his scholarship and work for social justice. He has published numerous books, articles, and book reviews on early Christian monasticism, including, with Cistercian Publications,The Life of Antony, The Holy Workshop of Virtue, Becoming Fire (1st ed.), andThe Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers (vol. 1, 2021; vol. 2, 2023).