The essence of any religion is contained in the spiritual life, which is its most sacred side. Entry into this life demands not only good intentions, but also knowledge of the laws of spiritual life. But to acquire this knowledge in an age of spiritual confusion requires clear guidance. The writings of the nineteenth century ascetic and theologian, St Ignatius … [Read more...] about The Basics of Spiritual Life, Based on the Writings of St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov) Part I
Articles
The Preaching of Columns
By Mary Lowell (Click on images to enlarge.) The artistic beauty of a building is not in the least a consequence of its perfect functionality. Principles of a purely artistic kind are decisive for the aesthetic value of a building. What beauty an arch can possess, or a tower in its form and color…! Dietrich von Hildebrand 1 It is common to hear people say, … [Read more...] about The Preaching of Columns
You are as Prone to Love as the Sun is to Shine
Thomas Traherne was a seventeenth century Anglican priest originally known as one of the less prominent “metaphysical poets,” although he was until recently overshadowed by figures such as John Donne and George Herbert. As a simple country priest, he led a quiet, obscure, and pious life, dying of smallpox in 1674 at less than 40 years of age. In the winter of … [Read more...] about You are as Prone to Love as the Sun is to Shine
The Night that Changed My Life
In this moving account, Archpriest Nikolai Agafono narrates how a foolish childhood escapade led his family into Orthodox Christianity, despite their dismissive view of religion that exemplified attitudes imposed by the Soviet state. As the details emerge, he skillfully reveals how God’s love can permeate even the most rigid ideological filters that modern secularism is able … [Read more...] about The Night that Changed My Life
The Abolition of Man
At a time when radical changes in human nature are being enthusiastically proposed and even demanded in many quarters, envisioning designs to reconfigure humanity in often aberrant ways that are unprecedented in any society, it is wise to listen to an earlier voice. This essay is an abridged edition of a lecture presented by C. S. Lewis on February 26, 1943 at the University of … [Read more...] about The Abolition of Man
