Good proof that the problem of distraction is nothing new.
How medieval monks faced distraction.
Tackling the timeless theme of distraction, Kreiner, a professor of history at the University of Georgia, explores what the behavioral habits of medieval Christian monks can teach the modern world. Noting that the distractions we face today—whether it’s technology, work, or some other factor—may be greater than in the past, the author points out that to early monastics (male and female alike), distraction was seen as a constant spiritual challenge. From the British Isles to Persia, monks waged a daily war against those things which might distract them from their relationship with God. “Christian monks saw distraction as part of a cosmic drama, whose hum was especially audible in the quiet of their cells,” writes Kreiner. Having decided to live a life focused on God and as devoid of earthly connections as possible, monks understood that even the smallest of temptations, thoughts, memories, or sensory experiences could prove hugely problematic. Kreiner examines these distractions—and how monks faced them—using ever smaller spheres of existence: the world, the community, the body, books, memory, and mind. Throughout, she reminds readers that most monks were aware that the fight against distraction could be nearly impossible to win. “Their goal,” writes the author, “was an elusive synthesis of body and mind that could elevate them above the world’s distractions.” That synthesis was elusive, indeed, as distractions were unending and unyielding, but monks were able to develop coping mechanisms. Some methods were simple and commonly known (limits on conversation or personal ownership of objects). Others were more subtle, such as flooding former memories with new and holier memories or reading in a deliberately active style, keeping the individual aware and focused. Kreiner uses a wide array of primary sources spanning the entirety of medieval Christendom, creating a pleasantly readable result.
Good proof that the problem of distraction is nothing new.Pub Date: Jan. 3, 2023
ISBN: 9781631498053
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Liveright/Norton
Review Posted Online: Nov. 7, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2022
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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