The Roots of Christian Mysticism is, in my opinion, the best and most balanced introduction to the patristic Fathers out there and is a wonderful precursor to reading the Fathers individually. Clement is masterful, and looks at the poetic, the organic, rather than the analytical and dissectional aspects of Patristic theology and the basis of the Christian faith.

Written by a former agnostic, now Orthodox of the EP-Russian Emigre church in Paris and teacher at St. Sergius, and was involved with "L'Institute Catholique".
FDD

(I also love Clement because he is a fellow devoted fan of St. Pavel Florensky).

Dear Father Deacon Diak,

Thank you for bringing this book to our attention. I did modify the topic title to include the book mentioned.

In Christ,

Michael

FDD,

I could not agree more, althoug I have NEVER understood the altogether strange cover...

It seems to hide the profound beauty of the text!

I'd be willing to do a chapter by capter review if there was interest...

Gordo

I just wanted to read a couple chapters that I thought would be interesting, but I wound up reading the whole book because it was so good. It's the sort of book that should be read a few pages at a time -- there's a lot to absorb.

That's odd. I always liked the cover.

But if you'd like to go through the book I am willing to participate as long as it is not a rushed venture.

Eli