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9781433113628

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It is with great pleasure that I read this very erudite and yet beautifully written book. This journey into the modern world of cognitive psychology, accompanied all along by the writings of the church fathers, introduces us to two universes that crisscross and yet do not dissolve into each other. Father Alexis did not embark on this journey for purely theoretical reasons, although he distills theories very nimbly. He is a Christian theologian who wants to use both the resources of his tradition and those of cognitive psychology to make more effective the task of caring for those who suffer. His considerable learning, not least in his detailed exposition of Aaron Beck's thought, remains in the service of his calling. (Annette Aronowicz, Department Chair, The Robert F. and Patricia G. Ross Weis Professor of Judaic Studies, and Professor of Religious Studies, Franklin and Marshall College) Father Alexis has innovatively woven together an account of cognitive psychotherapy and of the Christian struggle to realize an authentic spiritual life. This extraordinary volume, which draws on contemporary cognitive psychology and the Christian patristic tradition, is destined to become a popular manual for mental health and the spiritual life. It is easily accessible while maintaining depth of insight. One does not need to be a Christian, much less a believer, to appreciate the power of this book. (David Solomon, W. P. and H. B. White Director of the Center for Ethics and Culture, Notre Dame University) This remarkable volume - which has been characterized as a `Gray's Anatomy' of the human soul, a twenty-first century successor to William James' `Varieties of Religious Experience' and his `Principles of Psychology', and a bilingual dictionary translating between psychology and spirituality, - will not only appeal to a wide range of audiences, but each one will surely find a wealth of ideas and insights far exceeding what could have been expected. Therapists will find the most impressive retrieval of the spiritual depth beneath their science since the work of Carl Jung. Pastoral counselors will discover the truth of what they have long espoused - that scientific and spiritual knowledge cannot really conflict in a world created by a single deity-along with practical guidance that will set a new standard in their field. Students of human nature will find a stunning juxtaposition of ancient wisdom and the findings of modern research. Intellectual historians will discover here an author equally at home in the world of ancient spiritual wisdom and modern science, who is at the same time able to make brilliant connections between these cultural domains. And individuals seeking wisdom about what Plato called that greatest question of how one is to live will find insights and challenges that have the potential to be life-transforming. (Dr. Bruce Foltz, Professor of Philosophy, Eckerd College) A splendid, highly recommended book that is not to be missed. (Archbishop Chrysostomos, Center for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies)

It is with great pleasure that I read this very erudite and yet beautifully written book. This journey into the modern world of cognitive psychology, accompanied all along by the writings of the church fathers, introduces us to two universes that crisscross and yet do not dissolve into each other. Father Alexis did not embark on this journey for purely theoretical reasons, although he distills theories very nimbly. He is a Christian theologian who wants to use both the resources of his tradition and those of cognitive psychology to make more effective the task of caring for those who suffer. His considerable learning, not least in his detailed exposition of Aaron Beck's thought, remains in the service of his calling. (Annette Aronowicz, Department Chair, The Robert F. and Patricia G. Ross Weis Professor of Judaic Studies, and Professor of Religious Studies, Franklin and Marshall College) Father Alexis has innovatively woven together an account of cognitive psychotherapy and of the Christian struggle to realize an authentic spiritual life. This extraordinary volume, which draws on contemporary cognitive psychology and the Christian patristic tradition, is destined to become a popular manual for mental health and the spiritual life. It is easily accessible while maintaining depth of insight. One does not need to be a Christian, much less a believer, to appreciate the power of this book. (David Solomon, W. P. and H. B. White Director of the Center for Ethics and Culture, Notre Dame University) This remarkable volume - which has been characterized as a 'Gray's Anatomy' of the human soul, a twenty-first century successor to William James' 'Varieties of Religious Experience' and his 'Principles of Psychology', and a bilingual dictionary translating between psychology and spirituality, - will not only appeal to a wide range of audiences, but each one will surely find a wealth of ideas and insights far exceeding what could have been expected. Therapists will find the most impressive retrieval of the spiritual depth beneath their science since the work of Carl Jung. Pastoral counselors will discover the truth of what they have long espoused - that scientific and spiritual knowledge cannot really conflict in a world created by a single deity-along with practical guidance that will set a new standard in their field. Students of human nature will find a stunning juxtaposition of ancient wisdom and the findings of modern research. Intellectual historians will discover here an author equally at home in the world of ancient spiritual wisdom and modern science, who is at the same time able to make brilliant connections between these cultural domains. And individuals seeking wisdom about what Plato called that greatest question of how one is to live will find insights and challenges that have the potential to be life-transforming. (Dr. Bruce Foltz, Professor of Philosophy, Eckerd College) A splendid, highly recommended book that is not to be missed. (Archbishop Chrysostomos, Center for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies)

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Father Alexis Trader is an Orthodox Christian father confessor who has had the opportunity not only to investigate ascetic literature for a period of over twenty years, but also to observe and test how those teachings can be put into practice today by those living in monasteries as well as by individuals struggling in contemporary society. His considerable monastic experience in the ancient monastic republic of Mount Athos and elsewhere has furnished him with a psychologically and existentially relevant hermeneutical context for a fresh approach to patristic texts. Father Alexis received his PhD summa cum laude in theology from the University of Thessalonica in Greece and his MA in divinity from the University of Chicago. He is the author of books in Greek and English as well as a translator of a number of Greek theological and pastoral works.

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