On The Human Condition: St Basil the Great (ST. VLADIMIR'S SEMINARY PRESS "POPULAR PATRISTICS" SERIES)

The assorted writings in this volume are a wonderful addition to every armchair theologian's library, especially as St. Basil "the Great" was one of the greatest Church Fathers of the late 4th century. On the Human Condition is concerned essentially with theological anthropology and includes:On the Origin of Humanity- Discourse 1: On that which is according to the Image- Discourse 2: On the human beingHomily Explaining that God is Not the Cause of EvilHomily Against AngerHomily on the Words "Be Attentive to Yourself"Letter 233, to Bishop Amphilochius, Who Has Asked a QuestionLong Rules (Selections)These provide a wonderful introduction to the main contours of the understanding of humanity that was present in the Greek Fathers, and which would become normative for later Eastern Orthodox theology. The image of humanity that emerges is one of incredible dignity and tragic brokenness. "Neither does each know himself as he is", writes St. Basil. St. Basil paints a picture of humanity corrupted by sin, but rather than such corruption turning humanity into autonomous, rebellious agents, sin renders humanity confused and driven by that which it does not understand. "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."Although we are made in the image and likeness of God, the likeness is lost and image of God within is defaced. Thus Christ shows us what true humanity is, and the Holy Spirit perfects this within us. "Christianity is that which gives likeness unto God." The doctrine of deification - becoming by grace what God is by nature - is important here, because in the light of Christ we understand what we were made for, and not just what we have fallen from.What many readers may find most refreshing here is that, even though St. Basil's homilies and writings are set within a deep and thoughtful theological worldview, this does not rob them of a practical orientation. The Long Rules, of which selections are presented here, are oriented towards teaching about Christian life in community; the Homily Against Anger is similar in that it deals with "real world" experience. We cannot hope to change if we do not know about ourselves, and we cannot know ourselves without knowing Christ, "the new Adam". St. Basil's homilies and writings here point the way towards greater integration within - new humanity - through spiritual pursuit: communion with Christ.

St Basil need to be read more! This is a great introduction. Its apart of a fantastic series, and he's got some great bits in here. There is a sermon on evil that is particularly insightful. Some slights on the book: the cover of the book has warped a bit, which is a little annoying. And its a little less (barely) material than I would of liked. But this is still worth it, and the formation and aesthetics of the cover are really nice.

This Father of the Church tackles questions of Human Identity with a set of simple yet profound homilies. His main topic covers how a human is the image of God and what that means for us, but he also delves into the problem of evil, the need for community, and other human issues with a rare wisdom. Some of his scientific musings are out of date, but in most cases it does not matter. Whatever the scientific understanding, he brings to light the fact that a man is fearfully and wonderfully made.This is a fitting capstone to his well-known homily on the Creation. Well translated, and in my opinion, easier to read than most Church Fathers.

As one of the great Church fathers this is a must read. It’s too bad so many have no knowledge of the early fathers or consider them “corrupted” for ridiculous western reasons. I highly recommend this. Not too lofty but it too elementary, but just right.

What a wonderful collection of one the great patriarchs of the church. Reading these homilies is a true blessing for Orthodox Christians and a real treat for any inquirer- St Basil not only has an incredible insight into the wisdom of scripture but presents it in the form of a classically trained rhetorician.As a side note, my used copy came with 30+ post-it notes throughout and it gladdens my heart to know the previous owner truly dug into this book.

A great book, I particularly liked the homilies on the Genesis, as he specifically points out verses and explains them in great detail. I also extremely enjoyed the chapter on why God is not the cause of evil.The chapters of On being Attentive to Oneself and the chapter against anger were at times hard to understand, but after reading it over twice it all made sense.The Long Rules were also persuasive to me, helping me become more accepting of cenobitic monasticism.I daresay it is one of my favorite books!

Loved this book. It is a must read.

Good quality.

A complete look at what and who we are as human beings made in the image and likeness of God. Clearly analyses the difference between our outward - the body, and the inner being from where our inner strength comes. Important reading for all who want to grow beyond being controlled by ‘the world’, the flesh and the devil.

In this short but beautiful study we are exposed to some of the beautiful writing of St. Basil, who is not read nearly often enough. This is such an interesting work as it shows St. Basil as both a shepherd of souls but also as theologian. The table of contents is as follows,On the Origin of Humanity- Discourse 1: On that which is according to the Image- Discourse 2: On the human beingHomily Explaining that God is Not the Cause of EvilHomily Against AngerHomily on the Words "Be Attentive to Yourself"Letter 233, to Bishop Amphilochius, Who Has Asked a QuestionLong Rules (Selections)In topics ranging from anthropology to theodicy, a lot of ground is covered in this short volume. One thing that may be surprising to readers is the beautiful selections from St. Basil's rules. Here he establishes the foundation of the monastic life which the communities under his supervision were to operate on. The rules, far from being a mechanical list of 'do's' and 'dont's' are rather an interviewing of theology and 'practice'. St. Basil does not believe in a theology separate from ascetical striving and in his rules he gives a theological impetus to all that he asks the faithful ascetic (lay and monastic) to pursue.