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Christian History Magazine—Issue 64: Anthony & the Desert Fathers: Extreme Faith is unavailable, but you can change that!

Rarely known for its monastic elements, the Nicene Age boasts the emergence of the prototypical Christian ascetic: St. Antony. Committed to Scripture and discipline, Antony established obedience and simplicity as primary Christian virtues. But was that enough? Could solitude stand on its own, or did it serve a greater purpose? Antony, and the “desert fathers” who would follow his brave example,...

If a man is earnest in fasting and hunger, the enemies which trouble his soul will grow weak.” On purity of heart Abba Poemen said, “Teach your heart to keep what your tongue teaches others.” On judging A brother asked Abba Poemen, “I am troubled in spirit, and want to leave this place.” And the old man said, “Why?” And he said, “I have heard unedifying stories about one of the brothers.” And the old man said, “Are the stories true?” And he said, “Yes, Father. The brother who told me is a man of