Desert Fathers

Chosen by Andrew Arndt, author of “Streams in the Wasteland: Finding Spiritual Renewal with the Desert Fathers and Mothers.”

How a book about one man's radical quest for God helped to redefine Christian discipleship and launch the monastic movement.

Why thousands of early Christians took up the monastic way.

A Christian History Timeline

Athanasius's biography was not only a bestseller in its day, but a book that made people stop and think—and act.

Monasticism was more or less a solitary affair until these four came along and taught monks how to live in community.

The "Father of Western Monasticism" spent his life teaching spiritual beginners about kindness, community, and prayer.

What early Christian ascetics teach us about the strange hope of Lent.