The Struggle for Virtue: Asceticism in a Modern Secular Society

This book definitely has very helpful spiritual challenges in it but I found it a "struggle" to read in some ways that lead to me offer a few words of caution to prospective readers.First, I might also note that, after my first read through, I would have only given it 3 stars but my appreciation for the book grew significantly from being part of an online discussion group. The discussion questions pushed me to take the book more slowly and really consider what the author meant when it wasn't clear on the surface. Therefore, expect the book to be some work.Secondly, it is important to realize that the book chapters are actually slightly edited lectures given by the author and they were not all translated by the same person. Thus, it reads differently than most books where an author composes with the intention of it being a book on a specific topic. The Introduction is excellent. Many of the other chapters have fine content too but, at times, it is not clear how it all ties together to be book about asceticism. (This became clearer toward the end, however, and with multiple readings of chapters.)Thirdly, the author's lectures were given just after World War II. There is nothing wrong with this but someone not familiar with the life and times of the author might be anticipating that a newly released book about "modern" society might be more contemporary. Many of his observations were still quite relevant.Fourthly, Vl. Averky has a tendency at times to make rather extreme and broad statements at times that I found distracting. It certainly may have been my personal weakness that caused me to react this way and I was able to garner more meaning with effort, but I warn others of this possible trap. For example, in his chapter on "The Christian Understanding of Freedom", he takes up such freedoms as freedom of the press and freedom of assembly and writes: "These "freedoms" turned out to be necessary only for those who needed free rein to sow evil among people unhindered..." Since I had to assume that he wasn't advocating for government control of the press or association, I had to work to understand what he DID mean.Lastly, though another reviewer thought he should have expounded more on the faults of the Roman Catholic Church, I thought his negative remarks in this regard detracted from the book. They did not accurately capture Roman Catholic teaching and therefore came across as swipes rather than a helpful addition to the discussion at hand.However, despite these concerns, I gained significantly from reading this book. If you read it and find yourself disliking it, despite a genuine interest in the topic, I would suggest spending more time with the book rather than less. You might also consider reading it with a spiritual friend or book club for additional benefit.

When it comes to books on Orthodox living, many seem to have a difficulty in laying out in plain terms what is means to live a spiritual life that is both meaningful and accessible to the layman.This is NOT the case with Struggle for Virtue.Archbishop Averky clearly defined his terms, then teaches how we as modern Orthodox Christians can apply the concepts he defined to our day-to-day life.For instance, the chapter about the passions first defines the vices clearly, then states how the passions form in 5 steps. He then defines each step with reference to the Church Fathers. Afterwards, he defines the virtues which counteract each of the vices. All of this is done by answering questions which I found myself asking as I read. When His Excellency states that the Christian must continually guard against temptation, the next paragraph usually begins with something like "How does the Christian guard against temptation? As St. So-and-so says..."Simply put this book is brilliant, down to earth, and worthy of a spot on all Christian bookshelves.

Reading this book revealed to me more so, what a blessing the Orthodox church and It's teachings are to me ,a sinful convert, striving for holiness !

What a dear and proven love is +AVERKY. These are the selected lectures of a great monk who was forced by revolutions and wars to live pretty much all over the globe, under bombings and at times moving out just ahead of advancing armies. And he here shares what was entrusted to him. How to keep trying, never dispairing, and holding believing the God of Love in a world where real wars, not just rumors of wars, might temp a person to change their mind. The struggle of spiritual warfare, ongoing, while the world battles open wars too.He servived many ordeals, remaining stable, moved to American, lead a monastery, taught at seminary and remained standing. Wow. . This book of selected lectures is lovely. He writes with great clarity on ascecis, freedom, virtue, and yes...its a how to kind of book. By someone who actually consistently was walking his talking. Very trustworthy infirmation. Easy style. May his memory be eternal.

Christ is Risen! This book by Archbishop Averky is an important read for Orthodox Christians. He warns us to not forget the struggle for virtue and explains very simply what the struggle is. He tells us that it is not complicated. We just have to slow down and focus past all the distractions in the world. He encourages priests to take this seriously with their flock. Lay folks need the content of this book to begin the struggle for virtue and continue it with their priests. We need to discuss this book with each other, understand it, and live it.

Although this is a collection of lectures and there is some overlap on content in the lectures, I found the overlap to be a good reminder. It aslo provided me with a better understanding of the struggle against sin we all have to do. This is a book I recommend to all who have converted to Orthodoxy. I will be reading this book many times.

Russian Piety is pretty pessimistic. This is a good Lenten reading, but dwells heavily on our fallen condition and offers little consolation or hope in the mercy of God. It is all about a foot race with the Devil and fallen spirits. On the other hand, it is a refreshing alternative to the self congratulations of so much contemporary religious writing.Personally, I consider the book lop sided in terms of Bishop Averky's focus on the fallen condition.Two men looked out of the prison barsOne saw mud, another saw stars.Having said that, I do think it is a good book overall, though might be heavy reading for a new convert. Could bring a neophyte into a state of despondency, just plowing through all of the self abnegation.

The first part of this book, where it discusses what asceticism is, is excellent. Very clear and straightforward.Through the middle of the book, it tends to go on about how bad the world is getting, and in particular communism. Nothing to disagree with, just goes on and on. I expect this is because this book is derived from lectures given by Archbishop Averky shortly after the second world war, and his first hand experience. The rest of the book is wonderful. Very practical and straightforward on how we should view the world, on how and why we practice asceticism and struggle for virtue.

A clear exposition of Orthodox ascetic beliefs which are applicable for anyone living in the world. It delivers the goods!!!!

Everybody should read this book.. soul saver..

Highly recommend the seller. Very satisfied with price, speedy delivery and book condition.

This is an excellent work on such a positive subject often construed in a wholly negative light.