St John Chrysostom: Six Books on the Priesthood

I am writing a pastoral theology for chaplains in a medical center environment and this book provides reflection on how over clergy addressed spiritual problems. The advice is timeless and I have been amazed at how people have remained the same even in modern time. This work is figuring significantly into my work.

words that will only continue to enrich and envelope all those who are seeking such a glorious truth in our world

Excellent "prequel" to any Seminarian studies! As we look back to our origins, we can see the progress of the church in modern society, and understand what it means to be in the position that Clergy are expected to represent.

Classic- unique conversation on the priesthood and ministry.

Arrived on time and as expected.

Excellent

Great book great service!

As a pastor who has been exposed to models of ministry based upon modern psychology and business management, St. Chrysostom's treatise is refreshing. Being famed as a preacher, I especially appreciated the "Golden-Mouth's" chapters on preaching and teaching. At one point, he compares the priest's work to the doctor. Whereas the doctor has a variety of medicines and treatments available,"there is only one means and only one method of treatment available [to the priest], and that is teaching by word of mouth. That is the best instrument, the best diet, and the best climate. It takes the place of medicine and cautery and surgery. When we need to cauterize or cut, we must use this. Without it all else is useless." (pg 115)That being said, the modern reader will probably not be happy with the entire work. The whole treatise is a dialogue between Chrysostom and Basil, a friend whom he has deceived into the priesthood while avoiding it himself. (Clearly, Chrysostom can't avoid the calling forever. He later becomes the Archbishop of Constantinople.) Nonetheless, the deception casts a shadow over the whole book, making the reader less than sympathetic toward Chrysostom. Still, the author forces the modern pastor to wrestle with the possibility that deception can be a useful tool of the ministry. I personally have my doubts.Graham Neville's translation is extremely readable, especially compared to older English translations. Moreover, his introduction is very helpful not only as a introduction to the book but also to ministry in the early church. He surveys pastoral works by Gregory of Nazianzus and Pope Gregory the Great as well as Chrysostom. The modern pastor must never forget that he or she is surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" whose advice is as timely as when it was written.

BOY what a responsibility!