On Living Simply

More than 90 excerpts from the sermons of Saint John Chrysostom bring fourth-century wisdom to 20th-century issues. In plain language, John Chrysostom delivers a message as applicable today as it was when he led the Church of Constantinople. These masterpieces of spiritual counsel serve as both a brief introduction to a major spiritual thinker & as a meditation book for daily use. A spell-binding preacher whose rhetorical power remains unequaled, John appealed for a simple life of Gospel authenticity. He chastised the rich for failing to share their wealth with the poor, & he described generosity not as gift giving, but as a required repayment of a debt. He viewed the primary goal of marriage as companionship on the journey to heaven, a commitment he saw as bringing joy & blessings to the married couple & to others as well. These & other insights make John Chrysostom a continuing rich source of spiritual inspiration.