Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The Shattering of Loneliness is an extraordinary book: not too long but richly dense; profound in its insights and scholarship yet eminently readable; and though clearly written by a monk happy to be a monk, it has as much relevance to the ordinary Christian as to the Trappist monks in the author's care.” ―Catholic Herald
“Intimately personal but never self-indulgent, it is at once arresting and challenging, uplifting and reassuring, and profoundly moving … The richness of this remarkable book is impossible to convey adequately in so few words. No reader will remain unchanged.” ―Tablet
“Absorbing and fascinating ... It is a book to be read more than once.” ―Methodist Recorder
“Generates deep and unexpected insights [...] Like the memory of a meaningful conversation long after you've forgotten what was said. It is unforgettable.” ―Catholic World Report
“The Shattering of Loneliness is a book of extraordinary importance. It is, with prophetic clarity, aware of the depravity, the weakness and the glory of the human condition.” ―Times Literary Supplement
“A work that intelligently renews the vocabulary and the very genre of spiritual literature.” ―La Croix
“This is one of the finest books that I have read in recent years and one which should, in time, become a classic. It acknowledges and articulates the essential contribution of the Christian tradition as inspirer of remembrance for a generation that is beginning to forget.” ―The Furrow
“Varden's work is the fruit from a tree for the healing of the nations, from a monk who has his feet firmly and incarnationally on the ground.” ―Lutheran Theological Journal
“I've read thousands of books. This one has stunned me.” ―Mary Margaret Funk, spiritual writer and author of 'The Practice of the Spiritual Life'
“This wide-reading reviewer hasn't for ages read such a completely satisfying book […], written in poetic, resonant language.” ―Bonnie Thurston, New Testament scholar and author
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars A true masterpiece!
A fruit of meditative, prayerful reflection that is so spiritually deep and culturally broad, so scholarly informed and clearly communicated that one must read it carefully and attentively in order not only to savor it, but also to be nourished by it. In a word, this book reads like the “lectio divina” from which it was no doubt born — which is precisely how it deserves to be read, for its own sake as much as for that of the reader. It is the kind of work one would expect from a spiritual descendent of Bernard of Clairvaux, Aelred of Riveaux, and John of Ford. I shall be returning to it again and again for many years to come. I cannot recommend it more highly.
5.0 out of 5 stars Encounter rather than a book
Abbot Erik Varden, ocso has gathered into prose and poetry a master teaching about God, about our direct connect to creation and about satisfaction fulfilling desires. A book leaves the reader wondering if it's good, but an encounter leaves you more "into the whole of things". Seldom have I read a book that turned its own pages. Deep in the content I summoned effort to sort though the 175 pages. It wasn't that I did not grasp what this monk was saying it was that I had to increase my band width to stretch into his invitation. Do I read this again, or simply keep it closed and on my desk until I leap into a greater capacity to receive this teaching? I've read thousands of books. This one has stunned me.
5.0 out of 5 stars Life struggles made manageable
Well written much wisdom and speaks to the heart
4.0 out of 5 stars Scripture invites us to remember who we are, where we come from, where we are going.
According to the author the purpose of the book is modest. It chronicles an apprenticeship of remembrance. I have structured it around six biblical commandments to remember: commandments that, to me, have been beacons to navigate by. I have endeavored to write from experience. My book, therefore, will have many limitations. I offer it companionably, as an invitation to set out. Those who leave me behind to go further on their own will give me joy when I see their white sails in the distance. Ancient monks often prefaced their writings by saying: ’May what I have written be of use to you.’The experience of loneliness is as universal as hunger or thirst. Because it affects us more intimately, we are less inclined to speak of it. But who has not known its gnawing ache? The fear of loneliness causes anguish. It prompts reckless deeds. No voice is more insidious than the one that whispers in our ear: “You are irredeemably alone, no light will piece your darkness.” The fundamental statement of Christianity is to convict that voice of lying. The Christion condition unfolds within the certainty that ultimate reality, the source of all that is, is a personal reality of communion, no metaphysical abstraction. Directing us towards this communion, Scripture invites us to remember who we are, where we come from, where we are going. This book examines different facets of Christian remembrance, complementing biblical exegesis with readings from literature. It aims to be an essay in theology. At the same time, it proposes a grounded reflection on what it means to be a human being.In each chapter, a frieze of spiraling tendrils serves as a visual divider. It is a detail from the Vita Humana cycle uncovered at the abbey of the Fontane in the 1960s, during rebuilding. The cycle is a product of the late thirteenth or early fourteenth century, a delightful example of Christian humanism in the Cistercian patrimony.To be a monk is to inhabit a limitless universe. It is to be pulled towards a height and depth, length and breadth that touch infinity. When lived sincerely, monastic life is a habitat of transformation The Fathers describe how the monk’s heart is crushed, then opened, and, in the point containing the whole world, calling its plight to mind before God, recalling the world to God’s mercy. The monk’s heart, conformed to Christ’s is a tent of meeting. It tends upwards in a joy that is the more confident for having been tested. The joy that often eluded me as a young man is given me now. It is at once well-known and new. I see the darkness still. But it has lost its fascination. I know it has been pierced. ‘Even darkness is not dark to you”. Says Psalm 1:38.12) To speak of remembrance is to speak of identity. We remember what we have been, what has made us who we are. At the same time, we become what we remember. Our remembering is never confined to just experience, be it narrow or broad. We discover that memory is more than a stagnant pool of private recollection. To remember, really remember is to slip our moorings and set sail on the open sea. with all that entails of peril and exhilaration. Great minds have analyzed this process, from Plato through Augustine to Carl Gustav Jung and, in his own way, Proust.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful book for Lent or anytime of the year
Just a few days ago I was drawn to this book because I discovered, through the internet, the author. I was moved by his smile and the fact that he is so young. As a young monk and a young bishop, I knew that I came across something important for my life, even extraordinary - a treasure. Perhaps sometimes we have memories of our younger years of excitement and passion when our initial conversion took place.: the ecstatic joy of finding Jesus for the first time in a real and personal way - the encounter. The decision does not diminish because it is renewed each day in prayer, retreats, and the exciting work of the apostolate. But, the battles of life can tire the soul: crazy people, dysfunctional family situations, disappointing Church situations, our country and the world out of control because most people today organize their lives as if God does not exist. This book is not to be read, it is to be meditated upon. If you thirst for spiritual renewal and if you thirst to recapture the excitement of your first encounters with Jesus, I highly recommend this book. Many thanks to Bishop Varden for this great gift to the Church and for anyone that seeks God.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beatiful
This is a book about who we really are. We came to this World without with our mind in blank. So, we have to return to Paradise and remember Who we really are.
4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, but...
Intriguing examination of the human condition using the Gospels and literature. Sometimes a little too literary. The author likes poking into word origins. Doesn't quite all hang together as a comprehensive piece of argument, but worth a read.
Great book!
A beautiful book overall, the writer is able to soothe the soul!
Can’t wait to read this!
A friend suggest I should read this. This intro is incredible!
Outstanding insights.
Recommend to me by a learned priest.Could not stop reading and reflecting on the test. Brilliant.
A truly “shattering” read - but then re-assembles the pieces into a fuller, richer wholeness.
A truly daunting but then finally illuminating and wise read. Affirms that at the heart of the Christian mystery there is affirmation of all our humanity. And that religion is one of the royal routes to an awareness of our humanity, truth, and our ultimate loved destiny. Alone we are not.
A real gem!!
I'm not sure if a book this recent can be called a classic but that's what this book is!! A brilliant, readable book for people who have a faith and those seeking that missing something. I'd give this 6 stars if it were possible!
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The Shattering of Loneliness: On Christian Remembrance
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Visit the Bloomsbury Continuum Store
The Shattering of Loneliness: On Christian Remembrance
AED11626
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The Shattering of Loneliness is an extraordinary book: not too long but richly dense; profound in its insights and scholarship yet eminently readable; and though clearly written by a monk happy to be a monk, it has as much relevance to the ordinary Christian as to the Trappist monks in the author's care.” ―Catholic Herald
“Intimately personal but never self-indulgent, it is at once arresting and challenging, uplifting and reassuring, and profoundly moving … The richness of this remarkable book is impossible to convey adequately in so few words. No reader will remain unchanged.” ―Tablet
“Absorbing and fascinating ... It is a book to be read more than once.” ―Methodist Recorder
“Generates deep and unexpected insights [...] Like the memory of a meaningful conversation long after you've forgotten what was said. It is unforgettable.” ―Catholic World Report
“The Shattering of Loneliness is a book of extraordinary importance. It is, with prophetic clarity, aware of the depravity, the weakness and the glory of the human condition.” ―Times Literary Supplement
“A work that intelligently renews the vocabulary and the very genre of spiritual literature.” ―La Croix
“This is one of the finest books that I have read in recent years and one which should, in time, become a classic. It acknowledges and articulates the essential contribution of the Christian tradition as inspirer of remembrance for a generation that is beginning to forget.” ―The Furrow
“Varden's work is the fruit from a tree for the healing of the nations, from a monk who has his feet firmly and incarnationally on the ground.” ―Lutheran Theological Journal
“I've read thousands of books. This one has stunned me.” ―Mary Margaret Funk, spiritual writer and author of 'The Practice of the Spiritual Life'
“This wide-reading reviewer hasn't for ages read such a completely satisfying book […], written in poetic, resonant language.” ―Bonnie Thurston, New Testament scholar and author
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars A true masterpiece!
A fruit of meditative, prayerful reflection that is so spiritually deep and culturally broad, so scholarly informed and clearly communicated that one must read it carefully and attentively in order not only to savor it, but also to be nourished by it. In a word, this book reads like the “lectio divina” from which it was no doubt born — which is precisely how it deserves to be read, for its own sake as much as for that of the reader. It is the kind of work one would expect from a spiritual descendent of Bernard of Clairvaux, Aelred of Riveaux, and John of Ford. I shall be returning to it again and again for many years to come. I cannot recommend it more highly.
5.0 out of 5 stars Encounter rather than a book
Abbot Erik Varden, ocso has gathered into prose and poetry a master teaching about God, about our direct connect to creation and about satisfaction fulfilling desires. A book leaves the reader wondering if it's good, but an encounter leaves you more "into the whole of things". Seldom have I read a book that turned its own pages. Deep in the content I summoned effort to sort though the 175 pages. It wasn't that I did not grasp what this monk was saying it was that I had to increase my band width to stretch into his invitation. Do I read this again, or simply keep it closed and on my desk until I leap into a greater capacity to receive this teaching? I've read thousands of books. This one has stunned me.
5.0 out of 5 stars Life struggles made manageable
Well written much wisdom and speaks to the heart
4.0 out of 5 stars Scripture invites us to remember who we are, where we come from, where we are going.
According to the author the purpose of the book is modest. It chronicles an apprenticeship of remembrance. I have structured it around six biblical commandments to remember: commandments that, to me, have been beacons to navigate by. I have endeavored to write from experience. My book, therefore, will have many limitations. I offer it companionably, as an invitation to set out. Those who leave me behind to go further on their own will give me joy when I see their white sails in the distance. Ancient monks often prefaced their writings by saying: ’May what I have written be of use to you.’The experience of loneliness is as universal as hunger or thirst. Because it affects us more intimately, we are less inclined to speak of it. But who has not known its gnawing ache? The fear of loneliness causes anguish. It prompts reckless deeds. No voice is more insidious than the one that whispers in our ear: “You are irredeemably alone, no light will piece your darkness.” The fundamental statement of Christianity is to convict that voice of lying. The Christion condition unfolds within the certainty that ultimate reality, the source of all that is, is a personal reality of communion, no metaphysical abstraction. Directing us towards this communion, Scripture invites us to remember who we are, where we come from, where we are going. This book examines different facets of Christian remembrance, complementing biblical exegesis with readings from literature. It aims to be an essay in theology. At the same time, it proposes a grounded reflection on what it means to be a human being.In each chapter, a frieze of spiraling tendrils serves as a visual divider. It is a detail from the Vita Humana cycle uncovered at the abbey of the Fontane in the 1960s, during rebuilding. The cycle is a product of the late thirteenth or early fourteenth century, a delightful example of Christian humanism in the Cistercian patrimony.To be a monk is to inhabit a limitless universe. It is to be pulled towards a height and depth, length and breadth that touch infinity. When lived sincerely, monastic life is a habitat of transformation The Fathers describe how the monk’s heart is crushed, then opened, and, in the point containing the whole world, calling its plight to mind before God, recalling the world to God’s mercy. The monk’s heart, conformed to Christ’s is a tent of meeting. It tends upwards in a joy that is the more confident for having been tested. The joy that often eluded me as a young man is given me now. It is at once well-known and new. I see the darkness still. But it has lost its fascination. I know it has been pierced. ‘Even darkness is not dark to you”. Says Psalm 1:38.12) To speak of remembrance is to speak of identity. We remember what we have been, what has made us who we are. At the same time, we become what we remember. Our remembering is never confined to just experience, be it narrow or broad. We discover that memory is more than a stagnant pool of private recollection. To remember, really remember is to slip our moorings and set sail on the open sea. with all that entails of peril and exhilaration. Great minds have analyzed this process, from Plato through Augustine to Carl Gustav Jung and, in his own way, Proust.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful book for Lent or anytime of the year
Just a few days ago I was drawn to this book because I discovered, through the internet, the author. I was moved by his smile and the fact that he is so young. As a young monk and a young bishop, I knew that I came across something important for my life, even extraordinary - a treasure. Perhaps sometimes we have memories of our younger years of excitement and passion when our initial conversion took place.: the ecstatic joy of finding Jesus for the first time in a real and personal way - the encounter. The decision does not diminish because it is renewed each day in prayer, retreats, and the exciting work of the apostolate. But, the battles of life can tire the soul: crazy people, dysfunctional family situations, disappointing Church situations, our country and the world out of control because most people today organize their lives as if God does not exist. This book is not to be read, it is to be meditated upon. If you thirst for spiritual renewal and if you thirst to recapture the excitement of your first encounters with Jesus, I highly recommend this book. Many thanks to Bishop Varden for this great gift to the Church and for anyone that seeks God.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beatiful
This is a book about who we really are. We came to this World without with our mind in blank. So, we have to return to Paradise and remember Who we really are.
4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, but...
Intriguing examination of the human condition using the Gospels and literature. Sometimes a little too literary. The author likes poking into word origins. Doesn't quite all hang together as a comprehensive piece of argument, but worth a read.
Great book!
A beautiful book overall, the writer is able to soothe the soul!
Can’t wait to read this!
A friend suggest I should read this. This intro is incredible!
Outstanding insights.
Recommend to me by a learned priest.Could not stop reading and reflecting on the test. Brilliant.
A truly “shattering” read - but then re-assembles the pieces into a fuller, richer wholeness.
A truly daunting but then finally illuminating and wise read. Affirms that at the heart of the Christian mystery there is affirmation of all our humanity. And that religion is one of the royal routes to an awareness of our humanity, truth, and our ultimate loved destiny. Alone we are not.
A real gem!!
I'm not sure if a book this recent can be called a classic but that's what this book is!! A brilliant, readable book for people who have a faith and those seeking that missing something. I'd give this 6 stars if it were possible!
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Exegesis & Hermeneutics”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1472953282