{"product_id":"entering-the-twofold-mystery-on-christian-conversion-9781472979476","title":"Entering the Twofold Mystery: On Christian Conversion","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn this follow-up to his critically acclaimed book \u003ci\u003eThe Shattering of Loneliness, \u003c\/i\u003eErik Varden provides a glimpse of the value of a monastic life and a Christian calling in our troubled modern age.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"Be whole and so be happy.\"--St. Bernard, founder of the Cistercian order \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn the aftermath of a pandemic and the midst of political upheaval, Erik Varden has observed a growing interest in the monastic life - even among those who have no intention of entering a monastery. For in times of anguish and uncertainty, basic principles of monastic life have become particularly appealing. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eVarden, Trappist monk and now Bishop, invites us to observe and learn from monastic life in our turbulent times. After a very personal introduction, he follows the Church year and seasons, always inspired by scriptural reading. The values he highlights include: tranquility; seeking peace; obedience; personal integrity; not continually passing judgement on others; asceticism as opposed to self-indulgence; the importance of generous hospitality; balance; and a life ordered to contemplation. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe teachings within the monastery offer simple, valuable lessons for readers of all creeds struggling to keep faith in an uncertain world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErik Varden is a monk and bishop. Born in Norway, he was a Fellow of St John's College, Cambridge, before entering Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in Leicestershire, UK. He has published several translations and scholarly monographs and is much in demand as a preacher, spiritual director and lecturer. In 2019 Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Trondheim, Norway.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Bloomsbury Continuum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50561659830546,"sku":"9781472979476","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_30af4182-45d4-41d4-8ce3-8cbb91df06a6.jpg?v=1731850288","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/entering-the-twofold-mystery-on-christian-conversion-9781472979476","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}