Drawing on the lives and teachings of desert dwellers like Antony the Great, Abba Arsenius, Evagrius, John Cassian, Melania the Elder, Amma Syncletica, and Abba Moses, Hall explores how the quiet, receptive environment of the desert became a place of spiritual awakening. He invites readers to ask: How can we cultivate that same quality of attentiveness in our noisy, crowded, and hurried world so that both sin and the path toward righteousness might be revealed?
Through contemplative questions, spiritual practices, and rich insight into the desert tradition, Hall helps readers identify the cracks in the embodied self where repentance and transformation can take root.
What you'll discover in Overcoming the Deadly Sins:
Whether you are experiencing a season of spiritual dryness, searching for tools to address persistent sin, or longing for spiritual healing and growth, this grace-filled guide will help you along your path.
Christopher A. Hall (PhD, Drew University) served as president of Renovaré from 2015–2022. Previously, he was director of academic spiritual formation and Distinguished Professor of Theology at Eastern University. He is the associate editor of The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, and his many authored books include Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers, Learning Theology with the Church Fathers, Worshiping with the Church Fathers, and Living Wisely with the Church Fathers. Chris and his wife, Debbie, reside in Philadelphia. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.