Much of Ascetical Theology has been derived from The Philokalia which is a four-volume compilation of texts written by the desert fathers from the fourth to the eighteenth century. These desert ascetics began emerging very early on as followers of the way of St. Anthony.
The Desert Fathers
According to In the Heart of the Desert, by John Chryssavgis, there were three kinds of ascetical desert fathers in the early centuries of the church.
The first were called to the hermit life and lived in the desert alone. The second lived what is referred to as cenobitic or communal lives in the tradition of Pachomius. And the third lived a middle way, the semi-eremitic way, started by Ammoun. These lived in small groups of two to six monastics.
The Philokalia
Popular and well-known in the Orthodox Traditions among the Catholic faith, the Philokalia contains some of the most profound teachings of morality and the deep contemplative life.
St. Diadochos of Photiki gives this instruction on instruction received through dreams: “The dreams which appear to the soul through God’s love are unerring criteria of its health. Such dreams do not change from one shape to another . . . but with great gentleness they approach the soul and fill it with spiritual gladness.” He goes on to explain that demonic dreams contain the opposite and fill the soul with unrest.
But much of what the Ascetical Writings concern are expressed in these words of St. Diadochos: “You should not doubt the intellect, when it begins to be strongly energized by the divine light, becomes so completely translucent that it sees its own light vividly. This takes place when the power of the soul gains control over the passions.”
Much of the writings of the Philokalia and other Ascetical works contain powerful instruction on the recognition and living out of the moral life within each of us.
Modern Day Ascetical Writings
Although the first writings of the Ascetical Fathers were written thus, because the practice of the secluded life has been followed by others for many years since, a modern day tradition has emerged.
Among the most famous of the modern day ascetical writings include St. Francis de Sales, author of the esteemed Introduction to the Devout Life and St. Alphonsus Liguori who wrote an entire series of books on Ascetical Theological subjects. Some of them contain profound instruction for the lives of priests and nuns.
The Formal Definition of Ascetical Theology
Ascetical Theology is defined as the science of virtue and perfection and the specific means by which they are achieved. But the many writings of Ascetical Theology show us that the facets and dimensions of this science are varied and vast.
The difference between Mystical and Ascetical Theology lies therein within the fact that Mystical Theology focuses more primarily on the states of prayer and union with God. Because these two paths are so intricately connected, many writers have chosen to combine their works on Ascetical and Mystical Theology bringing these practical sciences together.
Those who study Ascetical Theology, generally also study Mystical Theology, Moral Theology and Dogmatic Theology in order to have a wider understanding of these related theologies in the Church.
Sources:
- A Catholic Dictionary, by William E. Addis and Thomas Arnold, M.A.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology . by Rev. Adolphe Tanquerray.
- The Philokalia: The Complete Text, compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St. Makarios of Corinth.
- In the Heart of the Desert: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers , by John Chryssavgis,
