Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)
Paul Pasquesi on Christian Asceticism in the Late-Antique Syriac World
Nov 23, 2022
Paul Pasquesi, an expert in early Christian asceticism in the Syriac-speaking world, explores the origins and practices of asceticism in the Late-Antique Syriac World. He discusses the distinct types of asceticism that emerged in the 4th century, the persecution and absorption of Christians in the Roman and Sasanian realms, and the extreme self-discipline and visions experienced by ascetics. The chapter also delves into reconstructing ancient experiences based on texts and the challenges of interpreting visionary imagery.
01:03:36
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Quick takeaways
- Early Christian asceticism in the late-Antique Syriac-speaking world involved extreme forms of practice in search of divine revelations.
- The McCarian homilies provide teachings and practices that center around the heart as the nexus of the spiritual experience for ascetics.
Deep dives
Various forms of Christian asceticism in early Christianity
The podcast episode explores various forms of ancient Christian asceticism. The speaker discusses how early Christian asceticism differed from monasticism and the diverse practices and traditions within this asceticism. Examples are given of solitary ascetics, wandering ascetics, and those living in communities known as the benign or sons and daughters of the covenant.
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