The Illumined Heart

Frederica Mathewes-Green

Why are modern Christians so indistinguishable from everyone else? Why don't they stand out in virtue and joy? How could the early saints pray constantly, fast valiantly, and love their enemies?

Today's Christianity has come untethered from its historic roots, says Frederica Mathewes-Green, yet we can recover its power by reviving this ancient, transcultural faith. Drawing on Christian writings throughout the early centuries, Mathewes-Green explores prayer, fasting, and alms-giving as aids to "theosis" - total transformation in Christ.