Shenoute of Atripe, ranked second only to Pachomius for his contribution to the development of egyptian monasticism, is all but unknown outside the Coptic tradition. This first english translation of his Life, by his disciple and successor, casts new light on the austere monasticism of the fifth century.
1 review
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Read the Life, DONT READ THE INTRO
Both the forward and the introduction to this book are horribly nauseating and incredibly prejudiced. The translator and forward writer are horribly inconsiderate to the achievement of a life Abba Shenouda is. They incredibly lack respect for a huge pillar and influencer and defender of the faith. And while I am happy and edified reading the Vita, the intro and forward are unbearably unjust and insensitive, lacking any proper understanding of the culture Abba Shenouda lived in and improperly judging him, placing him under a very horrible light. If we can just have the Vita without the intro and forward, I'm sure more people would be able to properly understand St Abba Shenouda for who he truly is, a staunch defender of the faith, a responsible leader, and a shining beacon of austere asceticism. And one more thing. Please stop putting your nose and judging Coptic saints without proper context or understanding of the Coptic church. Such "academic" reviews are the least Christian thing about books from our own fathers. It is a complete slander to go around and talk about important saints in a bad light for the sake of "academics"
