Conferences of John Cassian is a theological work written by Christian monk and theologian John Cassian, also known as John the Ascetic. The Conferences summarize important conversations that Cassian had with elders from the monastery at Scetis about principles of the spiritual and ascetic life. This book addresses specific problems of spiritual theology and the ascetic life.
First Set:
I. The goal and end of the monk
II. Discernment
III. The three renunciations
IV. Desires of the flesh
V. The eight principle vices
VI. The murder of saintly people
VII. Evil spirits and the soul’s changeability
VIII. The principalities
IX. Prayer (disposition, types)
X. Prayer (unceasing, method)
Second Set :
XI. Perfection
XII. Chastity
XIII. Grace and free will
XIV. Spiritual knowledge, biblical interpretation
XV. Charisms
XVI. Friendship
XVII. Oaths and promises
Third Set :
XVIII. Three types of monks
XIX. Cenobites and anchorites
XX. Penitence and reparation
XXI. Relaxing during Pentecost
XXII. Dreams and nocturnal emissions
XXIII. Sinlessness
XXIV. Mortification, renunciation
About the author
John Cassian (c. AD 360-c. 435) was a Christian monk and theologian celebrated in both the Western and Eastern churches for his mystical writings. Cassian is noted for his role in bringing the ideas and practices of early Christian monasticism to the medieval West.
