Best Christian Monasticism & Asceticism Books of 2025

The Seven Storey Mountain is a powerful spiritual autobiography that tells the story of a young man's journey to find faith and peace. Thomas Merton's search leads him to take vows as a Trappist monk, where he struggles to withdraw from the world. However, he only finds true freedom after fully immersing himself in it. This book has been translated into more than twenty languages and has touched millions of lives, making it one of the most influential religious works of our time. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone searching for spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence is a classic Christian inspirational book that teaches the art of practicing the presence of God in one's daily life. The author, a humble cook, learned to cultivate the presence of God in his heart through daily chores and prayer. He joyfully proclaimed that he was doing what he would do for all eternity by blessing, praising, adoring, and loving God with all his heart. This book is a timeless reminder that one can experience God's loving presence in every moment of life.

The Complete Apocrypha is a modern translation of the complete deuterocanonical books, also known as "The Apocrypha." This volume contains the books of the Catholic, Orthodox, and Ethiopic Bibles. The texts were carefully reformatted and reproduced to provide the reader with a comprehensive collection of the most critical lost, rejected, and forgotten books of the Bible. This edition features a matte finish with thick, high-quality, white-colored pages. Overall, this book provides valuable insight into what many ancient Jews and early Christians believed, making it a must-have for anyone interested in Old Testament Bible Study Books.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being a parent, "Domestic Monastery" by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser offers a mystical yet down-to-earth look at the spirituality of parenting. In this book, Rolheiser explores how monastery life can apply to those who don't live in a cloister, offering ten powerful chapters that draw parallels between the life of a parent and that of a monastic. The author emphasizes that there is nothing "lesser-than" about being a parent, as opposed to being a priest or religious. "Domestic Monastery" is a comforting and engaging read that puts the demands of parenting into perspective.

This book, Talking Back: A Monastic Handbook for Combating Demons by Evagrius of Pontus, presents a comprehensive guide for the monks of ancient monasticism to resist tempting thoughts and focus on contemplation of God. It contains over 500 thoughts and circumstances that a demon-fighting monk might encounter, along with the relevant biblical passages to combat them. The book is an essential read for those who want to gain a better understanding of early monastic spirituality and the temptations faced by the first desert monks. Overall, the book is insightful and practical, providing a unique perspective on the struggles of early Christian monks.

Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul―A Christian Guide to Fasting is a book that blends science and religion to teach readers how to use intermittent fasting as a means of spiritual awakening. The author argues that Christians should embrace the fasting lifestyle, not only to improve their bodies but also to bolster their spiritual health. The book provides a 40-day plan that combines nutritional ketosis with spiritual disciplines, which can be adapted to any time of the year or a penitential season on the Christian calendar. Overall, this book is a unique and informative guide for those looking to improve their physical and spiritual well-being.

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius is a guidebook for those seeking to rekindle their faith and deepen their relationship with God. St. Ignatius provides readers with a step-by-step approach to self-examination and spiritual meditation, leading them on the path to holiness and freedom from sin. While originally intended for a four-week guided retreat, this edition offers explanations suitable for independent use. This TAN edition features updated typesetting, a new cover, and the same trusted content. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for those seeking to strengthen their faith and deepen their spiritual journey.

The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection (Volume 59) provides a complete English translation of the Apophthegmata Patrum, a compilation of sayings from the desert monks of Egypt, Syria, and Palestine from the fourth to sixth century. These sayings were collected and passed around among those seeking counsel and consolation. The book offers insights into the lives of ascetics who left everything to follow God. The editor's introduction provides historical context, and the book is widely read and enjoyed for its own sake. This Christian Church History book is a must-read for those who seek a deeper understanding of the faith.

A fascinating exploration of the earliest Christian narrated journeys to heaven and hell, "Journeys to Heaven and Hell: Tours of the Afterlife in the Early Christian Tradition" contextualizes these narratives within the intellectual and cultural worlds from which they emerged. Bart Ehrman draws on a variety of sources to demonstrate how these tours of the afterlife promoted reflection on matters of ethics, faith, ambition, and life's meaning, which have been codified into Christian belief today. With his deep knowledge and engaging writing style, Ehrman offers an illuminating origin story for contemporary Christian conceptions of the afterlife.

The Ladder of Divine Ascent is a significant Christian Orthodoxy book that provides a guide for avoiding vice and practicing virtue to achieve salvation. Initially written for monastics, it has become a fundamental work for the Church in guiding the faithful towards a God-centered life. Saint John Climacus's treatise is one of the most influential and essential works, second only to Holy Scripture. The book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their faith and live a virtuous life.