As we are hopefully coming through the COVID-19 pandemic, and are trying to work through the emerging civil unrest in the world; I felt that it was the right time to revisit the Desert Tradition.
What the Desert Tradition offered Christianity was a way of following Christ that both stood as an outlier to society, but also served as an anchor to civilization. It may seem ironic that people seeking refuge and solitude in rigorous religious practice apart from society should become a mooring for that same society. However, what is easily missed is that the world, as it became "Christianized" was evolving into an age which was perhaps far more dangerous for Christian faith than in all of the ages of persecution which preceded. This is because Christianity was losing its sense of self. The ability to adhere to a "right kind" of faith was far more important than cultivating a depth of faith. Faith became a function of culture rather than a matter of the heart and soul.
We continue to find ourselves in this kind of situation. Cheap grace is easy to come by, and faith has become inextricably construed with nationalism and an irresponsible kind of biblio-idolatry.
But the Desert offers a different way. Torn away from all of the props and red herrings that would distract us from our souls, and the One who loves our souls--the Desert calls us to divine union; a deep communion with God and one's self. And this tradition was so formative that it moved far beyond Egypt, and became a mainstay for Christian practice as far away as Ireland, Scotland and England.
So, this Lenten season, I am inviting people to join in a virtual journey into the Desert tradition. While I know that eh Desert can be a dangerous place of snakes and scorpions--it can also be a place where we find Christ, and where Christ finds us.
