A terrific book on the REVELATION of Saint John, It puts false teachings of today in perspective. Expecially the miss-interpreted time of the RAPTURE and the millenium rule of Christ on earth.
A great soul pleaser to know what awaits us at the ends of our times, and a wonderful heart soother of the knowledge of the Eternal life here after with Christ.
A MUST for all Christians that are pre-trib or millenianist, expecially the ones that believe and are awaiting the pre-trib RAPTURE!

Far Superior to pop-dispensationalism. Please read Ft. Rose & the Archbishop's work, along with "A Second Look at the Second Coming" & "More than Conquerors". These 3 "Eschatological" (the theological study of the end times) works will surely straighten you out! I just wish Dr. Jack and the authors of "Late Great Left Behind" fame would do the same.....

This book is unapproachable -
The language is awkward and unclear & grasping the text only comes from severe concentration; I don't presuppose that a book on spirtual transformation be easy - it shouldn't - but there is a difference between the meaning being difficult to understand and the text being an eye sore to comprehend; the book is the later. I blame neither Fr. Rose nor St. Theophan but rather the marriage of the two; the Russian Orthodox tend to be wordy and repetitive while Fr. Rose has never been a natural writer of fluidity or sound execution.

St. Theophan translated Philokalia and other works to Russian and had a vast correspondence during his 23 years as a recluse. Tha Path to Salvation is his main work in which he goes through the Christian life from cradle to grave; from birth to salvation.
The practical instructions in the book are many: starting from the beginning of the Christian life, on turning towards God and the union with Him. 'Staying within', prayer, the meaning of the 'mysteries and sacraments' are all gone through thoroughly and spelled out as the unceasing work in remembering God. The death of the tyrant, the enemy, satan, what we normally call self, is one step on the way.
Besides the instructions to the Christian life The Path to Salvation will give many clues to better understanding of the Patristic writings of Philokalia as well as to what is meant with concepts like the struggle, labour and work of the Christian life.

Christians in the West, immune to Kierkegaard's critcisms and unable to see past so much of what passes as popular-consmmer Christianity (WWJD?), all too often search in vain for more meaningful spiritual reading. Bonhoeffer is an obvious example of someone who has been able to fill that need, but for my taste the Eastern Church, which most Westen Christians (Protestant, Evangelical, and Catholic) know almost nothing about, usually is able to rise to the occasion. This book is a perfect example of what I am talking about. Put down all your Lucado and Yancy, and try on for size a modern man who has "put away all things for the sake of Christ." The Recluse's prayerful insights and psychological depth will amaze you, and his devotion will take your breath away. This is the culture that gave us Tolstoy's The Kingdom of God is Within You (a Russian Fear and Trembling or Concluding Unscientific Postscript), and St. Theophan carries on and grows within that tradition of radical obedience to the lure of God in service, prayer, and silence. I cannot give this small book more praise.

Fr. Seraphim Rose's disclaimer regarding true, versus demon-inspired after-death experiences is sound and worth reading. This portion of the book, however, is followed by an exposition of the ancient theory of aerial toll houses where demons attempt to prevent the departed soul from attaining heaven. This is a distressing addition which is not mainstream Orthodox teaching; it has caused much controversy. See "The Toll House Myth; the Neo-Gnosticism of Fr.Seraphim Rose" by Rev.Dr.Michael Azkoul- Synaxis Press, ISBN 919-672,40-X

Fr. Seraphim's book on the Orthodox understanding of our life after death is an excellent antidote to New Age deceptions about what happens to the soul. While he primarily relies on the writings of St. Ignaty Brianchaninov as transmitter of Patristic teachings, Fr. Seraphim is careful to remind his reader that the Church Fathers, when speaking of mystical, spiritual phenomena, speak in terms that do not reflect necessarily reflect what they are understood to depict in the this-wordly language used to describe them; rather, the language used is meant to provide some sort of description of what one can expect to experience. In the case of toll-houses, one should not imagine a literal set of station houses like those on our Interstate highway system. What this language is meant to impart is the very real reality that in some sense we will be held accountable for the sins we have committed and some sort of 'toll' in this regard will be asked of the departed soul. How this is resolved in the case of each person is up to God's Mercy and the life one lives. Thus, his discussion of the toll-houses -- something mentioned in Orthodox prayers and the Church's cycle of services -- is meant to describe some kind of reality wherein the soul is held accountable to demons for the extent to which it has lived its life in communion with them rather than the Law of God. Fr. Seraphim's critics have confused this aspect of both his writing on the subject and what the Church Fathers have taught. Of course, as Fr. Seraphim points out, the teaching of the toll-houses is not a dogma of the Church in the same way the Church's teaching regarding the Trinity, Original Sin, etc., is dogma; however, that it comprises what the Church has believed, taught, and experienced through the lives of its Saints is there for anyone who would like to consult original sources. In this regard, Metropolitan Hierotheos' excellent book, 'Life After Death' serves as a helpful companion volume since it covers the same ground and provides what some might consider clearer explanations of the Orthodox teaching on toll-houses and how to understand them according to Orthodox tradition -- all in line with what Fr. Seraphim says -- in addition to important theological considerations about the nature of the soul and sin and the Divine Energies. Fr. Seraphim also explores the many deceptive teachings prevalent in the culture at large that attempt to lure one into a complacent attitude towards death. 'The Soul After Death' reminds us that through a life lived in sin we judge ourselves by drawing away from God. The consequence is that we follow the suggestions and temptations of the fallen spirits and are lead ever more into a life lived in communion with them rather than a life lived in communion with God. As a result, as Fr. Seraphim reminds us, when we die those we have listened to and lived in spirit with claim us as theirs since we have chosen their side by our actions while alive. A soberminded and sobering book.

As an Orthodox Christian who fervently seeks unity in the oldest and truest Christian faith the world will ever see, I found this book to be two things: 1) the most incredibly interesting literary work I've ever read (save the Bible); and 2) discouraging because it admits that there are those who dissent from this teaching. However, I urge all of you, non-Christians especially, to read this book. There are so many people in the world today who look for an explanation for life and a purpose after death that it really upsets me. The truth is there for anyone who wants it. The great thing about this book is, even if you don't agree with them, the teachings COULD be true, and so you, if you are anything like me, may spend the rest of your life (or at least the next two weeks) worrying about it. Perhaps Fr. Seraphim Rose was just a good pursuasive writer, but I really do not think there is anything a person could REALLY argue against this book quite simply because he is not dead. Death is the answer to everyone's questions in the end, and until then, we can either trust in what the Church fathers have taught us, or we can choose to laugh at them and dismiss what they say as "mystical nonsense." Either way, we are all going to die, and perhaps reading this book will better prepare us. Do yourself a favor; instead of seeking an answer in occult magazines and new and popular ideas, put your trust in something older than yourself and read a really interesting book that may change your life.

Sadly, this book which should be the life of Fr. Seraphim Rose, reads more like "The Life and Times of Gleb Podmoshensky (a.k.a. Abbot Herman)." We are, however, treated to information about Fr. Seraphim's youth and conversion to Orthodoxy as well as his work with the St. Herman's Brotherhood.

Strewn throughout these pages is constant reference to church bickering, which Fr. Seraphim would have been very disappointed over to see in print. All of the politicking is simply a build up to justify Abbot Herman's defrocking and subsequent seeking of uncanonical recognition. Often throughout the book, it seemed as if the topic of the book was Abbot Herman and not Fr. Seraphim.

Fr. Seraphim lived and reposed loyal to the Russian Church Abroad. Unreported in this volume are some of his very strong words at the time of his repose (death) to Abbot Herman regarding their association. Other characters were also misrepresented in this book. This book should be edited down to size with all of the politics removed. Only then would it be a fitting tribute to a Hieromonk who was and still continues to be a source of inspiration to many.

After reading the reviews of others who have read this book, I must echo some of their sentiments as well as make a few observations of my own.

First of all, this book is enormous (over a thousand pages.) It definately takes a commitment to make it through it. If one proceeds with caution it can be an extremely valuable read.

First the praise: Fr. Seraphim's story is truly amazing. A disillusioned intellectual in San Francisco in the 1960s shuns the eastern religions he has clung to and converts to the Russian Orthodox Church. His conversion story is so touching because one could tell that he wanted the truth above all else in life, and thankfully he finally found it (as well as helping many others to find it throughout his life.) The part of the book that concentrates on his conversion is especially valuable to Americans or others brought up in a place with western European values (England, Austaralia, New Zealand, etc.) because he understood our modern times so well. Many people will recognize Fr. Seraphim's journey to Orthodoxy as their own: disillusioned with his protestant upbringing & eastern religious experiments as well as being distraught with the notion that their is no meaning to life in the modern world, Fr. Seraphim found Christ in the Orthodox Tradition.

Not only is his conversion inspiring, but his work as a monastic is mind boggling. He taught himself Russian so he could understand church services (in the 1960s it was difficult to find Orthodox churches that conducted services in English. In present day America, English services are the overwhelming majority.) Not only could he speak Russian, but he was highly literate too. He translated many, many valuable works of Russian spirituality into English. He also wrote original material in English and in Russian (he is loved in Russia where his works helped sustain Orthodox believers through communist opression.)

My complaints are similar to those of others too. There is a LOT of politics in this book, especially towards the end of it. Fr. Seraphim was a meek & gentle man who tried his best to avoid politics. Come to think of it, Fr. Seraphim is hardly mentioned in the last several chapters. Much of it is devoted to the activities of the Brotherhood after Fr. Seraphim's repose (+1982). The book has been a source of some controversy, but not in that it portrays Fr. Seraphim as saintly man...this is obviously the case. The problem is that the book tries to justify some questionable decisions made after Fr. Seraphim's repose.

There is another life (thankfully much shorter) of Fr. Seraphim coming out soon from Regina Orthodox Press, hopefully it will be more about him and less about politics. Hopefully it will be the tribute Fr. Seraphim deserved.

Once again, overall, it is a fabulous book...it just occasionally gets bogged down by excessive biographical details and the politics. If you keep these things in mind, and cut through all the crud...it still reveals a beautiful portrait of Fr. Seraphim.

I'm 15 years old, and I read this book because, well, for one, it was the biggest book I'd ever seen in my life. So I was curious as to how so much could be written about one man. I started reading, and became fascinated by the man known as Father Seraphim Rose. I could relate to his spiritual searching, since I have been doing a lot of that myself. Now I love and respect this man as though I knew him. And somehow I feel I have.

Fr. Seraphim Rose was an American convert to Orthodoxy. He was educated at Pomona College and undertook graduate work in Eastern Civilizations at Berkeley. He had an excellent working knowledge of East Asian culture, religions, and languages. As a convert, he learned both Russian and Church Slavonic, translating many texts into English. Fr. Seraphim's knowledge of Orthodoxy and the history and theology of the church was extensive. These factors enabled him to see the dangers of various 'spiritual' phenomena prevalent in today's world. His analysis of the charismatic movement is based on the writings of the Church Fathers and the lives of the Saints: no where do we find in the lives of the Saints states of uncontrollable laughter, writhing about on the floor, speaking in unintelligible tongues, or states of trance-like ecstasies. In fact, as Fr. Seraphim points out, phenomena like these have often been associated with cases of demonic possession or delusion rather than 'workings of the Holy Spirit.' But since the Latin heresy of the Filioque and other distortions entered into the West's understanding of the Trinity, distortions have taken root which have prevented a proper understanding of the Trinity and the working of the Holy Spirit: since Rome typically emphasized the Divine Substance rather than the Persons, a legalistic scholasticism arose which subordinated the Persons to the logical determinations of the Substance: the Persons were determined by the nature of the attributes supposedly inherent a priori in the Divine Substance understand according to a philosophical understanding of 'Divine' and 'Perfect.' As a result, Rome created a doctrine of the Trinity that did not reflect the Mystery of the Persons but subjugated Them to philosophical and rationalistic definitions of Latin philosophy rather than the experience of the Church in its worship. This had the effect of ultimately diminishing by making His procession share in the Hypostasis of both the Father and the Son, confusing the consubstantiality of the Holy Spirit and ultimately that of the Son as well. This, coupled with a distorted understanding of original sin and the idea that Grace is created, has resulted in a theology that understands the workings the Holy Spirit in a much more passive and displaced manner than what the ancient Church teaches. Because of these distortions, charismatics believe they can 'call down' or 'invoke' the Holy Spirit -- not unlike occultists -- rather than participating in the Grace of the Triune God due to the sanctification and purification of their own mind and heart. Because Latin heresies have distorted the Church's true Dogma, we in the west are especially vunerable to deceptive and dangerous 'spiritual' phenomena that are anything but Christian. A must read for anyone concerned about the many strange events taking place in today's world.

The New Age movement in America and the popular religion of people and their spiritual philosophical self-enlightened awakenings are demonic. Plain and simple. As an ex-New Age Philosopher myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the book exposing it for exactly what it is... unoriginal, unfulfilling, unenlightened and unholy.
The new ageism we entertain here in America is largely based on Hinduism or Buddhism (which was, once upon a time, a Hindu spin-off). Exposes the UFO movement for what it is and why we, both as a society and as a world on the whole, psychologically pre-disposed to the UFO phenomenon.
Hopefully, this will, for the God fearing Christian, inform and prepare you for encountering these things in the society you live. As for the Pagan and the New Ager, this will hopefully demonstrate how all philosophies/religions are NOT THE SAME, but rather some (such as Orthodox Christianity and Hinduism, Buddhism, and Satanism) are incompatible on the most fundamental level.

Fr. Seraphim carefully diagnosises the deception and dangers inherent in much of today's 'spirituality.' Fr. Seraphim, a convert to Orthodox Christianity, uses patristic writings, as well as the Gospel, to unmask the sinister nature of 'alternative spiritualities', UFOs, and the charasmatic movement. The central thrust of the book is meant to alert not only the Orthodox but anyone concerned to listen that one must keep vigilant in this age when many currents in the culture at large seek to either discredit or distract attention away from the message and Truth of Christ. Although we are told that no man will know the hour, Fr. Seraphim's book gives us reason and encourages us to keep watch for signs that portend the time of the deceiver.

As one who had already read NOT OF THIS WORLD by the Monk Damascene Christenssn, I did not find this book helpful. Whereas Ms. Scott's book purports to be the "true" story of Fr. Seraphim as opposed to the "sanitized" version penned by Fr. Damascene, I found it to be remarkably unrevealing of beloved Fr. Seraphim, focusing as it did on his pre-Christian years with an almost perfunctory treatment of the time after he became an Orthodox monk.
In addition, the writing is often a haphazard collection of random reminiscences about Fr. Seraphim, provided by those who appear to have little or no sympathy with the Orthodox faith--people who consider it "a waste" that Fr. Seraphim rejected an academic career in favor of his spiritual endeavors and who attempt to attribute his zeal as a monk to an unhealthy sense of guilt.
Furthermore, the narrative contains confusing, ill-placed passages of background information and often reads like a set of index cards compiled prior to the writing of a research paper as opposed to an cohesive organism that flows along with a clear focus. The author's voice is difficult to discern. One feels that the book was written by someone outside of Holy Orthodoxy who could not really "get" what Fr. Seraphim saw in it.
It has been said that a book about a saint should be written by a saint. In this case the adage seems especially apt. Fr. Damascene's book, though much longer, is well worth the time time it takes to read it. In the case of his book, "more" is definitely more.

This book certainly does balance out the 'sanitized' version of Fr. Seraphim's life we were presented in 'Not of this World', and it was absolutely refreshing. I always sensed that certain key issues were being tactfully avoided, but finally the facts are presented. He was a gay man trying to find God along with his partner. I wonder if Fr. Seraphim would have made the same decisions today in our Post Stonewall world as he did then during the homophobic era he grew up in ? Whatever the case may be, Fr. Seraphim certainly became a defender and spokesman of the Orthodox Faith and truly lived what he preached and taught.
I do wonder whatever happened to Jon and how did his life progressed after Eugene left him and gave his total love and devotion to monasticism and Orthodoxy instead of their relationship ?

Fr. Seraphim (+1982) is a hero of the Faith, and this book certainly revealed some details of his life before his conversion that will shock some people. I totally agree with the reviewer below when comparing Fr. Seraphim's drastic change to that of St. Mary of Egypt or Moses of Ethiopa or other saints that led scadalous lives before their conversions.

After reading, I was somewhat shocked myself at what I found out. I began to think though, how Fr. Seraphim's witness grew even stronger now that these details of his early life have come to light. It is a true testament to the power of God to change lives when one desires to walk a path of repentance.

The letters are mostly fascinating, although at times the intellectual ideas put forth by (then) Eugene Rose are of dizzying complexity. Fr. Seraphim's mind was so keen, it is such a blessing that eventually chose you use it for God instead of empty intellectualism.

Much like the other book about Fr. Seraphim ("Not of This World"), this book will certainly cause a stir. There appears to be some sort of hidden agenda in it as well. I can't tell what it is, but I just didn't feel comfortable with the tone of the narrative writing. One reviewer commented that she seemed "out of her element" writing about this. That certainly makes sense when one realizes the author's other credits include true crime journalism and books about two "ganster rappers" (Tupac Shakur & Biggie Smalls.) I found it quite odd that a person that writes about gangster rap & true crime would have any interest in writing about Fr. Seraphim (despite the fact that he is the author's uncle.) I don't want to attack the author Cathy Scott, but there was just something strange about the book.

Having read both books about Fr. Seraphim, I can't say that I really recommed either one, although there are huge plusses and minuses to both. Overall, I'd have to give the edge to "Not of This World" eventhough it is full of questionable stuff too. My hope is that someday a fitting account of Fr. Seraphim's life will be published. Until then, my suggestion to getting to know this ascetic struggler of modern times is to read his writings, and not what others have written about him.