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REVIEW OF ARSENIEV'S REVELATION OF LIFE ETERNAL

An Introduction To Christian Mysticism: A Review of Revelation of Life Eternal
Nicholas Arseniev was a professor of New Testament and Apologetics at St. Vladimir's He
wrote over 174 articles and books and died in 1977. His Revelation of Life Eternal is
described as "an introduction to the Christian message." It pulls together many different
mystic perceptions and beliefs, and it is an excellent entry into the diverse world of
Christian Mysticism. The introduction quickly pulls the reader in by asking several basic
questions about why religion even exists at all. These questions are first answered with
broad answers, then Arseniev focuses on why Christian Mysticism is the answer to these
questions: "We have to believe in God, because this is Truth--life-giving Truth His
Reality is something very earnest, very real: it is the only true Reality And He has to
meet us, or rather we have to meet Him, for He meets us at every step" (8).
This book is especially valuable to those of us who have little or no knowledge of
Christian mysticism. It is broken into two parts, and each part is divided into chapters.
Many of the chapters follow the pattern of the introduction by asking a broad question
first, then defining it within the terms of the beliefs of the mystics. Basic Biblical
stories are reviewed through easily comprehended but not patronizing language, allowing
the reader to learn the background information for the beliefs of Christian Mysticism.
The many sources consulted for the information shared in this book allows the reader to
have some faith in what is being read. Many saints, religious books, and scholars are
quoted, thus supporting the theories posed.
The first chapter "Principles of Religious Cognition" explains why religion is indeed
necessary and why humans are naturally drawn to question things that religion alone can
answer. From proving this basic need for religion, Arseniev has a platform to prove his
personal religious beliefs--those of Christian Mysticism. A few chapters later some of
the problems in early and false religions are explored. As each different issue is
dismantled, he is able to set up the premise of Christian Mysticism, which has lasted for
hundreds of years--contrasting this with religions that have fallen. Plato is explored,
thus pulling in platonic and neoplatonic beliefs, which have become integral part of
contemporary mysticism and influenced many of the sources with which Arseniev refers.
Christ's importance is explored in chapters about the Transfiguration, Resurrection, and
Atonement--three of the basic supporting factors within Christian Mysticism. The book is
wrapped up with chapters about the importance of God's humility and love, most
importantly God's ultimate love for us.
I enjoyed this book for many reasons. The language is easy to understand, but it is
beautiful and descriptive at the same time. I had little knowledge of Christian Mysticism
before reading this book, so I found it to be an excellent introduction. As I read each
chapter, the questions posed persuaded me to continue reading, because I became very
interested in the answers to the questions. The questions were answered using reputable
sources and answers that appealed to common sense and experience. I was actually
surprised by how interested I became in the Orthodox church. This book appealed to the
knowledge I already had of different religious beliefs, thus pointing out that Mysticism
indeed could affect my life directly and keeping my interest high I would highly
recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the Orthodox church but has little
past experience with it.
Nicholas Arseniev's book Revelation of Life Eternal is an excellent introduction to the
basic beliefs within Christian Mysticism. It gives the beliefs and the history of
religion in general before focusing on the development of Christian Mysticism. It is an
excellent source of information on Christian Mysticism for anyone who has little or know
knowledge of the subject beforehand