When the desert fathers withdrew from the city, they found that they could not escape thoughts of their former lives of ease. So they developed a three-step method to retrain their thoughts: notice, quarantine and replace.
Author
Lauren F. Winner
Associate professor, Duke Divinity School
Lauren F. Winner is an associate professor of Christian spirituality at Duke Divinity School. She writes and lectures widely on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish-Christian relations. Her books include "Girl Meets God," "Mudhouse Sabbath," "Real Sex," "A Cheerful and Comfortable Faith" and "Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis."
She is an Episcopal priest and a member of the board of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation.
The Art & Science of Vocational Discernment Course from FTE
This five-week course from The Forum For Theological Exploration is designed for ministry leaders who accompany young adults in exploring meaning and purpose. With this course, you will learn a framework that is adaptable, simple and deep to accompany young adults in hearing God's voice in how they can contribute to the world in powerful, meaningful ways. Enroll by April 12, 2026.
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