Evagrius Ponticus and Cognitive Science

"Recent years have seen a resurgence in studies of Evagrius of Pontus bringing his work into a new relevance to today's world. This book by Dr. Tsakiridis examines the work of Evagrius and focuses on a perspective not well-covered in the literature-Evagrius' importance to science especially the cognitive sciences. The book is insightful and represents an important new contribution to studies of Evagrius' work and to the science and religion discussion as a whole."

--Gayle E. Woloschak

The Feinberg School, Northwestern University



"Few writers in the field of religion and science have the competence to interpret so many and varied texts in patristic mystical and moral theology, contemporary neuro - science, and the turn to spirituality in contemporary theology . . . He shows how both cognitive science and mystical theology can mutually enrich and inform each other in ways unimagined by today's popular neo-atheists and agnostics."

--Robert A. Cathey

McCormick Theological Seminary



"In a thoroughly limpid style, George Tsakiridis sets before us an exceptionally interesting project: (1) he centers on sin, evil, and prayer in a way that is central to the religious life; (2) he engages the cutting edge domain of cognitive sciences; and (3) he invites us to take seriously both a much neglected fourth century religious thinker and the most contemporary work of scientists who focus on the mind and its activities."

--Philip Hefner

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Emeritus



"George Tsakiridis artfully compares and clarifies the concepts used by ancient and modern thinkers to describe meditation, ways to deal with good and evil, and mysticism, and adds neuroscientific studies of such experiences. Though the times were vastly different, enlightening human commonalities emerge."

--Carol Rausch Albright

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago