Do Not Judge Anyone - Print

Do Not Judge Anyone
Desert Wisdom for a Polarized World

By Isaac Slater

An accessible and profound guide drawing on ancient desert monastic wisdom to help modern readers navigate conflict, judgement, and division with grace and compassion.

Engaging with this book to:

• Discover timeless spiritual insights from the Desert Fathers and Mothers
• Learn practices for resisting the urge to judge others
• Find tools for fostering compassion and humility in divisive times
• Explore how ancient Christian wisdom speaks to modern social and political polarisation
• Reflect on the spiritual cost of judgement and the freedom of grace
• Be equipped with contemplative approaches to interpersonal and communal challenges
• Cultivate a deeper, more inclusive understanding of mercy and reconciliation

Features

• Draws on the sayings and stories of the early desert monastics
• Connects ancient wisdom to contemporary issues of judgement and division
• Offers practical spiritual exercises and reflections
• Written in a clear, contemplative style accessible to all readers
• Suitable for individuals, spiritual directors, church groups, and retreat settings

Paperback, 160pp
1.04 cms H x 20.32 cms L x 13.26 cms W (0.2 kgs)
ISBN 9780814689738
Liturgical Press (2025)

[Allow 4 weeks]

Description

In a world marked by social polarisation, public shaming, and quick judgements, Do Not Judge Anyone invites readers into a countercultural path of humility, compassion, and spiritual wisdom.

Isaac Slater draws on the timeless teachings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, early Christian monastics who sought God in the solitude of the wilderness and left behind rich spiritual insights into human nature, conflict, and the dangers of judgement.

Slater weaves ancient sayings with modern reflections, showing how these early monastics can guide us toward non-judgemental living in today’s fraught social and political landscape.

Readers will encounter both theological depth and practical steps for cultivating mercy, understanding, and inner peace.

This book is ideal for individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual practice, church groups exploring Christian wisdom traditions, or anyone longing for a gentler, more compassionate response to the divisions and conflicts of contemporary life.

About the Author
Isaac Slater is a Trappist monk of Genesee Abbey in New York. He is an author, retreat leader, and spiritual director, known for integrating monastic wisdom with the challenges of modern life. His writing reflects a contemplative depth and a commitment to helping others navigate spiritual growth in today’s world.

Contents

Preface 

Chapter 1: Mercy
•    The Gratuity of Grace
•    Sacrifice
•    Stop Judging
•    Unconditional Love
•    Original Innocence

Chapter 2: Peace
•    “Life Is Round”
•    Beyond Good and Evil

Chapter 3: Acceptance
•    The Brothers Karamazov
•    Overacceptance
•    “Do Not Judge Yourself”
•    Revenge

Chapter 4: Compassion
•    On Refusal to Judge Our Neighbor
•    Humility
•    Anger

Chapter 5: Love
•    A Handful of Sand
•    “This Is My Body”
•    Justice
•    Sin as Suffering

Chapter 6: Discernment
•    Wakefulness
•    Contemplative Prayer

Chapter 7: Hope
•    The Crucified
•    Universal Communion
•    The Impossible Story
•    “Mend to Make New”