Savatie Bastovoi Cartea Despre Femei Pdf 130
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A Review of Savatie Bastovoi's Book on Women
Savatie Bastovoi is a Romanian writer, poet, journalist, and Orthodox monk who has written several books on spirituality, culture, and society. One of his most popular works is Cartea despre femei (The Book on Women), which was published in 2008 and has been translated into several languages.
The book is a collection of essays, interviews, stories, and reflections on the role and value of women in the Orthodox Christian tradition and in the modern world. Bastovoi explores topics such as femininity, motherhood, marriage, celibacy, sexuality, beauty, suffering, and holiness. He draws from his own experience as a monk and a spiritual father, as well as from the lives and teachings of the saints, the Scriptures, and the Church Fathers.
The book is not a systematic or academic treatise on women, but rather a personal and poetic expression of Bastovoi's admiration and gratitude for the feminine presence in his life and in the history of salvation. He writes with humor, candor, and sensitivity, addressing both men and women who seek to understand themselves and each other better. He also challenges some of the stereotypes and prejudices that exist in the secular and religious cultures regarding women.
The book has received positive reviews from critics and readers alike, who have praised Bastovoi's originality, insight, and style. Some have also criticized him for being too idealistic or romantic about women, or for not addressing some of the contemporary issues that affect women's rights and dignity. However, most agree that the book is a valuable contribution to the dialogue between Orthodoxy and the modern world, and a testimony of Bastovoi's love for God and His creation.
In this article, we will present some of the main themes and ideas that Bastovoi develops in his book on women. We will also provide some excerpts from the book, as well as some comments and reflections on them.
Femininity as a gift and a mystery
One of the recurring motifs in Bastovoi's book is the notion of femininity as a gift and a mystery, both for women themselves and for men who relate to them. He argues that women have a special role and vocation in God's plan, as they are called to be co-creators with Him, bearers of life, and icons of His beauty and love. He also suggests that women have a deeper intuition and sensitivity than men, which enables them to perceive the spiritual realities behind the material ones.
However, he also acknowledges that femininity is often misunderstood, distorted, or oppressed by the fallen world, which imposes false standards and expectations on women. He urges women to rediscover their true identity and dignity in Christ, who is the source and model of all beauty and holiness. He also invites men to respect and honor women as their sisters, mothers, wives, or daughters, and to learn from them the secrets of love and humility.
Here is an excerpt from the book where Bastovoi talks about femininity as a gift and a mystery:
\"Femininity is not something that can be learned or acquired. It is a gift that God has given to every woman. It is something that she carries within her from the moment of her conception. It is something that she reveals or conceals through her attitude, her behavior, her words, her gestures, her clothes, her perfume. It is something that she offers or withholds from those who approach her. It is something that she can use for good or for evil.\"
\"Femininity is also a mystery. It is something that escapes rational analysis and logical explanation. It is something that transcends the physical and psychological dimensions of human nature. It is something that reflects the image and likeness of God in a unique way. It is something that attracts and fascinates men, but also challenges and confuses them. It is something that women themselves do not fully understand or control.\"
Motherhood as a calling and a sacrifice
Another important theme in Bastovoi's book is motherhood as a calling and a sacrifice. He affirms that motherhood is not only a biological function, but also a spiritual one. He says that mothers are not only those who give birth to children, but also those who nurture them, educate them, protect them, pray for them, and guide them to God. He says that mothers are not only those who have their own children, but also those who adopt children, who care for orphans, who teach or mentor young people, who support or counsel other women.
However, he also recognizes that motherhood is not easy or glamorous. He admits that mothers face many difficulties and challenges in their lives, such as pain, sickness, poverty, violence, loneliness, betrayal, ingratitude, or loss. He acknowledges that mothers often have to sacrifice their own dreams, desires, ambitions, or comforts for the sake of their children. He confesses that mothers sometimes feel overwhelmed or exhausted by their responsibilities and duties.
Here is an excerpt from the book where Bastovoi talks about motherhood as a calling and a sacrifice:
\"Motherhood is not a hobby or a career. It is not something that you do when you have nothing else to do. It is not something that you choose or reject according to your mood or convenience. It is not something that you can quit or retire from when you get bored or tired. It is not something that you can delegate or outsource to someone else.\"
\"Motherhood is a calling and a sacrifice. It is something that God has entrusted to you as a precious gift and a sacred mission. It is something that you accept with joy and gratitude, but also with fear and trembling. It is something that you dedicate your whole life to, but also offer it up to God every day. It is something that you perform with love and devotion, but also with humility and repentance.\" a474f39169