Talking Back

A Monastic Handbook for Combating Demons by Evagrius of Pontus (345–399), translated by David Brakke and published in 2009, is a practical guide for early Christian monks in the Egyptian desert to resist demonic temptations. Evagrius, a prominent spiritual director in ancient monasticism, outlines a method of "talking back" to demons using scripture, drawing from Jesus’ example in the wilderness (Matthew 4, Luke 4), where He rebukes Satan with verses from Deuteronomy. The book, originally titled Antirrhêtikos (meaning "refutation" in Greek), lists over 500 tempting thoughts or circumstances—categorized under eight primary vices: gluttony, fornication, love of money, sadness, anger, listlessness, vainglory, and pride—along with corresponding biblical passages for monks to recite in response. These vices later influenced Gregory the Great’s Seven Deadly Sins through Evagrius’ disciple, St. Cassian.

Written at the request of a monk named Loukios, the text reflects Evagrius’ deep scriptural knowledge and firsthand experience as a desert ascetic. It became widely popular among ascetics in Late Antiquity and the Byzantine East, translated into languages like Latin and Syriac, but wasn’t fully available in English until Brakke’s translation. The book offers insight into early monastic spirituality, revealing the psychological struggles of the desert monks and their reliance on scripture as a "sword" against temptation.

While praised for its historical value and practical approach to spiritual warfare, some modern readers find the chosen verses less intuitive for contemporary use, viewing the book more as a historical curiosity than a direct reference. Critics also note that the text lacks deeper explanations of the vices, which could aid Western readers unfamiliar with early monastic concepts. Nonetheless, it remains a significant work for understanding ancient Christian practices and the roots of spiritual discipline, emphasizing the power of scripture in combating personal and spiritual challenges.