The Rule of Benedict: Christian Monastic Wisdom for Daily Living--Selections Annotated & Explained

by Jane Tomaine (Commentaries by)

Overview

This practical resource for finding peace, meaning and God, from the pen of a sixth-century monk, can help guide your own spiritual journey.

Many people today are realizing that the cultural focus on competition, success, acquisition and constant busyness is ultimately not satisfying. They hunger for a way of life that has more lasting value and deeper meaning. For centuries, people within and outside Christianity have turned to the writings of Benedict of Nursia, a sixth-century monk committed to shaping a life of humility and compassion, to guide their spiritual lives. His Rule speaks profoundly to our contemporary search for spiritual grounding. Anglican laywoman and writer Esther de Waal says that Benedict’s Rule helps her know “how to be human now today, tomorrow and for the rest of my life.”This accessible introduction to the Rule of Benedict, intended for readers unfamiliar with Benedictine monasticism, presents the Rule as a guide to a God-centered, balanced approach to life. It shows us how to use Benedict’s wisdom to build relationships and communities formed by love and respect. It offers historical background and personal reflections on Benedictine topics such as living in the present moment, balance, finding God in everyday life, individual and community prayer, hospitality, and healthy approaches to work and service.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594736322
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	02/14/2017
Series:	SkyLight Illuminations
Edition description:	Annotated
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Jane Tomaine, an Episcopal priest and retreat leader, is the author of St. Benedict's Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living, 10th Anniversary Edition. She is a contributor to the "Notes from a Monastery" series published by Abbey Press and she writes a bi-monthly newsletter on Benedictine living that is available on-line.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

1 Opening Our Eyes to the Light from God: The Prologue to the Rule 3

2 Turning to God: The Divine Office and Prayer 27

3 Seeking God: Monastic Identity and Vows 61

4 Cultivating Love: Benedictine Relationships and Community 93

5 Living with Integrity and Virtue: The Tools for Good Works 129

6 Choosing Truth: Humility in the Rule 153

7 Embodying Christ: Benedictine Leadership 177

8 Crafting a Meaningful Life: Moderation, Balance, Work, and Other Practices 251

9 Welcoming as Christ: Benedictine Hospitality 251

10 The Beginning of Perfection: Chapter 73 in the Rule 265

Closing Thoughts 271

Notes 273

Suggestions for Further Reading 283

Index to Benedict's Rule by Chapter 285

Editorial Reviews

"A wonderful introduction to the Benedictine way. Dr. Jane Tomaine offers us the gift of ancient wisdom in accessible form. Recommended for all seeking to travel the monastic path."—Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, author of The Artist's Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom

From the Publisher