Saint Benedict (0480–0547)

St. Benedict's "Rule" has been on my TBR list for some time, since picking up a copy of Rod Dreher's "The Benedict Option" sometime last year (true confession, also ... still, haha ... on my TBR list). His name has come up several times in that time frame--Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, anyone?--so I was entirely excited to see this new translation come up on NetGalley.

Freeman does a fantastic job at setting the stage for the Rule, providing historical context for both its writing and events show more leading up to it in Benedict's own life, and world history overall. Freeman also makes it relevant to both Christians and non-Christians alike, and notes how the Rule can a bridge for discussions with Buddhist monks (as just one example). Even the business and psychology realms can benefit from studying this book!

The included bibliography is also helpful for further study, and Freeman is quick to recommend additional resources in the foreword and note on translation as well. Not having read other translations of the Rule, I can't speak to whether this one is better or worse, but I found it entirely readable and approachable, convicting and practical. I loved how Scripture is front and center in every section, and also appreciated Freeman's commentary within each section, much like notes in a study Bible.

Being an introvert and very much a creature of habit/routine :) (shocker!), I reeeeally liked the vigils and services laid out; this section is like its own Book of Common Prayer. The "Reading at Meals" section (not pleasure reading, lol, but a devotion of sorts) reminded me very much of my grandparents, who faithfully practiced similarly for many years! And "Silence at Night" was perhaps my favorite, with gems like "Monks should cultivate silence at all times--but most of all in the hours of the night" (chapter 42). #introvertlife

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. show less

I'm not sure if this is an academic book or one I just purchased to read because I was interested at the time. When I pulled it off the shelf to dust, I noticed it was shorter and looked fairly easy to read, so here it is! St. Benedict founded his monastery in Monte Cassino in southern Italy. He drew on Egyptian and Syrian traditions for his guidelines for his religious community. In theory, the monastery was a self-sustaining entity where all members prayed and worked. They valued: show more obedience, silence, and humility. I found the piece and defense of silence to be very interesting. It was taken from Psalm 39:1-2: "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence. I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good..." I believe that is taken out of context, but what do I know?! Other advice: "..idle words, or such as move to laughter, we utterly condemn and ban them in all places. We do not allow any disciple to give mouth to them." How somber and sad--no laughter! 112 pages show less

I'm glad I read this as an influential historical document, but wow! Despite my strict religious upbringing and lifelong fascination with Christian monasticism, I was somehow not prepared for just how authoritarian Benedict's Rule would be.

This is a tight, sharp, clean little work. Benedict is clear and precise, with limited words. His rules seem a bit strict to my modern mind (not a fan of the idea of beating children) but I understand that during the time, this was acceptable and even laudable. My inherent mistrust of humans causes me to ask whether Benedict's rule would work - there is much room for the miss-use of power. The answer, of course, is that each monk should be so devoted to Christ that he exudes the humility and show more kindness of the Lord. But humans are notoriously prone to self-interest and to the use of religious belief and the name of God to further their own agenda.
That aside, this was a worthwhile read. To understand how the Benedictine monks lived, and to perhaps find wisdom for living ones own life. One doesn't need to be a monk to require advice on how to deal with other humans in a manner pleasing to God. This book offers excellent assistance in that area: worth reading and worth buying. show less