Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
Loading... The Rule of St Benedict (Penguin Classics) (edition 2008)by Carolinne White
Work InformationThe Rule of St. Benedict by Saint Benedict
Loading...
Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book.
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: 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 ( ) From the time it was first promulgated in the sixth century, the Rule of St. Benedict has been one of the most influential, enduring documents of Western civilization. Composed for the guidance of his own monks at Monte Cassino, St. Benedict's Rule has become the bases for the fules of practically every Christian monastic community in the West. For it lays down the law, so to speak, for living the spiritual life -- through work, prayer, study, obedience, community life, and moderate asceticism. A fresh translation of the Rule of Benedict, from sixth century Italy. The introductory materials and translation with notes are strong. The translator does well to welcome the reader into the world of sixth century Italy, the life of Benedict, and what precipitated the establishment of his Rule. The translation is very clear in modern English, and the notes are helpful for understanding for those who may not be familiar with the language of the monastery. The substance of the Rule has become the basis of the Benedictine family of monasteries and part of the basis of all other monastic orders of the West. Benedict focused highly on a lot of the practical details about life in a monastic setting: everything from the purpose of being a monk to details about how meals ought to be governed and when various psalms should be read. This is a helpful edition of the Rule for a modern audience. There are many principles which all can benefit from in terms of discipline and spirituality in the faith. On the whole, however, one can see the challenges that arise from such a hierarchical understanding of all relationships, and where danger might arise in considering the abbot as Jesus Himself. We can understand the impulse to withdraw into the contemplative life, and certainly can appreciate the need for seasons of contemplation and periods of contemplation - but Jesus lived in and among the people, and His people should be as well. **--galley received as part of book review program no reviews | add a review
Belongs to Publisher Series — 3 more Is contained inHas as a study
A timeless source of wisdom for people looking to lead a life of simplicity, purpose, and serenity The Rule of St. Benedict has governed monastic communities for centuries, but it is far more than a standard religious text.The Rule is, above all, a handbook for living a deliberate life--no matter your religious background or beliefs. It teaches the importance of contemplation and silence, of solitude, and the power of community and unity. With lessons focusing on the simple acts of everyday life, like eating and daily work, along with wisdom for the deeply personal and internal facets of living, such as cultivating humility and practicing forgiveness,The Rule of St. Benedict is a profound guide to living a good and meaningful life. An award-winning translator, Philip Freeman's version ofThe Rule is beautifully accessible in its language. With a simple and direct style, the book lays out a way of living that is transformative in its simplicity and striking in its power. No library descriptions found.
|
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)255.106Religions Christian pastoral theology, homiletics and religious orders Monasticism and Religious Orders BenedictinesLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. Penguin AustraliaAn edition of this book was published by Penguin Australia. |