Benedict Books

The Rule of St. Benedict is an excellent, quick read that helps the reader understand the aims and mindset of early Christian monks. Writing in the 6th century AD, St. Benedict laid down a short set of guidelines and rules for those entering or already in monasteries. One gets the distinct impression from reading his Rule that Benedict was a devout yet practical man, sincerely interested in both maintaining discipline and helping his brothers grow. The guidelines he lays down--from the rotation of Psalms to be sung throughout the week to selection of readers during mealtime--are never arbitrary and always supported by either practical experience or principle from the scriptures.

The Rule is very short--just over 100 pages in this edition--divided into 73 chapters, many of which are only one paragraph long. Each deals with some topic of monastic life, whether it be clothing, the various daily services, provision for the sick or elderly, appointment of priors and gatekeepers, work, food, singing, talking, sleeping, and how much a monk should be allowed to drink.

Carolinne White's new translation reads clearly and at a brisk pace, making a potentially dull excursion into monasticism (itself not usually a very thrilling subject) into an illuminating and enjoyable experience. Included are an introduction and endnotes, both of which are informative but probably unnecessary to anyone already familiar with Christianity in general and monasticism in particular. The notes do help explain a few textual issues, such as unusual or untranslatable terms, though a note on "inclusive language" tacked onto the end of the introduction comes across as silly.

Overall, this is a good read for anyone interested in history, Christianity, monastic life, or simply the pursuit of holiness.

Recommended.

As a Benedictine, I am concerned with having accurate translations of the Holy Rule by which I live. Justin McCann's translation is the very best, free of the revisionism of many other translations. It is the only one I keep. I hope it never goes out of print!

In this day when so much work in done on the computer, to have the Rule of Saint Benedict and so many relative documents at our fingertips is a real plus. The CD is exceptionally well done with search tolls that work very well. This will not only be useful to scholars but to all who look to the Holy Rule, whose numbers mount as Lay Oblates and Cistercian Lay Contemplatives daily increase in number. For monks and nuns it is most useful. I only hope a way can be found to make it available to the poor monastics of the Third World.

This book is wonderful! I have read it and think it is highly pastoral, a synthesis of conferences by Abbot Holzherr to his community, yet a fresh look at the Rule. He combines insight with scholarly outlook and sees the Rule as a sure guide for modern living. Also, it can be used as a scholarly source with notes and bibliography which are pretty inculsive of what's out there right now. Highly recommended!

En su exhortacion apostolica Sacramento de la caridad, su Santidad Papa Benedicto XVI llama a cada catolico a cambiar las estructuras economicas injustas que crean una sociedad y un mundo en que existen muy pocos muy ricos y millones de muy pobres. Su Santidad indica en este documento que somos obligados por la Eucaristia a cambiar al mundo para el bien de todos y de toda la creacion de Dios. Su Santidad nos llama a fomentar un mundo mas justo, mas igual, al servicio de todos, asi como Jesus Cristo nos dio su modelo de servicio hasta las ultimas consecuencias.

En este escrito por el Santo Papa en Roma, nos llama a todos a servir a la humanidad entera. Directamente su Santidad habla en contra de la Globalización y Neoliberalismo en terminos no muy lejos del famoso texto Globalización Religiosa y Neoliberalismo: Espiritualidad, política y economía en un mundo en crisis. Su Santidad oye entonces la voz de los oprimidos de la tierra, y en su exhortacion da voz a los que se encuentran sin voz, asi mismo como el Beato Arzobispo Oscar Arnulfo Romero del Salvador, martir y confesor de la fe y defensor de los pobres sin poder materialista, muerto por fuerzas armadas fascistas y dominios imperialistas a quien no les aprovecha la libertad y la liberacion que nos da este "misterio de la liberacion" que segun el santo Papa es la Eucaristia, denominada aqui un sacramento de la caridad y no de la opresion masiva.

Permitame entonces sacar de este texto algunas palabras del Papa:

"Cristo, por el memorial de su sacrificio, refuerza la comunion entre los hermanos y, de modo particular, apremia a los que estan enfrentados para que aceleran su reconciliacion abriendose al dialogo y al compromiso por la justicia. No hay duda de que las condiciones para establecer una paz verdadera son la restauracion de la justicia, la reconciliacion y el perdon. De esta toma de conciencia nace la voluntad de transformar tambien las estructuras injustas para restablecer el respeto de la dignidad del hombre, creado al imagen y semejanza de Dios. (p.77)"

Su Santidad el Papa Benedicto XVI nos urge de que la iglesia "tampoco puede ni debe quedarse al margen de la lucha por la justicia. (p. 78)" y nos acuerda de que "el sacrificio de Cristo es misterio de liberacion que nos interpela y provoca continuamente. Dijijo por tanto una llamada a todos los fieles para que sean realmente operadores de paz y de justicia: 'En efecto quien participa en la Eucaristia ha de empenarse en construir la paz en nuestro mundo marcado por tantas violencias y guerras' (p. 78)"

En la seccion #90 de este santo documento, el Papa sigue exhortandonos asi: "No podemos permanecer pasivos ante ciertos procesos de globalizacion que con frecuencia hacen crecer desmesuradamente en todo el mundo la diferencia entre ricos y pobres. Debemos denunciar a quien derrocha las riquezas de la tierra, provocando desigualdades que claman al cielo (cf. St. 5,4). (. 78)" y indica su Santidad la estadistica de que "menos de la mitad de las ingentes sumas destinadas globalmente a armamento seria mas que suficiente para sacar de manera estable de la indigencia al inmenso ejercito de los pobres. Esto interpela a la conciencia humana. . . .El alimento de la verdad nos impulsa a denunciar las situaciones indignas del hombre, en las que a causa de la injusticia y la explotacion se muere por falta de comida, y nos da fuerza y animo para trabajar sin descanso en la construccion de la civilizacion del amor. Los cristianos han procurado desde el principio compartir sus bienes (cf. Hch 4,32) y ayudar a los pobres (cf. Rm 15, 26). (p. 79)"

Esta exhortacion apostolica de nuestro santo Padre sigue en el mismo rumbo, incluyendo toda la creacion. Este libro se debe de leer muy al fondo por cada catolico praticando hoy, para que juntos trabajemos para la paz y la justicia verdadera para todos, impulsados por la misma Eucaristia con que nos alimenta Cristo Jesus en Su propio Cuerpo y Sangre.

This book can be a life changer for the mind that is able to analyze and become aware of the differences in writting style between fact and fiction. Gregory (then Bishop of Rome when there were still two Bishops [which has now become the one Pope], one in Constantinople and one in Rome, and he was called "The Great"), older when he wrote this volume, is himself surprised at what he has dilligenty uncovered concerning Benedict's life. He almost speaks with a sense of wonder and awe...this is truely a treat.

Also, the young friend he is relating the products of his detective work to actively listens with an interesting, to say, sense as well. Not unlike the person mentioned by Burke as being able to "allow for the peacefull entrance of the truth."

This short book is both a literary masterpiece in my very humble opinion and a great historical record which was thankfully put together (by, in my mind, a man whom wanted to have proof of God or of miracles [as in the BIble] - not unlike Augustine).

This book if for everyone.

Saint Benedict's Rule, translated into contemporary English by Abbot Patrick Barry, OSB speaks eloquently to lay people of all denominations as well as to monks and nuns. Freed of scholarly notes, except for those absolutely necessary to clarify the text, and relevant scriptural references, this volume is unencumbered and very clear-perfect for reading aloud, for group study, or for private devotions.

This is a text that predates the divisions in the Church. It has the power to draw its readers, through the guidance and instruction of St. Benedict, nearer to the presence and radiance of Christ himself and to a clearer understanding of how to lead an ordered Christian life today. Abbot Barry's translation takes a text of great antiquity and brings it right here to us, now, as support and inspiration, encouraging us to bring all aspects of our lives into the presence, guidance, and protection of a loving God.

The new edition, offered here, is even more valuable than the first, since Abbot Barry has included a magnificent forty-page introduction where he explains the relevance of Saint Benedict's Rule to our lives today and clarifies the often misunderstood concepts of obedience, humility, and silence so essential not only to monastic life but also to the daily experience of all lay people on a spiritual path.

Katharine Le Mée, author of Chant and The Benedictine Gift to Music

The article is first rate as are all articles appearing in First Things. Since a back issue costs about the same as this one article, why not order that and get everything that appeared in the February 2008 issue? Better yet, subscribe for $39 per year, or cadge a gift subscription from a reader-friend.

Unfortunately unavailable at present, this remains the best of several books now circulating by Brother Benet Tvedten, O.S.B. It was actually his breakout book, and preceded the widely received View from a Monastery. It is a practical everyday application of the Rule of Saint Benedict in straightforward English for any layperson, although keyed to oblates who make a special commitment to the Benedictine order. While down to earth it is not merely anecdotal or off the cuff, but is a serious and programmed march through the rule start to finish. As it is non-technical, however, and in a good accessible style, it is a significant contribution to current Benedictine literature.

This book is based on years of experience of living and applying the rule in a turbulent time, and, characteristically of this writer at his best, it is witty and dry. Brother Tvedten's later books are perhaps more entertaining and dramatic, and aimed at larger audiences. But they should be considered a continuation of these practical reflections, and read in their light. This earlier book should be useful to anyone attempting to lead a more serious and discerning life, whether in or out of a Benedictine orbit. It is worth keeping and re-reading.

Benedict draws from countless sources and personal experience in this book to assemble the most complete handheld book on the Southern Rockies. If you live in Colorado and consider yourself a naturalist, this should already be on your shelf, and in your backpack as you trek around. I use mine so much I had to tape the cover to protect it. The writing is crisp and factual, yet engrossing. Coverage is complete: from geology to ornithology, botany to meteorology, it's all here in ample detail for the interested lay person. Highly recommended... one of the best in class.