Benedict Books

I found the first part of this book, a brief biography/interview of the Pope with the editor, to be enlightening and inspiring. I don't know why, but it hadn't crossed my mind that Benedict grew up in Nazi Germany, so the account of his childhood and of how his family maintained their faith despite the fascist war ideology is a real eye-opener.

However, I found the larger second part, devoted to little snippets from interviews, articles, and books, to be less helpful. Most of the quotes are very short, no more than a paragraph or two. Plucked from their original context, they make for a terribly uneven introduction to Benedict's work and thought: sometimes illuminating, sometimes unclear. I think I would have preferred it if the editor had continued in the same vein as Part One, putting a bit of shape and coherence to the original material.

This is an excellent work which provides information on the Holy Father and summarizes his views from previous written works. As then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger he published nearly 50 books on the Church. He truly is "hands-on" and clearly understands what is going on in the Church outside of Rome. A quick and easy read that will bring you up to date on Benedict XVI.

Robert Moynihan gives us an accurate overview of the vision of Pope Benedict. The first part of the book gives us a sense of the background and values of the new Pope based on the Pope's past writings and interviews and based on Moynihan's own repeated conversations with Benedict when he was a cardinal. The second part is a topical collection of the Pope's views on many issues ranging from various theological dogmas to matters of morality to issues in the Christian life such as suffering and loneliness. The third and last part of the book consists of a reprinting of the first messages and homily of the new Pope from that extraordinary month of April 2005. You will get a good sense about the new Pope's vision from this book. Personally, I was struck by the Pope's strong views on the urgency of liturgical reform and on the centrality of defending human dignity.

De Waal has made a name for herself by adapting Benedict for the laity. This latest of her works is perhaps the least accessible, and it by no means a place to start in getting to know the saint of Monte Cassino. Christians who already order their lives by drawing from the centuries-old "Rule," however, will want to read it cover to cover. She goes through each chapter and gives, not a scholarly but a personal commentary on its meaning. Many references to other works of Benedictine scholarship. Don't have a copy of the "Rule" handy? (You must have one to get anything out of this work at all.) Liturgical Press will send you one free if you return the postpaid card that comes with de Waal's book. What a deal!

De Waal's commentary brings the 6th century "Rule of Benedict" into my 21st century life and home, revealing how relevantly Benedict's wisdom speaks to our modern age. Another recently published book, a modern commentary on the Rule, written for parents, is titled THE FAMILY CLOISTER: BENEDICTINE WISDOM FOR THE HOME, by David Robinson (New York, NY: Crossroad, 2000).

Esther de Waal has managed to bring the Rule of Benedict to life by insightfully applying it to life lived in the world, not just for an enclosed Benedictine community.

This interesting book takes on many aspects of Mariology and its place in the modern Church. The book is not a co-authored project nor a book-length argument, but is rather a collection of essays and sermons treating Mary and the Church. Pope Benedict's writings take up the first half, actually a little more, and Balthasar's the second. (Benedict's preface to John Paul's encyclical on Mary is included. Mary: God's Yes to Man : Pope John Paul II Encyclical Letter : Mother of the Redeemer) As may be expected of such a collection where different pieces are composed for different audiences, some are more esoteric than others and may not hold much interest the casual reader.

Obviously both writers are close and careful reasoners, and for the most part the clarity of their examinations does not seem to get lost in translation. I was especially impressed, sometimes even moved, by these insights; despite its disjointedness, this mixed bag was probably a more valuable read to me than John Paul's book. Topics include aspects of Mary's character that are meant to be paradigmatic for the Church, the value of Marian devotions and some means of reconciling them with modern worship, and the Church's anthropological role in history. I especially liked the last piece on the catholicity of the Church.

My guess is that this will be pretty strong meat for many readers, and that Scott Hahn's Hail Holy Queen would probably serve better as an introduction or a leisurely read. Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God If the subject is already a favorite for you, by all means read on. Lots of good stuff here.

Ably translated by Adrian Walker from the writings of Hans Urs von Balthasar and Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), Mary: The Church At The Source is a modern documentation of the Church's perspective of Marian doctrine, enlightening the contours of ecclesial faith. Mary: The Church At The Source allows the reader to delve deeper into the depths of the Christian faith and what truths to their views of Mary as the co-operative mother of Church in the souls of its believers, and the embodiment of the Church itself. A highly recommended read, Mary: The Church At The Source is the perfect book for students of Marion theology be they clergy or laymen.

This collection of essays serves as an excellent beginning for reflections on Mariology. Both Ratzinger and Balthasar are men of great intellectual prowess and thus address this subject astutely. They also approach it with a true desire for holy understanding of the place of Mary with respect to the Church and Catholic theology as a whole. While they do not touch on every aspect, they begin reflections that can bear much theological fruit.

The only reason that I give this 4 stars instead of 5 is the choice of a text by Balthasar that seeks to disprove Ratzinger's opinion which is expressed in an essay contained in the collected text, "Daughter Zion". While his argument is well placed, I don't think that it does well to combine such a text with a set of reflections by Ratzinger. This can strike at Ratzinger's credibility, even though the topic is somewhat disputable.

Nonetheless, I highly recommend this text to all readers. It is not utterly easy but is also not wholly esoteric. Therefore, it gives all who read it a chance to grow intellectually and, more importantly, in the Catholic faith.

This book, had I been a novice in the spiritual "arts," would have received five stars from me. It deals with the three spiritual acts of silence, holy reading, and prayer, from the perspective of Benedictine spirituality. As such, it is a solid introduction to all those. However, if you have some experience with any of these discipines, and with Benedictine spirituality, and are looking to go deeper, you ought to consider another book. Vest does, though, offer a good bibliography at the end to guide the reader to more material. Overall a good book, but not one I will return to.

This book is divided into three primary sections/disciplines: Silence, Prayer and Holy Reading. I knew that the book would challenge me immediately in the chapter on silence....it was so good I kept thinking that I wanted to talk about it to my friends. I realized in that chapter how little inward and outward silence I really have. The suggestions were practical and on target.

The Benedictine approach is something rarely discussed in my circle of fellow Christians and in the church that I attend. Some of the language used was awkward and foreign to me at first. The message, however is wonderful. We can all find greater spirituality in the ordinary things that we do. We can all find greater peace and love in Christ every day. Because some of the ideas were somewhat new to me, I had a slight feeling of "aloneness" when I started reading the book. Then at the end, it was all brought together in one of the most powerful thoughts: "Living the Gospel is about being in Love. It is knowing that we are never alone"

This book will most likely be one of the few I keep close by and reference frequently. It is a book that draws the reader back to the wisdom it offers.

No Moment Too Small by Noreen Vest is a concise, very readable, exploration of three of the building blocks in Benedictine Sprituality. Her discussion of "Lectio Divina," Holy Reading, makes the journey into this discipline easy to approach. Especially helpful is her explanation of the various ways of interpreting the Scripture for devotional use. Ms. Vest opens the door to a rewarding prayer life with a rich discussion on prayer as dwelling in the presence of God. I would recommend this book all those wanting to understand more completely the beauty of solitude, prayer and holy reading in the Benedictine life.

The meticulous detail that went into this novel and it's characters really draws you in and you find yourself quickly and easily wrapped up in the journey this novel takes you on. Lentoni's novel thrusts you into the main characters dark world and with each particular moment in the main characters life you find your jaw dropping further and further. Passing the opportunity to read such exquisite work would be a great loss.

This novel, will make you want to keep on reading. Lentoni, is one of the best kept secrets in writing.

The novel is carefully planned out, and you seem to just, be a part of it. I'm not going to tell much about it, because I dont want to give away any secrets... but if you like to read, this one should be on your library shelf!

AS I READTHIS BOOK, I CAME TO REALIZE THAT LUCIFER REALLY WAS A FALLEN ANGEL. I READ THIS BOOK IN 2000 AND IT STILL AFFECTS ME TWO YEARS LATER. THE STORY HAS A GREAT PLAY ON SHAKESPEARE AS WELL, BY USING SIMILAR NAMES IN THIS BOOK. THE STORY CONFIRMS MY BELIEFS AND AT THE SAME TIME GIVES ME PAUSE TO CONSIDER ANOTHER SIDE OF LUCIFER. WHAT A NOVEL WAY TO SHOW THE JOURNEY WE WILL ALL MAKE. I CANT WAIT TO READ ANOTHER BOOK BY EDWARD B LENTONI.

This book does not come near the level of Joan Chittester, but it is a helpful expansion, offering slightly different insights and approaches to the rule. Read Chittester first.

"The Rule of St. Benedict" is an optimistic work. Sister Aquinata Bockman, the author of the book of commentary on it titled, "Expanding our Hearts in Christ: Perspectives on The Rule of Saint Benedict", says it is so for the monastic, and for the reader of The Rule who is a layperson. Aquinata Bockmann calls the work, in declarative terms, an "imperative." The Benedictine Nun, who has taught in Rome since 1973 at the Pontifical Institute for Spirituality and Moral Theology Regina Mundi, says it is "...a promise offered personally to each monastic..." that "...expresses the optimistic tone." (My editorial emphasis.)

The Rule begins: "Listen..." Simple, yet profound.

There is much here for all of us to gain benefit. The writer is learned.

Referring to another classic work, as she often does to expand and explain in a scholarly manner The Rule in her wonderful and thoughtfully fulfilling book, "Expanding Our Hearts in Christ: Perspectives on the Rule of Saint Benedict," The German Sister quotes:

"My son, listen, son, to your father's instruction, and incline your ear to my words. Readily devote your attention to me, and with a faithful heart heed to all that is said. For I want to teach you about the spiritual battle and to instruct you in the ways that you should fight for your king." How excellently this adds measure to the opening words of The Rule, which is:

"Listen carefully, my son, to the master's instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice." These words come down to us through fifteen hundred years. Traditional truth and learning, certainly.

She notes Benedict had certainly read that first quote in the Latin in the Admonitia S. Basilii ad filium spiritualem. Right from her book's beginning the theme that St. Benedict worked with previous texts, especially "The Rule of the Master" indicates both a strength in his work and his ability to make it a Rule outliving, and widely outlasting in popularity and use all previous sources. This Rule is without doubt one of Benedict's own originality and wisdom, though it relies on the Fathers of the Church, Scripture, and previous texts. Where does the work of commentary point the reader?

It is pointed out to us that it is Christ who points us from within. So we learn about expanding the heart in Christ in this work, and it is a work that delivers. You won't be disappointed in her commentary, so I believe. "The inmost soul expands and extends into God," she writes of The Rule. Covering selected parts of The Rule, she continues, "Like the Master, Benedict seems to believe that walking, just moving ahead, is not enough. Rather one should hasten, run (cf. RB 73). This seems to be a sign of intense love and zeal, as well as of longing for God and the magnetism of God who comes to meet us."

In a decade, nay even an era, where we have forgotten God, and some say God has forgotten us, and faith is hard to come by, we learn of ways of faith and the heart, we learn that The Rule asks for zeal. The commentary points a way, the way of The Rule. What is this "zeal" the postmodern man and woman may ask? Sister Aquinata writes, "...we see that zeal is a radical passion in people. It is exclusive, permeates everything, and knows no half-measures. It is a dynamic reality, the direct opposite of weak, tired, timid, or hesitant movement."

We are given doors that open us to the necessities of faith in this work, an important need in this time and certainly both the century previous to this one. Broad statement as I've made, large in its expansive way, there is a truth to this book's exhortations, as there remains the strength that The Rule brings to its reader's faith. Call this commentary a companion book of faith.

In the book's section, "That This Rule Does Not Contain the Full Observance of Justice," we learn, "Benedict addresses any human being, `anyone,' indicating that he is not referring to special perfection for a certain group." This is a commentary that calls the work a way to the Creator. Benedict "...realizes his solidarity with all of humanity that ought to let the Fathers, especially through Sacred Scripture, help us on the way to the Creator." A work that relies heavily on scripture, Benedict is a genius--a religious genius. So I say, and so it is implied in this work about his Rule.

How one enters in the monastery, makes a request, is similar to the way one makes a request in Christ of God. The Rule says,

"Therefore, if the newcomer perseveres in knocking and if it becomes evident in four or five days that he patiently bears the injustices done to him and the difficulties of entering and persists in his request, then entrance is to be granted, and he may first stay in the guest quarters for a few days." It is pointed out in the commentary, "Yet we may also recall that the Lord himself knocks in this way on our door and remains there even if we do not open to let him in readily..." A metaphor for coming to Christ, certainly. "

How much it is emphasized that humility is an important attribute of The Rule. "...[H]umility is the fundamental attitude of hospitality." In my own zeal for hospitality, I've gone on at length about the commentary and The Rule. I purposefully wrote a long review, yet despite various efforts have not done the book justice, nor given it the review it merits to say how good it really is as a commentary. There is so much to this book. Read it yourself; you won't be sorry.

What is the worth of The Rule, and what is the worth of all the exhortation and explanation and commentary of the work by Sister Aquinata Bockmann in her book, "Expanding Our Hearts in Christ: Perspectives on the Rule of Saint Benedict"? I want to end this review with a quotation about stability of heart used in the book from Gregory of Nyssa:

"This is the most marvelous thing of all, how the same thing is both a standing still and a moving...I mean by this that the firmer and more immovable one remains in the Good, the more he progresses in the course of virtues...It is like using the standing still as if it were a wing while the heart flies upward through its stability in the Good." This Rule of Benedict is a book of ethical teaching, moral teaching, and a work about God and getting to know and live with him, a means of expanding our hearts in Christ. It says stay with God.

--Peter Menkin, Pentecost, Christ the King Sunday, 2007

Written by Sister Aquinata Bockmann, a member of the Benedictine Missionary Sisters of Tutzing, Germany and experienced professor of spirituality and theology, Perspectives on the Rule of Saint Benedict: Expanding Our Hearts in Christ is a blend of scholarly scrutiny and Benedictine love in examining the Rule of Saint Benedict, specifically vv. 1-4, 45-50 of the prologue and chapters 72, 73, 58, and 53. Line by line, the ancient text is scrutinized from both past and contemporary viewpoints, while never losing sight of the christological nature of the Rule itself. Researched in depth and heavily annotated, Perspectives on the Rule of Saint Benedict is methodical in its dissection of intent word by word as it is passionate about the needs of the spirit. A deeply theological and worshipful treatise.

The reader must be interested in a) The Benedictine Rule and b) interpreting and applying The Rule in a contemporary and non-monastic setting for this to be useful. But, given those criteria, it will be useful to readers who have been serious about their faith journey for some time. There is a workbook by the same author that I found to be slightly more helpful.

This is a wonderful way to study Benedict's Rule and learn to apply it to today's modern and complex lifestyle. Ms. Vest is able to look beyond the ancient text and pull forth the wisdom of Benedict, making it alive and vital for today's Christian. A definite read for the person interested in achieving a balanced and Christian life.

Though targeted for an audience of Benedictine oblates, or lay associates of Benedictine monasteries, _Preferring Christ_ will find a welcome among any serious seeker on the spiritual journey.

Written 1500+ years ago, Benedict's Rule is still a fresh commentary on the applied Gospel and Christian living. Because of its monastic context, the Rule is often bypased by all but the most intense disciples. Vest has written a beautiful, practical commentary on the Rule that can be applied by anyone looking to live the Good News. Herself an oblate, Vest comments not out of theorhetical platitude, but out of lived experience.

The book is laid out with the text of the rule, commentary, and space for the individual to write their own reflections. (The text of the Rule is a relatively new translation by Dom Luke Dysinger, O.S.B)

Rosary Chain of Hope is a beautiful little book with prayers for all of the mysteries along with the history of how the rosary evolved. Perfect gift for someone with deep Marian devotion.

This is the most amazing book I've ever read. I received one as a gift and have since bought additional books because I keep giving mine to others. Everyone whose read it has the same reaction. It's so well written and gives you a beautiful understanding of the mysteries of the rosary. It makes a perfect gift for a religous teacher or anyone interested in learning more about the rosary.

This book contains a prayer and an approximately page-long reflection on each mystery of the rosary (including the luminous ones), and also a coulour painting for each one. There is also the full text of the apostolic letter "Rosarium Virginis Mariae." The reflections are good, and the Pope's letter is interesting, but I was looking for something with a bit more instruction on the rosary, as I feel there's more for me to learn about it. This is a fine book for someone who is familiar with the rosary, looking for new prayers or meditations, but it's not really the best introduction to the rosary.

This is an excellent, essential and almost complete introduction to the basic Rosicrucian literature of the Seventeenth century. Its merit lies in the selection of tracts included, however, and not on the critical apparatus contained therein.

Editor Williamson's introduction is simplistic and unhelpful, apart from giving the reader a basic chronology of the publication history of the manifestos. Williamson appears unaware of the recent research by Carlos Gilly, et al. that illuminates the status of some of these reprints as pirated editions, etc.

The book then goes on to include: The entirety of Thomas Vaughan's 17th century marginalia to the English 1652 edition of the manifestos, followed by; the first & second prefaces to the Fama Fraternitatis from the Kassel 1614 & 1615 editions; Traiano Boccalini's brilliant satire 'The General Reformation' which was published in the editio princeps of the Fama; the Fama itself; The Confessio and its preface; and lastly, the Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz, anno 1459 (Foxcroft's 1690 translation, with the marginalia deleted). An extensive selection: the only major missing texts are Phillipo a Gabella's 'Brief Consideration' and Haslmayr's 'Antwort'; both of which are important peripheral pieces.

This particular edition is of usefulness because of the inclusion of some helpful annotations (although these are largely copied from F.N. Pryce's edition of the _Fame & Confession_), and the inclusion of the entire Boccalini extract (previously only available in a truncated form in Waite's _Real History of the Rosicrucians_).

My recommendation, however, is that this text is read in conjunction with F.N. Pryce's earlier work. Pryce's extensive critical introduction and annotations are far more useful than Williamson's clipped commentary, and each volume contains source materials not found in the other. As always, both books should be consulted in conjunction with more modern, and careful, scholarship: particularly of that of German scholar Carlos Gilly.

I've given this book a five star rating because it is very well produced. I
can't say I really liked the contents, though. It has the original
Rosicrucian tracts, which seem to basically say that they think people
aught to follow the teachings of Jesus (a fine idea). The first publication
was accompanied by a spoof called "The General Reformation" translated from
some Italian work, which implies that the whole suggestion of a brotherhood
is a farce. To make matters more absurd, the first English publication was
accompanied by a alchemical work (which is absolutely dreadful) -- this has
an amazing amount of obsfucation just to hide the fact the author (Thomas
Vaughn) didn't know anything. Likewise, at the end of the volume is
another alchemical 'allegory' which is utter dreck, but is assigned to the
Rosicrucians. According to the editor of this book, Williamson, this last
work was even admitted by the author as being something to see how
gullible people were (very, based on a brief search on the internet). Again,
the book is very well done, and the editor has a nice introduction and some
good footnotes (I wonder what his opinions on the Rosicrucians are -- he
remains carefully neutral).

This book contains the three major original Rosicrucian works, Fama Fraternitias, Confessio Fraternitias, and The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz, along with a few other short historical pieces. I knew that these were available in places on the internet, but this book was really worth the price because of Williamson's amazing editing job. He went back to the original texts and compiled the most authoritative edition in years. He added historical footnotes, references, and even translated the greek and latin parts of the text. He also placed the works into their historical context by adding easy-to-read introductions. All of the original graphics from the Chymical Weddiing are included, so you get a bit of the RCs symbology. These stories are much clearer, cleaner, and more complete than any version I've seen anywhere.

If you are interested in Rosicrucianism, put down all those modern New Age books written by people who don't know what they are talking about, and read these stories, which are the only ones known to have been written by the original Rosicrucians themselves.

While the historical context that is so lucidly described in the introduction to this translation is fascinating in itself, the rule resonates with a disciplined approach to spiritual development in a communal setting. Placed in an appropriate historical context the "rule" is remarkable for its attention to physical and spiritual detail in the structured life of a monastery. Anyone interested in monasticsm or church history will be well rewarded by reading this.

Benedict, having dropped out of university because he viewed the life there as degenerated, goes into the bush and makes his abode in a crack in the side of a mountain. Upon coming out he writes the moral code for the next 1,400 years! This is that code or set of rules.

Some of the book is dry - namely the end of it which goes over seating arangements for meals and other architectural details but the historical end of it is interesting and so are his guidelines for clean living in a monastic setting (which one can employ almost anywhere with the right focus).

The Rule of St. Benedict is in and of itself a fairly short book, fewer than 100 pages. It is a good example of the statement, 'good things come in small packages'. This volume, translated and with an introduction by Anthony Meisel and M.L. del Mastro, presents an historical context as well as their own translation of the Latin text of the Rule. The thirty-page introduction discusses the biography of St. Benedict, the formation of the rule, and the way it has been passed down through the ages in monastic community.

Benedict was fully aware of human frailty, as true 1500 years ago as it is today. This frailty requires much to be done to give the person strength, and so Benedict's Rule is designed for an ever-increasing self-discipline which is supported by community worship and practice.

Benedict's Rule for life includes worship, work, study, prayer, and relaxation. Benedict's Rule requires community -- even for those who become hermits or solitaries, there is a link to the community through worship and through the Rule. No one is alone. This is an important part of the relationship of God to the world, so it is an integral part of the Rule.

Benedict's Rule was set out first in a world that was torn with warfare, economic and political upheaval, and a generally harsh physical environment. This Rule was set out to bring order to a general chaos in which people lived. This is still true today, and men and women all over the world use Benedict's 'little rule for beginners' as a basic structure for their lives.

The first word of the rule is Listen. This is perhaps the best advice for anyone looking for any guidance or rule of life. While Benedict's Rule is decidedly Christocentric and hierarchical (though not as hierarchical as much popular ideas about monastic practice would have one think), it nonetheless can give value to any reader who is looking to construct a practice for oneself.

Benedict's establishment of a monastery was in fact the establishment of a school for spirituality. In his prologue to the Rule, Benedict even states this as his intention. 'In drawing up its regulations, we hope to set down nothing harsh, nothing burdensome.' He sets forth in this brief rule a guide to individual life within community that will bring one ever closer to the divine.

Benedict explores the issues of charity, personality, integrity, and spirituality in all of his rules. From the clothing to the prayer cycle to the reception of guests, all have a purpose that fits into a larger whole, and all have positive charges and negative warnings. Benedict is especially mindful of the sin of pride, be it pride of possession, pride of person, pride of place -- he strives for equality in the community (as a recognition that all are equal before God).

Hundreds of thousands of pages have been written over the last millenium and a half on the Rule of St. Benedict, but it all comes down to this brief collection, which can be read easily in an hour, yet takes a lifetime (or perhaps more!) to master.

Open it for yourself to see what riches it may hold for you.

This particular text ends with a good list of selected readings, a bit lacking for the latest of publications, but with 1500 years worth of texts from which to choose, there are plenty of selections worthwhile. There is also a composite plan of a medieval monastery -- this is not a master plan; indeed, all monasteries vary from each other in certain aspects, so this is a general idea.