Audiobook2 hours
Holy Rule of St. Benedict
Written by Saint Benedict of Nursia
Narrated by John Polhamus
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
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About this audiobook
St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480 - 583 A.D.) is an important historical figure who gave birth to monasticism in the West and shaped its course. During three years of solitude and meditation in a cave, St. Benedict was sought out by dozens of townsfolk who admired him for his character and piety. To accommodate them, he set up thirteen monasteries, and presided over them as abbot. During this time, he formed his convictions about the ideal monastic life. These convictions are contained in the most influential guide for monastic life ever written, The Holy Rule of St. Benedict. It is written for laymen and emphasizes the value of work, community, simplicity, obedience, moderation, and prayer.
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Reviews for Holy Rule of St. Benedict
Rating: 3.928853784980237 out of 5 stars
4/5
253 ratings11 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I gave it 3 stars to balance my two different opinions of this book. It's excellent as a reflection of that time in history and (to a lesser extent) of contemporary monastic culture. As a read in general, though, it was hard to get into and through. Admittedly not my normal fair, so take my review in that vein.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Full of common sense and just as applicable to life now as it was hundreds of years ago.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Really good reading.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A 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
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5An interesting book with some usefulness for practical spirituality. For the most part this work concerns monasticism and directions for community life so some familiarity with the Benedictines/Cistercians/Trappists would be helpful before reading.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This 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 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.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A venerable organization manual and employee's handbook that has been useful for fifteen centuries.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wore out but wonderful still
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I would also recommend Joan Chittiser's books on The Rule; Wisdom from the Daily is a very practical application. The Benedictine life is a way to live spiritually in the modern world, with prayer, hospitality and work as the anchor in chaos whether you are an oblate, in an abbey or just wish to live a more contemplative life.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Important book in the history of the priesthood, most especially the Dominicans.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Full of common sense and just as applicable to life now as it was hundreds of years ago.