In "Wisdom Distilled from the Daily", Joan Chittister modernizes the Rule of Saint Benedict and applies it to modern living.Each chapter covers a different aspect of the Rule, including such topics as prayer,work, mindfulness, hospitality, peace, and listening.Her stories fromthe desert sages are wonderful and extremely funny, and several of herinsights are insightful and very helpful.I found the chapter on obediencein particular to be one of the most pithy, eloquent, and well-writtensummaries on such a loaded topic that I have ever encountered.One cantell that she is a clinical psychologist from that chapter!
The onlycriticisms I have are that the content is definitely dated:many of herspecific images no longer apply, especially in world politics, her languageis occasionally didactic and flat."Prayer is not magic.Prayer isnot..." and so on.Also, a minor linguistic point:she tends tostart each chapter with an image, relate the image to the topic, discussthe topic, and then return to the image. This is fine for occasional use,but grates on repetition.Also, those not familiar with Christianity,especially with monastic communities might want to do some backgroundreading first, as some of the images are quite specific.Overall, a veryinteresting discussion on how to apply the Rule of St. Benedict to today'sworld.
Product Description
Wise and enduring spiritual guidelines for everyday living -- as relevant today as when The Rule was originally conceived by St. Benedict in fifth century Rome.
From the Publisher
An examination of how the Rule of St. Benedict is still a relevant model for contemporary spiritual growth and connecting with God, with others, and with the inner self.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today (Paperback)
No comments:
Post a Comment