Customer Reviews

Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This little book is, I think, a small miracle. St. Benedict (480 - 543), really the designer of monasticism as it existed in the Western World, wrote his Rule to guide monks through a life of discipline to spiritual realization. There's a great deal of wisdom on that rule, but unfortunately much of it is inaccessable to secular people in the 20th century --- many of us are not strictly Christian these days, most of us not monks or nuns, we live in a much more complex world than existed in the 6th century, etc.

A couple years ago, John McQuiston apparently set out on a search for spiritual principles by which to live in everyday life. He found the Rule of Benedict, and recognizing it's inherent wisdom despite the limitations of its original assumed context. He "translated" the Rule, changing Christian symbols to more universal images, changing allusions to monastic asceticisms to analogous practices possible in the modern secular world. The result is an extremely accessible text that transmits (I think) the core values of St. Benedict's message, values that lead us from a self-centeredness & entrapment in the contingencies of daily life to expansion, clarity, and connection with meaning & Mystery.

The book is small --- each "chapter" really only takes a minute or two to read, so I have been finding it very helpful as a reflection before meditating, before going to bed, etc. I have also been find that these tiny sections reveal more and more upon rereading. I love this book because, on the one hand, it's not "more to read" in the sense of some onerous task, and yet each small investment of time pays richly in inspiring themes on which to reflect for days. It is idea for any busy person in the modern world seeking a life of greater depth and meaning.

This little book can lead people to inspect their lives and try to improve on them. The Rule of Benedict is to be read everyday, a little at a time, and then as the title says, Always We Begin Again. Even the less astute can find thoughts to guide them in dealing with the day to day issues of living.

The book is not meant to be the full Rule of Benedict, but the author has reworded it to fit a busy life that is not cloistered, but one that has to deal with runny noses, car pools, bossy bosses, and impossible clients.

The author also offers some suggestions on using meditation/prayer time in a busy schedule.

While not a detailed examination of the Rule Of ST. Benedict this remains an inspiring little book. I particularly come back often to the chapter entitled "the twelve steps to humility." I understand that the lack of a direct reference to God may put off some and the desire of the author to use this material in a universalist rather than a purely Christian context strays from the original intent there are nonetheless some thoughtful passages that deserve to be read and re-read.

This book consists of a modern paraphrase of the Rule of Benedict. I found it very watered-down. The author equivocates about God (says you can use the Higher Power, the First Cause or whatever makes sense to you), and while there's nothing bad or evil about this, it goes against the spirit of the original text and it certainly dilutes the force of Benedict's argument.

For someone who is familiar with the Rule itself, this paraphrase offers a refreshing new look, but it's no substitute for the real thing. (Probably the author does not mean for it to substitute for the real thing, and it will probably be read by people who will never pick up the real thing -- and there's no harm in that, I admit.) Those who are really curious about the Rule of Benedict should also get one of the widely available editions of that text.

I used to own a bookstore (used/new/a little of everything) and I always kept this book on the shelf. It sold regularly, but I didn't get around to reading it until 3 years after I closed the store. It's full of great reminders, insights, spiritual wisdom. One of those books to keep handy and read a little bit now and then. Definitely a keeper (as opposed to those you can get from the library because you'll only read them once and never have any reason to ever refer to them again!!)

John McQuiston's book, Always We Begin Again, is simple and direct with the heart of St Benedict's message for ALL. It is meant to reach All - maybe especially those who may be uncomfortable with the word "God." But God is there in the pages at every turn. I love the daily meditations. I began at first to read the morning meditation sometime but that increased as I saw the wisdom in the words. It is poetic and humble. The book gives one much to consider in a plain and simple way.

When I am willing to challenge myself to try to deepen my spirituality, I re-read this little book. Confronting the twelve steps to humility is a humbling experience in itself, no matter how often I read them.

This simple book guides one in dealing with life in a deeply spiritual way, and one of the truths I take from a daily reading of the book is to put yesterday behind me, don't bother myself with tomorrow which is obviously not yet here, and instead, focus on today. This is profoundly importaant to my life.

This book was first given to me by my daughter, and I have bought several other copies to give to members of my family.

I will not comment on whether this book truly follows the Benedictine Way. I don't know enough of that "WAY" to be able to speak intelligently about it. I lead a busy life and I do not anticipate that will change any time soon. Therefore, a deep understanding of the Rule of St. Benedict is not an option for me. For this reason, I actually cherish this little book. Perhaps the author has created something unique out of his inspiration from the Rule of St. Benedict. It is that creation that I seek each day since I acquired the book. I keep it in my briefcase and I keep it at my desk at home. I read it in the morning and when I have a moment or two. This book is beautiful in its simplicity. Yet, it is not simplistic in any way.

The size of this "little book" may cause the reader at first to dismiss its importance. It is a volume that one should read and re-read again. Its message, a modern adaptation of very old rules for living, is lively and relevant for today. John McQuiston,II in restating the Rule of St. Benedict in this little book, has opened a pathway to enlightenment and peace for the harried modern. This is truly "soul food".