Customer Reviews

Benedict's Way: An Ancient Monk's Insights for a Balanced Life

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Benedict's Way guides the reader easily into understanding God's intentions of our time here on earth. We have created a fast paced lifestyle that is self serving causing much anxiety. This is evident by the ever increaing need for lifestyle managing drugs. Our current society with all its technology and materialism has the highest rates of divorce, depression, sucide, etc., in history. It seems that all this financial wealth has done little to make us truly happy. Is it possible that God in is infinite wisdom understood this and inspired spiritual teachers like Buddha, Mother Terresa, and St. Benedict to teach us how to live?

Pratt and Homan have challenged the reader to look at their own life and reflect on it. For me personally this book has opened my eyes to my own self serving ways. Each chapter is thought provoking and one of my favorites Balance and Celebration caused me to pause and look at how I approach my family time, work time, personal time, spritual time, etc.

The format makes this an easy read with each chapter ending in a reflective prayer. Another great aspect of the book is the suggested reading section that includes web-sites to visit.

This book is a must read for anyone serious about living a simplier spirit filled life.

Of the reviewers posted here, I think I am probably the only one who read Radical Hospitality, the other book by these authors, before reading Benedict's Way. I like Radical Hospitality better if only because it spoke to me about how I need to make some changes in my life. Benedict's Way is a great book for anyone who wants to go a little deeper into benedictine spirituality but isn't much into serious scholarship. My brother is a Benedictine monk and he showed me a review of the book that came out recently. It talked about how this book is written in a simple and direct style but there is an evident scholarship lurking in the backgrounds of the authors. They just don't seem to be showy about it. Which is very good news for the reader who wants depth without pretentiousness. Even if you do read Radical Hospitality first, you'll love this book.

A friend gave me this book and I thought, "Yeah, right another book about me and the monks, like we haven't seen enough of those." But it surprised me. The authors tell funny and moving stories, they write seamlessly and it isn't pious or pushy. Can't say enough about how much I liked their writing. Direct. Unpretentious. Fun to read. No one is trying to impress anyone with this fine little book yet it haunts you. Great reading.

This is not the first thing I have read from Lonni Collins Pratt, but it is my favorite. The simplicity and power with which the book is written is wonderful. It was a breath of fresh air to read a book about monastic spirituality that was down to earth. There was not any fluff. It was truly a wonderful book with powerful applications for modern living.

Many today are discovering the "The Rule of St. Benedict" as a buried treasure, offering wise guidance for non-monastics in the pursuit of spiritual maturity in "the family cloister". Collins Pratt & Homan not only give us the treasure map, but help us dig up the treasure and catalog the wealth of wisdom we've discovered from Benedict. They take us one step further, offering practical insights for daily practice of the spiritual life, personalizing the insights gained from Benedict's "Rule". For another similar book, this one specifically written for parents, take a look into "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home", by David Robinson (New York: Crossroad, May 2000).

I'm new to Benedictine spirituality but am learning to value the simple things. I thought that made this book a good place to start my Benedictine journey. The book challenged my long-held ideas about spirituality and the nature of the universe and I came away feeling good about myself believing that maybe the universe is a good place after all. It helped me. I think that's what I really needed from a book rather than advice on Benedictine spirituality although I'm confident that is also a strength for this book. We all want balance and this really does help.

Benedict's Way is a fresh and practical book, easy to read and hard to put down. I like the way it takes an ancient way of life for monks who shunned the world and turns it into a realistic spiritual guide for twenty-first-century people. It is very well written, historically accurate, personal and inspiring.

The basic truths of St. Benedict are presented with real life examples and applications that touch the soul. As the authors intended, its a spirital retreat at your own convenience and provides simple insights and guidance on how to recenter your life in this all too busy world we live.

I personally know Fr. Dan and can testify that the warmth, compasion, humor and spirital wisdom presented in this book is just a gimpse of the wonderful man of God he is. Enjoy this book and take it to heart as I have.

I am not Catholic, but it doesn't matter. This book is for everyone who is searching for a more sane, balanced life centered around God. The Rule of St. Benedict appeals to both Protestants and Catholics because it is based on the Scriptures and Jesus' example. Benedict's philosophy crosses time and denominations to minister to people in our present time; people really are seeking many of the same things today as they did centuries ago.
I really cannot say enough good things about this little book; it is beautifully written, even charming, yet deep. I am reading it through because I cannot put it down, but I am also rereading chapters again. This is a keeper.

Having gone back to this wonderful book on more than one occasion, it compelled me to proclaim it's abundant worth to the world. For those who have no knowledge of Benedictine Spirituality or monasticism, it is a great way to learn more in an easy to comprehend format. For those people who have visited monasteries, participated in retreats and/or been taught in Benedictine schools, it still speaks very clearly to the more experienced reader. That blanket coverage of a wide spectrum of believers is what makes this effort so special.
I am fortunate to have had some tremendous Benedictine monk friends, and the subjects covered in this book are done so in a way that you want to holler "bullseye" at the conclusion of each chapter. This is truly thought-provoking writing and reflection at it's best. The authors are to be commended for such a concise, yet complete explanation of how St. Benedict (and his rule) is indeed a worthwhile tool, even today.
I would say that with all the hype that surrounds some of the offerings in the world of books, this one has virtually none (hype). However, it delivers ten-fold on what may appear to be a rather simplistic exploration of the structural pillars of Benedictine wisdom and traditions.
To see how we can can increase our stability, be more attuned to humility, become more authentic and disciplined in our faith, while also lessening our need for possessions and conflict...what other priceless virtues can we incorporate in our lives? The answer? There are 2 dozen more wonderful attributes covered in this outstanding gem of a book.
You will most definitely read it once, and undoubtedly again...multiple times. Or, if you are like me, it is a simple treasure to be passed along to a friend in need when the time arises. Upon it's return, the rave reviews continue, cementing your own feelings and helping to soothe the bumpy roads that life lets us travel from time to time. Let this help be your own personal roadmap to a deeper understanding of the time honored monastic communities that thrive today...and all the way back...a millenium and a half ago.
May the Benedictine monastic communities continue to floursih in the world, never letting us lose sight of the tremdously valuable teachings of Saint Benedict!