Customer Reviews

Finding the Monk Within: Great Monastic Values for Today

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This book is absolutely wonderful. The title caught my attention, and I hoped that the book would answer some of my questions about living a more contemplative life. A mixture of textbook and spiritual guide, this is a must read for ministers of any kind, and for those wishing to balance life in today's culture with a very prayerful interior life. I find that I am carrying the book around with me even though I've finished reading it, and have begun reading it again after only about a week. Very simply, I highly recommend this book!

Ed Sellner is a popular writer on Celtic Christianity and spirituality. His many books are thoroughly researched, a joy to read, and wonderfully presented. "Finding the Monk Within", was published in 2008, and like Mr. Sellner's other books, it does not disappoint. "Finding the Monk Within" demonstrates the enduring value of monasticism and how the monastic model can bring needed life and deep change to the Christian community. The book examines how "monastic values" have helped shape many of the great church leaders, movements in the history of the church, and can shape the reader as well.

Sellner argues that we live in a culture which works against silence, relfection, and inner wisdom. The endless cultural stress on shopping and consumerism, mask a deep loneliness and emptiness. Monasticism, and specifically, many monastic practices, can help one to develop a rich spiritual inner life. However, one does not have to join a monastery to learn these principles. Instead, all we have to do is look to the past where certain monastic figures had a different approach to life, a different perspective, and a different set of values from mainstream culture. In this way, the saints of old can be important role models for us today.

Sellner offers an impressive lineup of personalities who can teach us great monastic values. Athanasius teaches the values of sharing stories, and that one does not have to be a monk to live a significant life. Antony of Egypt emphasises the value of silence and solitude, and how these can foster discernment. Hilary of Portiers and Martin of Tours remind us of the value of faith, and its communal dimension. Augustine and Monica teach us of the importance of friendship, and that God can reveal Himself in our passions. From Jerome, Paula, and Eustochium, we learn of the need for qualified spiritual mentors and guides. And from John Cassian and the Desert Elders, we learn the importance of confession and sharing our secrets. Brigid of Kildare teaches us to have compassion in our ministries. Gregory the Great, Benedict and Scholastica, remind of us of integrating contemplation in our daily lives. Bernard of Clairvaux recommends that we reflect on our personal experiences, using the book of our lives, and book of our hearts.

"Finding the Monk Within" is a book that deserves to be read by many for both its timely message and simple practicality. Looking to great spiritual leaders of the past, the book actually points a way forward. Want to learn how others have tried to develop a deeper and more authentic spirituality? If so, this then is the book for you. In addition, Celtic readers will enjoy reading the section on Bridgit of Kildare, and her forward looking efforts to bring about double monasteries for both sexes. The book offers a hopeful message which challenges the monk in each of us to work on our inner life, and to develop an asceticm rooted in loving.

FINDING THE MONK WITHIN - is an excellent read. For anyone wishing to get a good understanding of the history of monasticism, this book is for you. It is an interesting and easy read. I loved every minute of this book. Pam Nashville, TN

An entertaining and well researched history of Western Monasticism traced though the spiritualities and personalities of its leading figures. On a minor discordant note: Be prepared for some preachy interludes about empowering the laity, including (and ordaining?) women in church leadership and a puzzling if only passsing reference to the Islamic world's justified suspicions of Christianity due to Bernard of Clairvaux's preaching the Second Crusade.
The book does not describe modified monastic practices for the modern person living outside a monastery, but rather a spirituality for engaging the world.