Customer Reviews

Four Ways of Holiness for the Universal Church: Drawn from the Monastic Tradition (Monastic Wisdom)

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Francis Kline's book was published in October of 2007 a year after his untimely death. I only know of Francis Kline via a CD of organ music which he recorded in 2003 in the Abbey Church of Mepkin Abbey, South Carolina where he was third abbot of Mepkin Abbey. In addition, I read his book on Monasticism Being Loosed in the Church which was intriguing in its use of metaphor. The present book on 4 ways to holiness is a "must" read for those who want practical exposure on how to become a "living sacrifice" as Paul teaches in the 12th chapter of the Roman letter. Kline draws on his extensive practice of lectio as a Cistercian monk for over 30 years. Each of the chapters (Conversion, Suffering, Desire, and Unity) are soundly based in his reflection upon numerous passages of scripture especially those of the Gospels. The chapter on Suffering is actually an autobiographical essay on Abbot Kline's battle with cancer over a period of several years. This second chapter alone is worth the purchase of the book. Keen insights are given into the struggles of hospital stays and treatments along with trying to maintain his calling as a monk in the midst of it all. His essay on "conversion" (first chapter) is one of a daily conversion of life in the confines of routine work and a daily regimen of prayer lived out in community and in the presence of the God of the Bible. The third chapter investigates "Desire" as a call to give all to God through His Son Jesus as one becomes poured out as a fragrance and offering in service to others. The opening of chapter 5 of the Ephesian letter best describes the substance of the essay on Desire. "Therefore brothers, be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a sacrifice and fragrant offering to God."
The final essay develops the concept of a Christian's Unity being found, formed and ultimately transformed into the image of the Son of God through the Spirit of Jesus who was sent on Pentecost.

I am surprised there has not already been a review of this short book since its publication in 2007. I would hope that my feeble attempt will flush out others who will write a more scholarly and perhaps indepth review of what I see as an excellent resource for spiritual reading. Four Ways to Holiness for the Universal Church by Francis Kline will definitely be on my "reread" list in the very near future.

Ronald Davis

Abbot Kline's final tribute to love, life, monasticism and his incredible passion into pain, suffering and life with cancer. A most humble and beautifully written tribute to his brothers, his God and his unfailing belief in the rightness of all things. This brilliantly talented, gifted child of God lived for his God and in total submission and love. The joy of his life and monasticism is strongly evident. A most blessed read.

This is a good book on the place of monasticism in our world, and especially in the Church, on how monasticism can bring new life to the Roman Catholic Church. The 4 ways are Conversion, Suffering, Desire and Unity. The chapter on Suffering is very special as Abbot Francis wrote it when he was struggling against acute leukemia. In the Afterword, writer Michael Downey, very close friend to Mepkin Abbey, shares about Francis' life.