11. St. Gregory the Great, Pastoral Care (Ancient Christian Writers) [Hardcover]

Henry Davis (Translator)

Book Description

Series: Ancient Christian Writers | Publication Date: January 1, 1978

St. Gregory deals with the great responsibility of the episcopal office and its onerous nature.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (January 1, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080910251X
• ISBN-13: 978-0809102518
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #437,514 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Classic Manual for all Ministers' Souls, May 8, 2001

By 

Gayll "Lifelong Learner" (Cupertino, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 11. St. Gregory the Great, Pastoral Care (Ancient Christian Writers) (Hardcover)

Until the 20th Century, it was custormary for all newly elected bishops to receive a copy of this book, not merely as a manual of care for their flock, but as a challenge to maintain their own integrity of soul, their first love, in the pressures and temptations of ministry and its attendant power. The sad trend of financial, sexual, and other scandals that have rocked every denomination in the last 20 years could be reversed by returning to the "ancient wisdom" of requiring all ministers to read and re-read this wonderful book. Maybe you have a pastor, priest, or other spiritual leader in your life who could use a little encouragement and wisdom about "taking the plank" out of his/her own eye while they help their flock attend to the "specks"? You won't regret the price or time spent on this classic.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A scholarly translation of an excellent work., July 26, 2000

By 

David Zampino "21st Century Hobbit" (Delavan, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 11. St. Gregory the Great, Pastoral Care (Ancient Christian Writers) (Hardcover)

CAUTION ALL CLERGY:

This book will make you completely aware of your own inadequacies! It will also inspire you, and demonstrate your need to rely on Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest for your strength.

I read this book in seminary -- not as a class resource or as an academic exercise, but in chapel as a spiritual discipline. It made a profound impact on my life, and has, I hope, made me a better priest.

I highly recommend it to members of the clergy or to lay leaders of any denomination.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A challenge and an opportunity. . ., September 27, 2001

By 

Peter Abelard (11th century Paris, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 11. St. Gregory the Great, Pastoral Care (Ancient Christian Writers) (Hardcover)

. . .for any and all members of the clergy -- regardless of their denominational affiliation.

Over the last quarter-century or so, it seems like one cannot pick up a newspaper without reading about yet another scandal by yet another member of the clergy. I firmly believe that if upon ordination/licensing, etc., the new clergyman would read this book and take it to heart, much trouble could be avoided.

Gregory the Great did not seek to become the Bishop of Rome. He did not want the post, nor did he feel himself worthy for the honor. This book was written partly as an apology as to why he did not wish for the honor -- and partly as an instruction manual as to how the clergy should behave, and how they should counsel and treat those who are in sin and/or who come to him for guidance.

Although, due to human sinfulness, the Church no longer speaks with a united voice, Christians of all backgrounds and faiths would benefit from this book. I cannot recommend this volume highly enough.