Customer Reviews

The Lessons of Saint Francis: A Monk's Guide to Daily Life

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This was simply an excellent book. No other way to put it, really. This book got so far down into me that I felt more aware, more present, more spiritually attuned during the entire time I was reading it. It spoke to me in a quiet and humble way...the way I seem to hear the best. Though I'm not Catholic, I am moved and inspired by the life of St. Francis, and his life is worthy of many books. I have to agree with another reviewer, though. I'm somewhat disappointed that this great man is seen mainly as a "Catholic"...I think if we can take the labels off of some things (and people) others might dare to venture into something they wouldn't have ordinarly. I'm a Christian, but I don't hear much about the life of St. Francis or his teachings from the pulpit of my non-denominational church. Yet I can't help but feel that the messages of this book and the lessons of St. Francis (who sought to be like Christ in every way) could seriously benefit today's Christians, if we open our minds and hearts. This is the kind of book that causes us to examine the kind of religion and Christianity we say we are pursuing. We say we don't love money, but I'm convinced that we work overtime trying to balance our love of God with our love of money. I'm not an extremist, and I'm not saying we've got to give up everything. But the kind of Christianity that promotes "believing God for a Lexus" while our brother goes hungry makes no sense to me whatsoever. I think we have a HUGE responsibility as Christians, and this little book really brought that (and so much more) to life for me.

Talbot does it again. What he has done in his music for so long, he does in this book: give a lucid expression of the Catholic, specifically Franciscan, life in a way that all seekers of simplicity can be encouraged by. A treasure of practical spirituality!

A down-to-earth book that explains in simple, meaningful and practical terms what it means to cultivate these virtues in our life: Simplicity, Joy, Solitude, Humility, Creativity, Chastity, Community, Compassion, Creation, Service, Peace and Prayer.

For example, practical tips in the chapter on Humility include: "When you are around other people, do you insist on promoting your opinions, driving home your points, and being the last one to talk on an issue? Or are you content to let others have their say without any commentary or criticism from you?"

For deeper impact, try reading this book and listening to the songs in JMT's Wisdom CD (ASIN: B00005OACU) alternately. Be patient and the music in the latter will grow on you. The messages in the songs such as Wisdom, Humility, Discipline (The Easy Yoke), Prayer and The Cross Is Foolishness also dovetail beautifully with the messages in the book.

A gentle compendium on bringing the Franciscan lifestyle into your world, this book will help you express the simplicity and faith of Francis in your personal life. For anyone who has "always loved St. Francis".

This is a wonderful book...very easy to read and quite helpful. If you want to learn how to live the Christian life; read this book and begin your journey.

I became a Roman Catholic 30 years ago and received instruction form a Capuchin Franciscan who lived this philsophy to the fullest. Now, years later, I am so grateful that I read this book for it reminded me that a simple life often leads to a rich complex faith - this came to me at just the right time and is so timely for others who are caught up in our consumer-driven culture... Savor the thoughts contained in this book. You will want to own this book and re-read it from time to time....

John-Michael Talbot manages to crystallise essential of Franciscan spirituality in a manner which makes it appealing and accessible for those in any state of life. Of particular note are his words about prayer, the practise of virtue, discretion and charity in dealing with others, and maintaining integrity without letting one's zeal exceed one's prudence.

Do not hesitate to purchase this book! A wonderful reflection on the lessons left to us by the life of St. Francis and how to apply them in our daily lives. One need not enter a monastery to enjoy the applications in this book. As a suggestion, this book is especially wonderful when read with one of the author's CDs playing in the background. Some good ones available from Amazon.com.

I love this book...it is full of usefull tips and ideas...if you are just open to them...it was life changing for me...and still is 5 years after I bought it at Little Portion.

John Michael Talbot captures the essense of Franciscan spirituality in this delightful book. Talbot maintains a deceptively simple writing style while drawing his reader in to savor the depth and breadth of Saint Francis' life and values.