Preferring Christ: A Devotional Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict [Large Print] [Paperback]

Norvene Vest (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2004

The Rule of St. Benedict continues to attract those who seek to live a deeper life, connected to Christ. But with such an ancient text, how can we authentically engage St. Benedict's Rule in a manner that is true to its profound insights-and to our own spiritual journey? Norvene Vest suggests that the answer lies in the way we read the Rule. "It shouldn't be studied like a book of regulations, or a school textbook. It should be read as lectio divina." This profound yet very practical volume speaks to our urgent spiritual need. People yearn for an interior life deeply rooted in God, humanly balanced, and substantially founded in the Christian heritage. Vest offers a valuable resource by rendering much more accessible the spiritual wealth of the key text of the ancient Benedictine charism. Here is the solid, balanced wisdom that has nourished and guided innumerable Christians for nearly fifteen centuries.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Norvene Vest is a spiritual director, author, and workshop leader, especially known for her books on Benedictine spirituality for the common life. She is the author of several other books and the editor of two volumes about spiritual direction, Still Listening, and Tending the Holy, both available from Morehouse Publishing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Morehosue Publishing; large type edition edition (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819219916
• ISBN-13: 978-0819219916
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #402,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #100 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Monasticism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyday Spirituality for Everyone, February 3, 2000

By 

_ "codyu" (GTS-NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preferring Christ : a Devotional Commentary and Workbook on the Rule of St. Benedict (Paperback)

Though targeted for an audience of Benedictine oblates, or lay associates of Benedictine monasteries, _Preferring Christ_ will find a welcome among any serious seeker on the spiritual journey.

Written 1500+ years ago, Benedict's Rule is still a fresh commentary on the applied Gospel and Christian living. Because of its monastic context, the Rule is often bypased by all but the most intense disciples. Vest has written a beautiful, practical commentary on the Rule that can be applied by anyone looking to live the Good News. Herself an oblate, Vest comments not out of theorhetical platitude, but out of lived experience.

The book is laid out with the text of the rule, commentary, and space for the individual to write their own reflections. (The text of the Rule is a relatively new translation by Dom Luke Dysinger, O.S.B)

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful look at Benedictine Spirituality for today., March 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Preferring Christ : a Devotional Commentary and Workbook on the Rule of St. Benedict (Paperback)

This is a wonderful way to study Benedict's Rule and learn to apply it to today's modern and complex lifestyle. Ms. Vest is able to look beyond the ancient text and pull forth the wisdom of Benedict, making it alive and vital for today's Christian. A definite read for the person interested in achieving a balanced and Christian life.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars good, serious devotional book, October 18, 2008

By 

A. W. France "bill france" (Seattle area) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Preferring Christ: A Devotional Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict (Paperback)

The reader must be interested in a) The Benedictine Rule and b) interpreting and applying The Rule in a contemporary and non-monastic setting for this to be useful. But, given those criteria, it will be useful to readers who have been serious about their faith journey for some time. There is a workbook by the same author that I found to be slightly more helpful.