Customer Reviews

Preferring Christ : a Devotional Commentary and Workbook on the Rule of St. Benedict

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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)

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.

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.

This book is good for many reasons. One is that (unlike the other books about Benedictine life and even the rule), the actual text of the Rule of St Benedict is included. But unlike a book that includes only the Rule, this book help folks understand and interact with it. The commentary demystifies the cultural aspects of it. And, as Benedictine values tell us, reading it would not be enough, so we are invited to reflect on it. In Norvene's reflection, she is disarmingly honest which is delightful and down-to-earth just as St. Benedict was.
Preferring Christ is important in the Benedictine body of literature. Appropriately, it flows not only out of an oblate in a Benedictine community, but is contributed to (translation and so on) by the St. Andrews Abbey community. Even its process of writing and publishing was Benedictine!
Jan Johnson, author of When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer [...]

I went through this excellent guidebook, step by step, during a full year of spiritual formation in preparing to become a Benedictine oblate. Vest has a pastoral, compassionate heart in leading others. This book presents "The Rule of St. Benedict", including the English text, Vest's commentary on that passage, her personal reflections as a spiritual guide for others, and a place for your own personal response and prayer. It was in this section where this book came alive, as I wrestled with the implications of that chapter for my life and the life of those within my circle of community. Vest writes for spiritual pilgrims, sojourners, for all those who understand the spiritual life as a journey. I've given this book to others who were seeking ancient wisdom for their daily life of faith, hope and love for God. For another book on the journey of faith the Benedictine way, see Ancient Paths: Discover Christian Formation the Benedictine Way