Customer Reviews

The Rule of Benedict (Penguin Classics)

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The Rule of St. Benedict is an excellent, quick read that helps the reader understand the aims and mindset of early Christian monks. Writing in the 6th century AD, St. Benedict laid down a short set of guidelines and rules for those entering or already in monasteries. One gets the distinct impression from reading his Rule that Benedict was a devout yet practical man, sincerely interested in both maintaining discipline and helping his brothers grow. The guidelines he lays down--from the rotation of Psalms to be sung throughout the week to selection of readers during mealtime--are never arbitrary and always supported by either practical experience or principle from the scriptures.

The Rule is very short--just over 100 pages in this edition--divided into 73 chapters, many of which are only one paragraph long. Each deals with some topic of monastic life, whether it be clothing, the various daily services, provision for the sick or elderly, appointment of priors and gatekeepers, work, food, singing, talking, sleeping, and how much a monk should be allowed to drink.

Carolinne White's new translation reads clearly and at a brisk pace, making a potentially dull excursion into monasticism (itself not usually a very thrilling subject) into an illuminating and enjoyable experience. Included are an introduction and endnotes, both of which are informative but probably unnecessary to anyone already familiar with Christianity in general and monasticism in particular. The notes do help explain a few textual issues, such as unusual or untranslatable terms, though a note on "inclusive language" tacked onto the end of the introduction comes across as silly.

Overall, this is a good read for anyone interested in history, Christianity, monastic life, or simply the pursuit of holiness.

Recommended.

Few books have been more influential to the faith of Christians over the centuries than this one. The reasons are clear upon reading it: St. Benedict calls for a shared life of prayer and service to Christ that is very compelling. It is demanding without being extreme. It is personal without being individualistic. It is communal without being institutional. It is a manifesto of faith like few others.

This particular ebook is well designed for reading, navigation, use of footnotes, etc. Well worth spending the few extra dollars.