Rule of the SSJE [Paperback]

The Society of Saint John the Evangelis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1997

Christians of all denominations are looking today to the ancient discipline of a rule of life to strengthen their sense of living in Christ and participating in a wider community. For the first time the brothers of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist are making their rule—completely rewritten and revised—available to the church at large. The book is composed of 49 short chapters that develop classical monastic themes of hospitality, poverty, celibacy, and obedience, exploring what these might mean to men and women living at the end of the millennium. And because this is a modern rule, it provides guidance and reflection in less traditional areas, too—leadership, conflict, the use and abuse of authority, work, the need for rest and silence, vocation, and fellowship with the poor. Therefore it has much to teach Christians in other kinds of communities, including the family, the parish, and the workplace. Concluding chapters give suggestions for meditating on the Rule and for its use as an aid to discernment and spiritual growth for prayer groups and parish life committees.

Editorial Reviews

Review

After eight years of collective effort, the SSJE produced a comprehensive document, solidly scripturally-based, that sets out a bold definition of their current lifestyle. Their Rule is both profound and forthright. . . . Part of the impressive nature of this Rule is the care with which it is crafted and presented. Each sentence carries weight, as the end product of much careful labor and thinking. . . . [The] remarkable concluding section . . . offers six pages of guidance for Christians outside the monastic tradition who may wish to use the Rule in their own personal reflection on the Christian life. . . . (and) gives many recommendations for study and prayer, suggesting specific chapters that may be helpful in discerning one’s own gifts and ministry. (News From Celebration )

Product Details

• Paperback: 123 pages
• Publisher: Cowley Publications (January 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561011320
• ISBN-13: 978-1561011322
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #855,861 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for the members of the Society, But all Christians, April 4, 2000

By 

Mark Taylor (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rule of the SSJE (Paperback)

How do I begin? In this clean and concise volume the entire tapestry of the Society of St. John The Evangelist is unwound for all to see. This monastic group provides and insight to the faith and lives of those men who have devoted their lives to spreading the word of Christ and daily devotions. Each of the chapters in this book can be used for insightful reading and learning about how to approach the spreading of Christ's Love. The book can be used in study groups, as a help to write sermons, and also private study. The Rule can also be used as a starting point on making your walk with Christ more rewarding and focused. I have very much enjoyed this book, and find this `Rule' much more contemporary and understandable than that of Saint Benedict. I highly recommend it to all.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Rule of Life for All, May 19, 2008

By 

Frederic R. Rose "contemplative reader" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rule of the SSJE (Paperback)

This is a great book outlining the rule of life for the Society of St. John the Evangelist, an Episcopal monastic community in Cambridge, MA. Each rule incorporates scriptural quotation from the Gospel According to John, the Beloved Disciple as well as other biblical references. Each brother vows to live a life of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity. Each of those three "life vows" are well-covered, but the Rule covers much more: hospitality, prayer, worship, silence, retreat, etc. There are 49 short 2 page chapters arranged topically. One does not need to be interested in the monastic life to enjoy this book. It's a great text to explore to assist one in looking at life in a contemplative manner. I encourage people interested to visit the Society's website at www.ssje.org, where you can learn more about the society, listen and subscribe to pod casts, and schedule a retreat at either the monastery in Cambridge, MA or at Emery House in West Newbury, MA. I have attended two retreats, and I highly recommend them!