St. Benedict's Toolbox: The Nuts And Bolts Of Everyday Benedictine Living (Paperback)

by Jane Tomaine (Author)
Key Phrases: peace among all people, holy reading, holy endeavor, Rule of Benedict, Baptismal Covenant, Book of Common Prayer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
When St. Benedict formed his first small community of monks at Monte Cassino on the hilltop, Italy--and much of Europe--was ravaged by war. The Roman Empire was breaking apart, and politics, cultural life, and even the Church, were all in disarray. In the midst of these tumultuous times, Benedict offered his followers a "little rule," a guide about the size of a checkbook, that showed his monks the way to peace as they learned to prefer Christ above all things.

Though it was written nearly 1500 years ago, the Rule of Benedict still offers the practical tools for living a Christ-centered today. Here in St. Benedict’s Toolbox, readers will find a primer on how to use these tools in their own tumultuous lives. Each chapter examines one aspect of the Rule, from ways of praying to ways of embracing humility, and offers suggestions for prayer, reflection, journaling, and action. As they learn to use Benedict’s tools, readers will discover the power--and the timeliness--of this ancient way of life.

About the Author
Jane Tomaine is an Episcopal priest.

Product Details

• Paperback: 206 pages
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing (May 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081922152X
• ISBN-13: 978-0819221520
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #225,167 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #41 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Monasticism
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tools everyone can use..., July 2, 2005

By	LauraMH "LauraMH" (PA, United States) - See all my reviews

Jane Tomaine's Benedictine Toolbox contains tools that everyone can use. Too often books with exercises that purport to be for people living ordinary lives really are geared toward lay semi-monastics. Tomaine's book provides exercises that work for individuals, for groups, as well as for entire parishes, who want to experiment with the ancient Way of St. Benedict in the modern world. The book is accompanied by a useful website that expands the material: http://stbenedictstoolbox.org, and includes some journal forms that can track use of the tools.

A book that is accessible and heartily recommended. Busy people seeking a path to a deeper spiritual life, Benedictine oblates (such as I) and associates particularly will enjoy it.

And Mother Jane answers email!

Pax!

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical wisdom for everyday life, July 22, 2005

By	Benedictine Convent "Sr. Lenora Black, OSB" (Tucson, AZ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book thoroughly lives up to its title. As a practical "how to" manual, it offers an amazing array of tools useful in very ordinary situations. Furthermore, it is firmly based on monastic tradition and excel-lent literature on the Rule of Benedict, as well as Tomaine's own life experience. Her interpretation of Benedictine obedience is a good example of her practical yet deeply spiritual approach: "Obedience is not what we expect from others. Obedience is what we do ourselves for others." Regarding stability she writes: "God in Christ is our Rock and as Christians, we want to put on Christ and become a rock too. We want to have a firm and solid center at the core of our being, so that we can withstand the unpredictability and transience of our world." A good bibliography adds to the value of the book for anyone interested in Benedict's 1500-year old Rule as a resource for living sanely in today's world. Sr. Lenora Black, OSB

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wealth of useful tools, practices, and explanations, ...., June 15, 2006

By	Deanne Gibbs (Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an Oblate of St. Benedict I have read many books on the Rule of Benedict. This is the most useful book on the Rule that I have read in several years. Jane Tomaine helps us understand the Rule of Benedict as it applies to our daily lives in the 21st Century. She begins by relating the Rule of Benedict to a foundation of Christian faith/life... our Baptismal Covenant. Regardless of your specific denomination, age, or faith tradition, you are likely to find a wealth of useful tools, practices, and explanations... of ways to seek (and establish) a fresh, consistent, awareness of God in your everyday life.
While the Rule of Benedict dates back 1500 years, Jane Tomaine makes the wisdom of the Rule of Benedict accessable to every person interested in living a life of faith today. You really can enjoy and use this book without any previous exposure to the Rule of Benedict.