The Rule of Saint Benedict: A Contemporary Paraphrase (Paraclete Essentials) [Paperback]

St. Benedict of Nursia (Author), Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2012 | Series: Paraclete Essentials

Listen, my child. I want you to put the ear of your heart to the solid ground of the master’s wisdom (what I received, I’m passing on to you). It’s advice from a spiritual father who loves you—the sort of counsel you receive by letting it shape your whole life. Listening is hard work, but it’s the essential work. It opens us up to the God we’ve rejected by only listening to ourselves. If you’re ready to give up your addiction to yourself, this message is for you: to listen is to equip yourself with the best resources available to serve the real Master, Christ the Lord.

 

So begins the famous opening paragraph of Benedict’s Rule in Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove’s vital, new, contemporary paraphrase. The entire text of the Rule is here plus a lengthy introduction from Jonathan, and detailed explanatory notes throughout that explain difficult passages.

            The result is a classic re-introduced that will enliven any 21st century expression of religious community.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

St. Benedict of Nursia (ca. 480-547) is considered the founder of Western monasticism.

 

Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove is a leader of the new monastic movement and co-founded the Rutba House community in Durham, North Carolina. An associate minister at St. John’s Baptist Church in Durham, he also directs the School for Conversion, a partnership among new monastic communities for alternative theological education. His other books include Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers, New Monasticism, and God’s Economy.  

 

Product Details

• Paperback: 116 pages
• Publisher: Paraclete Press (June 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557259739
• ISBN-13: 978-1557259738
• Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 5.4 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #130,137 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Monasticism

More About the Author

Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove is a celebrated spiritual author and sought-after speaker. A native of North Carolina, he is a graduate of Eastern University and Duke Divinity School.

In 2003, Jonathan and his wife Leah founded the Rutba House, a house of hospitality where the formerly homeless are welcomed into a community that eats, prays, and shares life together. Jonathan directs the School for Conversion, an organization that has grown out of the life of Rutba House to pursue beloved community with kids in their neighborhood, through classes in North Carolina prisons, and in community-based education around the country. He is also an Associate Minister at the historically black St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church.

Jonathan is a co-complier of the celebrated Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals, and is the author of several books on Christian spirituality, including The Awakening of Hope, The Wisdom of Stability, and The New Monasticism.

An evangelical Christian who connects with the broad spiritual tradition and its monastic witnesses, Jonathan is a leader in the New Monasticism movement. He speaks often about emerging Christianity to churches and conferences across the denominational spectrum and has given lectures at dozens of universities, including Calvin College, Bethel University, Duke University, Swarthmore College, St. John's University, DePaul University, and Baylor University.

Connect with Jonathan at www.jonathanwilsonhartgrove.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Faithful and Fresh! June 7, 2012

By Jeffrey Borden VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

The Rule of Saint Benedict: A Contemporary Translation

By St. Benedict of Nursia / Paraphrase and Introduction by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

I am enjoying this latest translation of Benedict's Rule from Paraclete Press and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove very, very much. As I have been working through it, I have made repeated comparisons with my dog-eared copy of The Rule of Saint Benedict edited by Timothy Fry, O.S.B. I am finding that I enjoy this fresh perspective of the Rule interpreted through the eyes and experience of Wilson-Hartgrove immensely; so much, that I have taken to reading the Rule aloud to my family as a part of our morning devotional time. There are a couple of reasons for this, not the least of which is the contemporary vernacular and application that Jonathan applies (which still remains relatively faithful to the Rule as edited by Timothy Fry--in my opinion).

One of the reasons I like reading it aloud to my family is that I feel this interpretation is more applicable to the context of their present lives. I respect and practice a form of Benedict's Rule in my life and have now for a few years. My family has not always understood this, but respect my practices. The Rule, in its original language and even subsequent interpretation by Timothy Fry is still more amenable to a true monastic lifestyle--hard to make the jump to "everyday" societal living. The experience of Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and his intentional community of Rutba House, bring monastic living and everyday society a little closer together. I sense this connection as I read through this paraphrase and I think my family, who has little connection to or affinity for the monastic life, will realize it as well.

I also appreciate the side bar commentaries interspersed throughout the book. Jonathan shares personal experience from the Rutba Community and practical interpretation of the Rule, which help to bridge some elements of the monastic life to the everyday life of community outside of the monastery.

Personally, I think this is an excellent addition to my library of resources concerning The Rule of St. Benedict. I believe it would serve well the person who is just introduced to the Rule and I believe it might help to give fresh insight to others who are in need of a perspective that extends beyond the walls of the monastery. As I have mentioned, I feel like this paraphrase is faithful to the spirit of Benedict's Rule, at least the modern translations, and it will be an asset to most anyone who decides to listen to the ancient and timeless wisdom it shares from the Way of Jesus. Thank you Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and thank you Paraclete Press.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A good paraphrase for this era January 5, 2013

By D. C. Smith

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This paraphrase is really easy and enjoyable. The author does take wide liberties to modernize and mold this Classic to meet the needs/beliefs of 21st Century Christians. Since the author is clear that this is his intent,that's ok. It does, however, greatly move away from this 6th Century classic that has been the foundation for monastic life in Western Christianity.

The author is a Baptist preacher living in an intentional community. He clearly is a dedicated Christian. It is very nice to see that efforts such as this modern paraphrase of the Rule of St. Benedict are working to bridge the unfortunate divisions in the Church. The spirit behind this book should serve as an inspiration to us all.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rule of Saint Benedict February 8, 2013

By K. Polansky

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

One uses a guide book to travel. The rule of Benedict is an excellent guide book for living! Very practical and sound advice.