The Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders: Thirty of America's Oldest Monks and Nuns Share Their Lives' Greatest Lessons [Paperback]

Mark W. McGinnis (Author), Joan Chittister (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005

This intimate, vibrant, and deeply moving portrait of monastic life in America today examines the long-debated question of whether the spiritual life can be led in the everyday world or whether it must, in its highest and truest forms, involve an ascetic life of renunciation, stern discipline, and celibacy. Thirty elders of the Benedictine Order share their touching and thought-provoking life stories, from the everyday rhythm and ritual of prayer and work, solitude and community, sanctity and humor, to the most challenging moments of questioning, uncertainty, and tribulation, but also to moments of infinite inner peace and mystical joy. Part graceful memoir, part sacred legacy, this book offers an inspirational journey into the hearts, minds, and souls of 30 exceptional men and women.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As Joan Chittister suggests in the powerful foreword to this book, our postmodern culture does not listen closely enough to what elderly people have to say. Yet what wisdom abounds in their experiences, argues writer and artist McGinnis in this collection of conversations with 30 elders of the Benedictine Order, all born between 1901 and 1925. McGinnis succeeds at capturing the sagacity these religious have acquired in their cloistered world of prayer and work. Although some of the testimonies don't translate into lucid prose, the lives of these monks and nuns provide a fascinating view into a different age, one less encumbered by e-mail, instant messaging and cell phones. Despite the sometimes awkward writing and poor syntax, the stories keep the reader engaged, especially when the elders discuss the spiritual significance of The Rule of Benedict, a timeless document from the sixth century C.E., or concentrate on a specific teaching of Benedict of Nursia, like the importance of hospitality. The stronger accounts require less effort to decode a lesson, like Fr. Stanislaus Maudlin's tale about saying yes to God, but all of them tell intriguing tales of personal joys, regrets and hopes. McGinnis complements the stories with detailed descriptions of the abbeys and monasteries and vivid portraits of the elders. (June)
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Review

"A beautiful book. Anyone who gazes upon the faces will appreciate the wisdom that is imparted by [the] elders." -- Brother Benet Tvedten, author, The View from a Monastery

"The wisdom passed on to us is a call to ...be the awake, compassionate human being that God [wants]." -- James Finley, author, Christian Meditation

"This book is a tool for...pondering what our elders would have us hear...a gift from heart to heart." -- Laura Swan, author, The Forgotten Desert Mothers

"This book sets out to tap the roots of [The Rule of Benedict] wisdom." -- Joan Chittister, from the foreword

"[The subjects] speak...with a clarity and an insight which will delight readers and...encourage and inspire." -- Esther De Waal, author, Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Bluebridge (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974240532
• ISBN-13: 978-0974240534
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,119,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars U.S. Benedictine Elders, January 24, 2006

By 

Benet Exton "Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B." (Shawnee, OK, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders: Thirty of America's Oldest Monks and Nuns Share Their Lives' Greatest Lessons (Paperback)

This is a very interesting book of 30 elder Benedictine men and women. I knew one of these when I was going to college at his monastery. The interviews are realistic and to the point. The Benedictines tell it as it is or was. One down side of this book is that it only interviewed one brother. For some reason an elder from my monastery was not interviewed, but that is okay. The ones interviewed from other monasteries are great representatives of the Benedictines. If you want to learn some personal Benedictine history read this book. The author, a Benedictine Oblate, has done a great service to us Benedictines. This book is highly recommended. The art work is great too!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling modern spiritual masterpiece!, January 11, 2006

By 

Aimee Thor "Aimee Thor" (Xenia, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders: Thirty of America's Oldest Monks and Nuns Share Their Lives' Greatest Lessons (Paperback)

All I can say is that this book has inspired me to be more for God, to trust Him more, and yet to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground while traveling this earth. The elders teach us so much, and I'm not even Catholic! The message is lovingly written and well worth the investment. A great book!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Listen To Your Elders, January 23, 2007

By 

Jeremiah II (VA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders: Thirty of America's Oldest Monks and Nuns Share Their Lives' Greatest Lessons (Paperback)

If we are facing surgery or dental work we often ask the doctor or someone who has had the same procedure done to them, "Will it hurt?" A very valid question and wise to query someone who has previously experienced it in order to prepare ourselves for the future. Unfortunately, we don't follow the same lines of reason when it comes to life in general. Our children see us as ignorant and often equate old with useless.

The truth is that old is experienced and our elders are a wealth of knowledge. "The Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders" attempts to draw that wealth of religious life experiences out from the senior Benedictine sources in the book.

The book isn't exactly what the title implies however. Though each subject's interview is interesting, it may not be the answer to the meaning of life.

If you have an interest in Benedictine life, especially monastic life, you won't be disappointed with this one.