Benedict's Way: An Ancient Monk's Insights for a Balanced Life (Hardcover)

~ Lonni Collins Pratt (Author), Daniel Homan (Author)
Key Phrases: sacred reading, Other Voices, Father Dan, Benedict's Rule (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In the sixth century, a monk named Benedict devised a code of practical principles by which he and his fellow monks could live together and grow in Christian spirit. Centuries later, the Rule of St. Benedict continues to guide and nurture men and women--both inside and outside monasteries--who seek to live a balanced spirituality. This contemplative guide is for individuals of all faiths in search of timeless wisdom. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Loyola Press (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0829413766
• ISBN-13: 978-0829413762
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,207,475 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simplify & Enjoy God's gift of life!, January 12, 2001

By	Richard Coates "[e-mail]" (Acme, MI) - See all my reviews

Benedict's Way guides the reader easily into understanding God's intentions of our time here on earth. We have created a fast paced lifestyle that is self serving causing much anxiety. This is evident by the ever increaing need for lifestyle managing drugs. Our current society with all its technology and materialism has the highest rates of divorce, depression, sucide, etc., in history. It seems that all this financial wealth has done little to make us truly happy. Is it possible that God in is infinite wisdom understood this and inspired spiritual teachers like Buddha, Mother Terresa, and St. Benedict to teach us how to live?

Pratt and Homan have challenged the reader to look at their own life and reflect on it. For me personally this book has opened my eyes to my own self serving ways. Each chapter is thought provoking and one of my favorites Balance and Celebration caused me to pause and look at how I approach my family time, work time, personal time, spritual time, etc.

The format makes this an easy read with each chapter ending in a reflective prayer. Another great aspect of the book is the suggested reading section that includes web-sites to visit.

This book is a must read for anyone serious about living a simplier spirit filled life.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A different perspective, September 29, 2002

By	Bryan W. Rice (Pontiac, MI) - See all my reviews

Of the reviewers posted here, I think I am probably the only one who read Radical Hospitality, the other book by these authors, before reading Benedict's Way. I like Radical Hospitality better if only because it spoke to me about how I need to make some changes in my life. Benedict's Way is a great book for anyone who wants to go a little deeper into benedictine spirituality but isn't much into serious scholarship. My brother is a Benedictine monk and he showed me a review of the book that came out recently. It talked about how this book is written in a simple and direct style but there is an evident scholarship lurking in the backgrounds of the authors. They just don't seem to be showy about it. Which is very good news for the reader who wants depth without pretentiousness. Even if you do read Radical Hospitality first, you'll love this book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not as simple as it looks, July 26, 2000

By	Roy Wilcommen (Flint, Michigan) - See all my reviews

A friend gave me this book and I thought, "Yeah, right another book about me and the monks, like we haven't seen enough of those." But it surprised me. The authors tell funny and moving stories, they write seamlessly and it isn't pious or pushy. Can't say enough about how much I liked their writing. Direct. Unpretentious. Fun to read. No one is trying to impress anyone with this fine little book yet it haunts you. Great reading.