A Good Life: Benedict's Guide to Everyday Joy (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Good Life, Rule of Saint Benedict, Work of God (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

What is a "good life" in a world of worry and hurry? Perceptive spirituality writer Benson offers readers "a sixth-century guide for life in the twenty-first century" with this short primer based on the Rule of Saint Benedict. Benson once prepared to enter a monastery but soon realized he was not called to be a monk. Now a husband, father, and busy writer and retreat leader, he seeks to live the Rule internally, applying its direction about four major issues—prayer, rest, community and work—to his own life. Each chapter of the book begins with Benedict’s guidance about one of those four topics, followed by Benson’s personal and theological musings on the Rule’s contemporary application. Readers will begin to imagine how they can order their lives around the discipline of fixed-hour prayer, connecting themselves "to the whole community of Christ for all time past and for all time to come." They will also be moved to ponder the value of silence and solitude, seek greater humility in their relationships with others and prevent work from dominating life. Ultimately, says Benson, we live not by the Rule of Saint Benedict but by "the rule of Saint Whatever Our Name Is," applying the abbot’s teachings to our individual situations.
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Review

. . . disciplined prose accented richly with poetics. . . -- Arkansas Democrat Gazette

. . .excellent little book. Encourage readers to savor and treasure A Good Life as they live its principles. -- CBA Marketplace

. . .handy and insightful. . . Benson offers advice, stories, and suggestions for those interested in setting up their own Rule. -- Spirituality & Health

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Paraclete Press (MA) (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557253560
• ISBN-13: 978-1557253569
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #234,932 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual Disciplines for the rest of us, July 14, 2004

By	Adam Farris (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The subject of Spiritual Disciplines is gaining in popularity and some books on the subject are quite overwhelming, especially for those of us who work 40 hours a week and have a family. "A Good Life" gleans insights from the Rule of St. Benedict to transpose into our 21st century lives. He divides our lives into four areas, which is slightly hard to do but interesting nevertheless, prayer, rest, community, and work, and discusses ways to pursue relationship with God in each of those areas. This is a great starting point for exploring how to be faithful in each of those areas of our lives.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Oblate Devotional Book, March 11, 2007

By	R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Unpretentious, straight forward, and inspirational, this little volume (85 pages) makes an excellent devotional booklet for the Benedictine oblate. It has seven short sections. Taken one each day, this book will take a week to read. I usually read a chapter in place of compline and give myself something to think about as I go to sleep. Non-Benedictines might want use this book as a one-week retreat to experience a flavor of benedictine spirituality.