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

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.

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.

Many today are discovering the "The Rule of St. Benedict" as a buried treasure, offering wise guidance for non-monastics in the pursuit of spiritual maturity in "the family cloister". Collins Pratt & Homan not only give us the treasure map, but help us dig up the treasure and catalog the wealth of wisdom we've discovered from Benedict. They take us one step further, offering practical insights for daily practice of the spiritual life, personalizing the insights gained from Benedict's "Rule". For another similar book, this one specifically written for parents, take a look into "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home", by David Robinson (New York: Crossroad, May 2000).

This is not the first thing I have read from Lonni Collins Pratt, but it is my favorite. The simplicity and power with which the book is written is wonderful. It was a breath of fresh air to read a book about monastic spirituality that was down to earth. There was not any fluff. It was truly a wonderful book with powerful applications for modern living.

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.