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The Way of St Benedict

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The Way of St Benedict

By: Rowan Williams
Narrated by: Peter Noble
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Bloomsbury presents The Way of St Benedict by Rowan Williams, read by Peter Noble.

With typical eloquence and wisdom, in The Way of St Benedict Rowan Williams explores the appeal of St Benedict’s sixth-century Rule, showing it to be a document of great relevance to present day Christians and non-believers at our particular moment in history.

For over a millennium the Rule – a set of guidelines for monastic conduct – has been influential on the life of Benedictine monks, but has also served in some sense as a ‘background note’ to almost all areas of civic experience: artistic, intellectual and institutional.

The effects of this on society have been far-reaching and Benedictine communities and houses still attract countless visitors, testifying to the appeal and continuing relevance of Benedict’s principles.

As the author writes, the chapters of his book, which range from a discussion of Abbot Cuthbert Butler’s mysticism to ‘Benedict and the Future of Europe’, are ‘simply an invitation to look at various current questions through the lens of the Rule and to reflect on aspects of Benedictine history that might have something to say to us’.

With Williams as our guide, The Way of St Benedict speaks to the Rule’s ability to help anyone live more fully in harmony with others whilst orientating themselves fully to the will of God.©2023 Tomasz Hoskins (P)2020 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Christian Living Christianity Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts
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Critic reviews

The mature and reflective thought here presented can be read with benefit by those of us with decades of stability under our belts no less than by those just beginning to examine the Benedictine manner of following the Gospel. (James Flint)
All stars
Most relevant
This is an incredible gift of a book. its a spectacular achievement by both writer and reader. Inspiring and full of awe. Ive listened 6 times now and even bought my own copy of The Rule. This book is life changing.

Dynamic writings and brilliantly read and felt.

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As an in-house tract for Benedictine adherents seeking a refreshing run around familiar issues this book may be of interest.
The initial examination of the motives behind the establishment of the Benedictine order is instructive. Encouragingly it seeks to demonstrate the relevance of the Benedictine rule to Europe but ends in platitudes rather than concrete proposals. Then it turns into an increasingly scholastic exposition of the relationship between differing strands of the tradition. The final chapter is a stand-alone appraisal of Butler's contribution to the order.
Very disappointing.

Promising start, wandering middle, lost ending

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