The Rule of St. Benedict, Philip Freeman
The Rule of St. Benedict, Philip Freeman
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The Rule of St. Benedict
An Introduction to the Contemplative Life

Author: Philip Freeman, St. Benedict

Narrator: Adam Barr

Unabridged: 2 hr 55 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/08/2020


Synopsis

A timeless source of wisdom for people looking to lead a life of simplicity, purpose, and serenity

The Rule of St. Benedict has governed monastic communities for centuries, but it is far more than a standard religious text. The Rule is, above all, a handbook for living a deliberate life—no matter your religious background or beliefs. It teaches the importance of contemplation and silence, of solitude, and the power of community and unity.

With lessons focusing on the simple acts of everyday life, like eating and daily work, along with wisdom for the deeply personal and internal facets of living, such as cultivating humility and practicing forgiveness, The Rule of St. Benedict is a profound guide to living a good and meaningful life.

An award-winning translator, Philip Freeman’s version of The Rule is beautifully accessible in its language. With a simple and direct style, the book lays out a way of living that is transformative in its simplicity and striking in its power.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Essentials

About Philip Freeman

PHILIP FREEMAN earned a PhD from Harvard University and currently holds an endowed chair in humanities at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He has published over twenty books on ancient and medieval history and religion, including works on Celtic mythology and St. Patrick.

About St. Benedict

ST. BENEDICT OF NURSIA is a Christian saint born in 480. He is best known for his Rule which he wrote in 516 to guide and instruct monks living together in community.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Stephen on August 11, 2009

If you read this for entertainment you will be sorely disappointed. If you read this as a guide to life, and you are not a monk, you will be sorely disappointed. If you read this with an eye toward how one might live a more calm and disciplined life, adjusting what was written in to Sixth century, t......more

Goodreads review by Bryce on May 07, 2008

I've often thought that the monastic order is the high-point of my religion. No power, no ambition, just simple and just service to God and man. Therefore I thought I'd read the beginning of that order. My sympathies are much more in align with the Franciscans then the Benedictions which is to put i......more

Goodreads review by Cindy on September 04, 2019

I read this along with Esther de Waal's Seeking God for the Schole Sisters book club I led. It turned out to be a much more enjoyable read than I anticipated and it is now my new favorite book on authority and parenting with its gentle, stable, and realistic approach to life. I think this would be a......more

Goodreads review by J. Aleksandr on December 18, 2021

Monasticism is widely misunderstood, one of those subjects on which otherwise well-informed people feel comfortable delivering very decided opinions which turn out, on examination, to have been based on flawed assumptions and stereotypes. It helps to go back to the source. Benedict did not quite star......more