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Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life
Hardcover
Published April 25, 2017
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About the author
Joan D. Chittister
205 books293 followersJoan Daugherty Chittister, O.S.B., is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker. She has served as Benedictine prioress and Benedictine federation president, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 16, 2017
Joan Chittister, OSB is one of our great contemporary spiritual writers. She's written on hope, liturgy, world religion, peace, feminism and her Wisdom Distilled From the Daily (along with Kathleen Norris's works) was my gateway drug to Benedictine Spirituality. Her new book, Radical Spirit promises (in the subtitle) 12 ways to live a free and authentic life. If that sounds a little self-helpy, she isn't waxing eloquent psychobabble about twelve steps to a better you. This twelve step program is cribbed directly from The Rule of Benedict, chapter seven: "The Twelve Steps of Humility."
Chittister began her life as a nun in the 1950s and 1960s. She reflects on what she has learned in her experience as a sister in the Benedictine community and the wisdom of the rule. She describes the underlying issue addressed by each step and the spiritual implications for trying to live them out. The chapters titles, follow St. Benedict's original steps, though Chittister has given the rule a twenty-first century facelift:
Recognize that God is God
Know that God's will is best for you.
Seek direction from wisdom figures.
Endure the pains of development and do not give up.
Acknowledge faults and strip away masks.
Be content with less than the best.
let go of a false sense of self.
Preserve tradition and learn from community.
Listen.
Never ridicule anyone or anything.
Speak kindly
Be serene, stay calm (205-206).
Benedict wrote his rule in the 6th for monks living in community under an abbot. Chittister's larger project has been about presenting the wisdom of Benedict to the wider world—oblates, roving Protestants like me, and beyond. Certainly she makes adjustments from the original document (e.g. 'seek direction from wisdom figures' was originally 'we submit to the prioress or abbot in all obedience for the love of God' and 'never ridicule anyone or anything' was originally states 'we are not given to ready laughter, for it is written, 'Only fools raise their voices in laughter). But Chittister's editorial license preserves Benedict's intent: a Godward, humble spirituality free from anxiety or pretension and released from false images of God and ourselves.
I enjoyed this book as a practical commentary on the Rule. I am not a Benedictine but I've learned a lot from that tradition (as has everyone in the Western Spiritual tradition). Chittister's prose does meander a bit as she traces out implications for each step. Occasionally I found her difficult to follow and indirect. But there is a lot here that is helpful and instructive. I give this book four stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
Chittister began her life as a nun in the 1950s and 1960s. She reflects on what she has learned in her experience as a sister in the Benedictine community and the wisdom of the rule. She describes the underlying issue addressed by each step and the spiritual implications for trying to live them out. The chapters titles, follow St. Benedict's original steps, though Chittister has given the rule a twenty-first century facelift:
Recognize that God is God
Know that God's will is best for you.
Seek direction from wisdom figures.
Endure the pains of development and do not give up.
Acknowledge faults and strip away masks.
Be content with less than the best.
let go of a false sense of self.
Preserve tradition and learn from community.
Listen.
Never ridicule anyone or anything.
Speak kindly
Be serene, stay calm (205-206).
Benedict wrote his rule in the 6th for monks living in community under an abbot. Chittister's larger project has been about presenting the wisdom of Benedict to the wider world—oblates, roving Protestants like me, and beyond. Certainly she makes adjustments from the original document (e.g. 'seek direction from wisdom figures' was originally 'we submit to the prioress or abbot in all obedience for the love of God' and 'never ridicule anyone or anything' was originally states 'we are not given to ready laughter, for it is written, 'Only fools raise their voices in laughter). But Chittister's editorial license preserves Benedict's intent: a Godward, humble spirituality free from anxiety or pretension and released from false images of God and ourselves.
I enjoyed this book as a practical commentary on the Rule. I am not a Benedictine but I've learned a lot from that tradition (as has everyone in the Western Spiritual tradition). Chittister's prose does meander a bit as she traces out implications for each step. Occasionally I found her difficult to follow and indirect. But there is a lot here that is helpful and instructive. I give this book four stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
December 31, 2017
A challenging book on the twelve sections of the Benedictine rule on humility. Chittister argues well for these ideas of humility as an antidote to the aggressive narcissism that leads in so many places. At the same time she is careful to distinguish between tradition and traditionalism, the remember the root of obedience is listening, and many other important insights and understandings in embracing humility as a contemporary value (and so distinguishing between humility and humiliation). Excellent for spiritual direction, small group study, and individual spiritual reflection.
July 10, 2017
We live in a world of superficiality, a world where Facebook and Instagram and Twitter are flooded with selfies and soundbites, where we communicate in “textese” only as much as our data plan will allow, and where our “race to the top” is a contest to see who can have the biggest (or smallest, if you’re into the tiny house movement), the fastest and newest car, and the funnest vacation. Parents throw exorbitant Pinterest parties for their toddlers, and “creating fun memories” is on the cover of every family life magazine. Pleasure and enjoyment has become the end in life, and we slog through our daily lives just to get to the next fun activity.
But the house leaks, the car breaks down, the toddler screams while sitting in a messy diaper, the boss is making work life miserable, and the 4,307 “friends” we have on Facebook aren’t there when the fun ends. Our personal life planters have beautiful blooms for everyone to see…but when the scorching heat of difficulty and pain bigan baking us, we discover that there is no root system, and everything we think is secure withers and dies. Our faith, along with everything else, fizzles, and we wonder what the point of it all is.
Sister Joan Chittister, in her inimitable fashion, has the answer. It’s not a new pop psychology theory, or a 3-step system to self-fulfillment. No, in her newest book, Radical Spirit, she presents truth that is thousands of years old, and is as generally ignored as it is old.
What is “radical spirit”? Both words are so overused and colloquialized in modern language, I decided to look them up. Based on the primary definitions of each word I found, I translated the title to this: “Thorough Soul”. That still didn’t satisfy my curiosity, so I followed the word “thorough” back to its Latin roots. Thorough, from the Latin radicalis, meant in middle English, “forming the root.” And there I had it: forming the root of the soul. In our rootless, groundless, modern existence, finding a stable root system for our lives is exactly what we need…and this book delivers.
Based on the Benedictine Rule of Humility (and who better to bring this into the modern era than a modern Benedictine nun?), Sister Chittister walks us through the remarkably radical – that is, countercultural and counterintuitive –Twelve Steps of Humility (strangely similar to the twelve steps of recovery…) established by St. Benedict himself. She paraphrases the process like this:
1. Recognize that God is God.
2. Know that God’s will is best for you.
3. Seek direction from wisdom figures.
4. Endure the pains of development and do not give up.
5. Acknowledge faults and strip away the masks.
6. Be content with less than the best.
7. Let go of a false sense of self.
8. Preserve tradition and learn from the community.
9. Listen.
10. Never ridicule anyone or anything.
11. Speak kindly.
12. Be serene, stay calm.
In a world that encourages self-promotion and promises reward for climbing to the top, this Rule – based entirely on the Holy Scriptures – encourages self-effacement and full reliance on and obedience to God, and those whom God places over us in our lives. Just as Christ taught in the Beatitudes, “the meek shall inherit the earth” and as St. Francis prayed, “It is in dying that we find eternal life”, these 12 steps guarantee exaltation not through self-effort and striving for praise and glory, but through the pursuit and practice – yes, practice – of humility.
If relief from the rat race and refreshment from the unending, empty cycle of self-fulfillment is what you seek, read this book. Then start with Step One. Although each step is a greater spiritual challenge than the one before, you will sense a freer, calmer, and more grounded sense of being. Your life will have a well-developed root system, protecting it from the harshness and heat of life’s difficulties. You will find freedom. “It is humility that stands to set us free. Free from the ambition that drives us, from the angers that rule us, from the greed that consumes us, from the chains we have mistaken for success and superiority.”
I loved this book, and will read again and again as I, in my midlife years, search to achieve a sense of authenticity and true meaning for the rest of my life. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10, KJV).
I received this book from Blogging for Books (www.bloggingforbooks.com) for this review.
But the house leaks, the car breaks down, the toddler screams while sitting in a messy diaper, the boss is making work life miserable, and the 4,307 “friends” we have on Facebook aren’t there when the fun ends. Our personal life planters have beautiful blooms for everyone to see…but when the scorching heat of difficulty and pain bigan baking us, we discover that there is no root system, and everything we think is secure withers and dies. Our faith, along with everything else, fizzles, and we wonder what the point of it all is.
Sister Joan Chittister, in her inimitable fashion, has the answer. It’s not a new pop psychology theory, or a 3-step system to self-fulfillment. No, in her newest book, Radical Spirit, she presents truth that is thousands of years old, and is as generally ignored as it is old.
What is “radical spirit”? Both words are so overused and colloquialized in modern language, I decided to look them up. Based on the primary definitions of each word I found, I translated the title to this: “Thorough Soul”. That still didn’t satisfy my curiosity, so I followed the word “thorough” back to its Latin roots. Thorough, from the Latin radicalis, meant in middle English, “forming the root.” And there I had it: forming the root of the soul. In our rootless, groundless, modern existence, finding a stable root system for our lives is exactly what we need…and this book delivers.
Based on the Benedictine Rule of Humility (and who better to bring this into the modern era than a modern Benedictine nun?), Sister Chittister walks us through the remarkably radical – that is, countercultural and counterintuitive –Twelve Steps of Humility (strangely similar to the twelve steps of recovery…) established by St. Benedict himself. She paraphrases the process like this:
1. Recognize that God is God.
2. Know that God’s will is best for you.
3. Seek direction from wisdom figures.
4. Endure the pains of development and do not give up.
5. Acknowledge faults and strip away the masks.
6. Be content with less than the best.
7. Let go of a false sense of self.
8. Preserve tradition and learn from the community.
9. Listen.
10. Never ridicule anyone or anything.
11. Speak kindly.
12. Be serene, stay calm.
In a world that encourages self-promotion and promises reward for climbing to the top, this Rule – based entirely on the Holy Scriptures – encourages self-effacement and full reliance on and obedience to God, and those whom God places over us in our lives. Just as Christ taught in the Beatitudes, “the meek shall inherit the earth” and as St. Francis prayed, “It is in dying that we find eternal life”, these 12 steps guarantee exaltation not through self-effort and striving for praise and glory, but through the pursuit and practice – yes, practice – of humility.
If relief from the rat race and refreshment from the unending, empty cycle of self-fulfillment is what you seek, read this book. Then start with Step One. Although each step is a greater spiritual challenge than the one before, you will sense a freer, calmer, and more grounded sense of being. Your life will have a well-developed root system, protecting it from the harshness and heat of life’s difficulties. You will find freedom. “It is humility that stands to set us free. Free from the ambition that drives us, from the angers that rule us, from the greed that consumes us, from the chains we have mistaken for success and superiority.”
I loved this book, and will read again and again as I, in my midlife years, search to achieve a sense of authenticity and true meaning for the rest of my life. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10, KJV).
I received this book from Blogging for Books (www.bloggingforbooks.com) for this review.
June 1, 2017
Another grab from the new book shelves. Joan Chittister is a nun, Order of Saint Benedict, who writes books to make monasticism relevant and accessible to lay people. An American nun, in a time when monasteries and monastic life seem irrelevant to Americans (I assume), even American Christians. Furthermore, in America marked by self-advancement and self-preservation, Chittister chooses to write about humility, a virtue seemingly tossed by the wayside. She tries to cut through the miasma of disinterest and communicate something she clearly finds of utmost importance. This book works through the 12 steps of humility from the Rule of St. Benedict in attempt to show how these steps of humility (1500 years old, as Sister Joan will remind us many times through out the book) are not only relevant today, but the key to unlocking a vibrant and free life.
I'v read Joan Chittister before, first year of college, and found her writing similar to how I found it now. I truly appreciate what she's writing about; I'm thankful to have had this topic brought to my attention and to have it addressed in the context of such a long and rich tradition. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to delve into the Rule of St. Benedict with someone who has spent so much time (decades) reading, memorizing, scrutinizing, and living it. I appreciate that opportunity a lot. She is also, I think, successful in her aim to make it relevant. I found plenty of material that spoke to me. However, I wish the book had been a bit shorter and to the point. While this definitely could be the result of lazy reading on my part and the similar nature of the first few steps, I found the first half of the book to be a bit repetitive and slow. From there on, I was much more engaged.
I'm glad I read this book, but it's not going to be on the top of my list of impactful books. It might get me to read the Rule of St. Benedict again. This book did feed the renewed curiosity I'm feeling right now about spirituality and experiencing God; it at least didn't kill it, which, recast as sustaining or maintaining that curiosity, is what I'd most like from a book.
I'v read Joan Chittister before, first year of college, and found her writing similar to how I found it now. I truly appreciate what she's writing about; I'm thankful to have had this topic brought to my attention and to have it addressed in the context of such a long and rich tradition. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to delve into the Rule of St. Benedict with someone who has spent so much time (decades) reading, memorizing, scrutinizing, and living it. I appreciate that opportunity a lot. She is also, I think, successful in her aim to make it relevant. I found plenty of material that spoke to me. However, I wish the book had been a bit shorter and to the point. While this definitely could be the result of lazy reading on my part and the similar nature of the first few steps, I found the first half of the book to be a bit repetitive and slow. From there on, I was much more engaged.
I'm glad I read this book, but it's not going to be on the top of my list of impactful books. It might get me to read the Rule of St. Benedict again. This book did feed the renewed curiosity I'm feeling right now about spirituality and experiencing God; it at least didn't kill it, which, recast as sustaining or maintaining that curiosity, is what I'd most like from a book.
May 6, 2017
I think I just learned about some of the Benedictine practices and how helpful the 12 rules that this book discusses could be to me and others. The author does not sugar coat the practice and is upfront with her own struggles with it. I appreciate that and if I should try this, some of the pitfalls won't be a surprise if/when I stumble across them. The outcome in the end will be a free and authentic life. Who hasn't wished for that in the last day and a half?
The book is not at all difficult to read, about 200 pages, and is not written for a particular Christian tradition. The twelve ways, as she calls them, are simple to read, tougher to live, but doable. I liked it and could definitely see the benefits of this way. The only issue I had with this book is the force she uses to make her position on certain social issues known. I found it distracting, not "wrong" just a distraction for me. I kept thinking that a gentler approach might have been more helpful.
I received this book from the publisher in return for a review.
The book is not at all difficult to read, about 200 pages, and is not written for a particular Christian tradition. The twelve ways, as she calls them, are simple to read, tougher to live, but doable. I liked it and could definitely see the benefits of this way. The only issue I had with this book is the force she uses to make her position on certain social issues known. I found it distracting, not "wrong" just a distraction for me. I kept thinking that a gentler approach might have been more helpful.
I received this book from the publisher in return for a review.
July 27, 2017
In this book, Sr Joan Chittister presents the chapter on Humility from the Rule of St Benedict. The founder of Western Monasticism, centuries ago, spoke of 12 aspects of the virtue of humility, and in 2017, Sr Joan presents the pursuit of this virtue as a twelve-step program. In presenting ancient wisdom, the author gives many pertinent and contemporary insights that unmask many of the issues of our superficial and often savage culture. In so doing, she invites her readers to delve the depths of human relations and to embrace a more authentic way of life for others.
February 6, 2018
I'm not really sure about this one. Sr. Joan has much to say that is very challenging and enlightening but it felt like some of it was a real reach to fit with Benedict's rule of humility. Of course, I have a great deal of difficulty with old writings. I can't put them in context. Maybe that is what she did - put it in context. At any rate, it is a book worth reading.
April 1, 2019
Love this book. Quintessential Joan Chittister.
Read
July 6, 2022I started this book during Lent and it took me several months to read. It’s a book I see myself going back to and revisiting many times & has found a home on my shelf with my other religious & spirituality books. It’s about Sister Joan Chittister’s relationship to the Benedictine Rules of Humility. It’s a thoughtful, complex read for such a short book and it deserves taking time to slowly read and think about.
March 13, 2018
This book is about the twelve simple rules for healthy spiritual living that derives from the Rule of St. Benedict, a sixth-century book on leading to God-centered life, Sister Joan affirms the need to develop enduring values by shifting our attention to something greater than ourselves.She offers a practical program to help transform our thinking and rebel against our fears, judgments and insecurities.
There is no doubt that the author has a talent for writing, I like it when authors make an effort to make us understand what they want to say especially in the spiritual field, but I can not connectwith the book, it was very difficult to finish it even though I was interested in the subject. Humility is very important in the way of following God and the guidelines are very good.
Remarkable Quotes or paragraphs:
“Knowledge of God and knowlegde of self give birth to humility.”
“God's will for us is what's left over when we have done everything we can possibly do to get out of doing what we're doing rigth now.”
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review.
There is no doubt that the author has a talent for writing, I like it when authors make an effort to make us understand what they want to say especially in the spiritual field, but I can not connectwith the book, it was very difficult to finish it even though I was interested in the subject. Humility is very important in the way of following God and the guidelines are very good.
Remarkable Quotes or paragraphs:
“Knowledge of God and knowlegde of self give birth to humility.”
“God's will for us is what's left over when we have done everything we can possibly do to get out of doing what we're doing rigth now.”
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review.
June 19, 2019
This is the first book of Sister Chittister's that I've read and I don't expect it to be my last. I enjoy her writing style, her heart for God and her desire to share the good news for how we can all live a more authentic life.
12 Steps of Humility as outlined in the Rule of Benedict, all very wise and sensible for living an authentic harmonious life within yourself, other believers and also those who don't believe. Many of the steps bear similarity to the Sermon on the Mount, especially the Beatitudes and so they are well referenced.
This is an easy to read book with lots of sound wisdom but I wish Sister Joan had provided some practical guidelines on how to better implement each of the steps in one's life. I felt at the end of most chapters I was asking for a 'how-to' guide on implementing the wisdom into one's life.
However, I would highly recommend the book and hope to read more of the Sister's work.
12 Steps of Humility as outlined in the Rule of Benedict, all very wise and sensible for living an authentic harmonious life within yourself, other believers and also those who don't believe. Many of the steps bear similarity to the Sermon on the Mount, especially the Beatitudes and so they are well referenced.
This is an easy to read book with lots of sound wisdom but I wish Sister Joan had provided some practical guidelines on how to better implement each of the steps in one's life. I felt at the end of most chapters I was asking for a 'how-to' guide on implementing the wisdom into one's life.
However, I would highly recommend the book and hope to read more of the Sister's work.
June 25, 2018
Thoughtful and thought-provoking spiritual guidance on how to navigate the chaotic times in which we now live. I admit that I began this book, read a couple of chapters and set it aside, because it wasn’t working for me. But I am a big fan of the author, I’ve read several of her books, and all of them have been helpful to me in many ways. Radical Spirit kept calling to me from the kitchen counter, I finally picked it up again after a few days and finished it over the past week. Once again, I’ve been inspired by the author to work toward being my best self, one day at a time.
August 6, 2018
I read this book with a small group and it was great to initiate discussion. It was interesting to learn about the ancient monastic traditions and how Sister Joan made them relevant for her life and the present times. I felt that sometimes it was a bit of a stretch, and often the opposite of the original intent of the rule. I also felt her strong social justice bent coloring her interpretations. All good fodder for conversation, but in the end, not my favorite interpretation of some of the topics she was compiling under the banner of "humility."
October 19, 2017
I found Sister Joan's Radical Spirit inspiring, enriching, nourishing and challenging and at a time of uncertainty and chaos around us. I found in this book we are extended an invitation to take a look at ourselves using the Rule of St. Benedict, chapter seven about the twelve steps of Humility; in a simple, compelling, challenging and freeing practices that are helpful and hopeful.
September 3, 2017
I wonder if Joan Chittister's publisher chose the title of this book? Radical Spirit for the title of a book entirely about humility? Probably that is her point-in the world of today taking humility as the foundational principle for life is radical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2018
Once again Sr. Joan meddles in a reader's life. In fact, every week someone in my book group would confess, "This chapter is me!" We discovered the book to be a wonderful guide for self examination and spiritual growth. All agreed that this book deserves another read in 12 to 24 months.
June 19, 2017
See my full review at https://goo.gl/uyWQYP
January 11, 2018
Sr Joan once again puts complex ideas into language for today's world.
January 22, 2018
Enjoyed reading about Benedictine spirituality. Sister Joan focuses on the relevance of The Rule of St. Benedict in our lives today. Inspiring read for the new year.
September 4, 2018
This is not a book to rush through. It should be savored. Read each chapter as if it is a standalone. Think about the words and absorb them into your being. It's not easy but it is worth it.
April 9, 2024
This book was assigned reading for a Christian theology course. It is the first book I've read from the author, Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister who has written several books and given talks around the world. In "Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life", Sister Joan gives us many things on which to reflect. Her starting point is The Rule of St. Benedict: Chapter 7, on the twelve steps of humility, from the sixth-century book on leading a God centered life. She anchors each chapter with personal reflections, which (for me) make the book compelling, engaging and easier to understand. As she (and St. Benedict) writes, it takes a lifetime to understand and live by the 12 steps AND it is certainly a worthwhile endeavor. If everyone read her book and worked to live lives with more honesty, humility, compassion and love, it would be a different and better world. What was written many centuries ago is still very much current.
July 15, 2020
Joan Chittister does a wonderful job of exposing the reader to the 12 steps of humility. Read over the course of a year, with a group of others, this book allowed for very rich conversations on how one lives and how one wishes to be in relationship with God. These steps (rules) come from Benedict int he 6th Century and at first read can seem a bit much to take in. However, with contemplation and conversation, there is much richness here.
June 21, 2024
Almost every book I've read of Sister Joan Chittister's has presented a challenge to living an authentic life in our faith. This book is all about how to live a life of humility based upon the Rule of St. Benedict. You don't have to be Catholic to read it. I would wager you don't even have to be Christian. The tenets are the same for all people. We would live in a better world if we all strived to live this way. For Christians, it is Biblically based and cites sources within the Bible.
July 12, 2020
Anything written by Sister Joan is worth reading. This book is no exception. She uses the rule of Benedict on humility to illustrated the qualities that make for the life well lived. While some of Sister Joan's points are not rocket science, her words make me think about how I can improve my own life both for my own benefit and the benefit of those I love.
July 13, 2020
Chittister makes Saint Benedict’s 12 rules of humility easy to read, understand, and apply. I find it both fascinating and refreshing to take something so ancient and make it resonate in today’s modern, materialistic, and self engrossed cultures. A great read. I will now go back and reread the chapters I feel that need work in my own life. I highly recommend Chittister.
April 10, 2021
Joan Chittister is a treasure. She is so thoughtful in her writing and presents arguments and perspectives in an easily digestible way to help one meet the daily challenges of living in society and dealing with life. Highly recommended.
October 1, 2019
Re-interpretation of the 12 rules of Benedictine order.
August 13, 2021
It’s a rare book that makes you appreciate nuns and the austerity of the rule of Saint Benedict. Quotable, approachable and humble.
December 19, 2022
There were some great gems in here, but overall it felt rambling and difficult to follow.
abandoned-not-for-me
January 3, 2023DNF @ 22%
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