The Benedict Option Companion: Life and Rule of Saint Benedict

by Benedict of Nursia, Pope Gregory I, Hermenegild (Editor)

The book, The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher calls on Christians to follow the spirit of Saint Benedict in living their lives. In fact, he calls for a new Saint Benedict to arise to bring about a reform of Christianity. He “As we await a new Saint Benedict to appear in our quite different time and place and teach us how to reseave the tapestry of our Christian lives, ...” Let us pray that our wait will not be long. In fact these pages are dedicated to presenting Saint Benedict's life and rule to help all of live by Benedict's spirit. He outlines the downward movement from sincere Christianity to the modern paganism, which reigns in the United States and in the world. He “We are living with the consequences of ideas accepted many generations ago, and as a result of those decisions, we are losing our religion...” The truths of Christianity, which are found especially in the Sacred Scriptures, which inspired Saint Benedict are timeless. What was true two millenia ago is still true today. We should measure all modern teaching against the timeless truths of Christianity, rather than attempting to mold Christianity to the changing thinking of the world. As we read in Romans (12:1): “And be not conformed to this world; but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God.”

146 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2017

About the author

Italian monk Saint Benedict of Nursia, considered the patriarch of western monasticism, founded the Benedictine order circa 529.

The Catholics and the Anglican Church honor this Christian patron of Europe and students.

With 12 communities at Subiaco, forty miles to the east of Rome, he moved to Monte Cassino in the southern mountains. The mere confederation of autonomous congregations, not commonly understood, originated later.

His main achievement, his "Rule of Saint Benedict," contains precepts. The writings of John Cassian heavily influences this book, which shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master. This unique spirit of balance, moderation, and reasonableness (ἐπιείκεια, epieikeia) persuaded most religious communities, founded throughout the Middle Ages, to adopt it. As a result, his Rule most influences religious rules in Christendom.