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Simplicity
Discover how simplicy can change the way you think and live every day.
- GenresNonfiction
176 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 1989
6 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
John Michael Talbot
90 books45 followersTalbot was born into a Methodist family with a musical background in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and started learning to play the guitar at an early age. At age 15 he dropped out of school and was performing as a guitarist for Mason Proffit, a country folk-rock band formed with his older brother Terry.
Talbot embarked on a spiritual journey that led him through Native American religion and Buddhism to Christianity. At this point he and his brother, Terry, joined the Jesus Movement, recording the album Reborn which was re-released by Sparrow Records (originally released as "The Talbot Bros." on the Warner Brothers label).
Two solo albums followed for Talbot: John Michael Talbot (1976) and The New Earth (1977). Both of these were produced by Billy Ray Hearn. Reading the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, he was inspired to begin studying at a Franciscan center in Indianapolis. He became a Roman Catholic and joined the Secular Franciscan Order in 1978. He started a house of prayer, The Little Portion.
Talbot moved The Little Portion to Eureka Springs, Arkansas on land he had purchased during his Mason Proffit days. He formed his own community, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, at Little Portion Hermitage as an "integrated monastic community" with celibate brothers and sisters, singles, and families. By 1989, Talbot had married Viola Pratka (with the permission of the Catholic Church). Pratka was a former Incarnate Word Sister who had come to the community in 1986.
Talbot's title is General Minister and Spiritual Father. For many years, he has promoted the work of Mercy Corps.
The hermitage suffered a fire in April 2008 in which the library and many common areas were destroyed.
Talbot embarked on a spiritual journey that led him through Native American religion and Buddhism to Christianity. At this point he and his brother, Terry, joined the Jesus Movement, recording the album Reborn which was re-released by Sparrow Records (originally released as "The Talbot Bros." on the Warner Brothers label).
Two solo albums followed for Talbot: John Michael Talbot (1976) and The New Earth (1977). Both of these were produced by Billy Ray Hearn. Reading the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, he was inspired to begin studying at a Franciscan center in Indianapolis. He became a Roman Catholic and joined the Secular Franciscan Order in 1978. He started a house of prayer, The Little Portion.
Talbot moved The Little Portion to Eureka Springs, Arkansas on land he had purchased during his Mason Proffit days. He formed his own community, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, at Little Portion Hermitage as an "integrated monastic community" with celibate brothers and sisters, singles, and families. By 1989, Talbot had married Viola Pratka (with the permission of the Catholic Church). Pratka was a former Incarnate Word Sister who had come to the community in 1986.
Talbot's title is General Minister and Spiritual Father. For many years, he has promoted the work of Mercy Corps.
The hermitage suffered a fire in April 2008 in which the library and many common areas were destroyed.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 2, 2017
20 years ago I read "Simplicity." Strongly recommended for a deeper understanding of minimalism from a Christian perspective.
August 2, 2013
John Michael Talbot writes clearly, honestly, and wisely. He takes ancient ideals and brings them into realistic contemporary life. Do I always agree 100%? Of course not. But my breath is taken away by the comprehensiveness of his ideas, his balance, and his flexibility. I think this is a must read for those interested in putting Christian spirituality into practice and the Gospels in particular
Currently reading
August 2, 2009This book is a daily/weekly guide to practicing the Simple Living of St. Francis of Assisi...just getting into it with my hubby but very practical.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews