Rowan Williams explores the importance and influence of Benedict's
Rule in the modern era.
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.
