St. Benedict's Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living

by Jane Tomaine

When St. Benedict formed his first small community of monks at Monte Cassino on the hilltop, Italy--and much of Europe--was ravaged by war. The Roman Empire was breaking apart, and politics, cultural life, and even the Church, were all in disarray. In the midst of these tumultuous times, Benedict offered his followers a “little rule,” a guide about the size of a checkbook, that showed his monks the way to peace as they learned to prefer Christ above all things. Though it was written nearly 1500 years ago, the Rule of Benedict still offers the practical tools for living a Christ-centered today. Here in St. Benedict’s Toolbox, readers will find a primer on how to use these tools in their own tumultuous lives. Each chapter examines one aspect of the Rule, from ways of praying to ways of embracing humility, and offers suggestions for prayer, reflection, journaling, and action. As they learn to use Benedict’s tools, readers will discover the power--and the timeliness--of this ancient way of life.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Inspirational book group is reading this for the month of May 2012.
I really like this book alot. Saint Benedict came up with what the book calls "the rule". You get prompts to journal about prayer, your thoughts, living the way God intended us to live. It's a thought prevoking book. A book that's more of a study guide.

I think for me personally my favorite part is where he talks about following the "breadcrumbs". In other words, what message is God trying to tell us in our everyday lives? Think about the day and start to develop the skill of observation. Access your attitudes and actions.

There are so many other things to learn in this book as well. It talks about lent, a lesson on persistence, humility, hospitality, work, forgivness, prayer, and many more topics.

[Laura McAninch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me what felt like forever to read. And I would spend that same 'forever' to read and absorb it all again. I finished this book coincidentally on the same day I was received as a candidate to become a Benedictine oblate, so the 'forever' continues happily.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Practical as well as informative. This has really impacted my rhythm of life.

[Ann]

Jane Tomaine knows how to bring this ancient Rule to life!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most formative and tactical spiritual books I’ve ever read. I’ll be revisiting this for the rest of time.

[Andrea Stauffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

for seminary

[fhsjkdhvkf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, which goes into a lot of detail into what living St. Benedict’s rule means for laypeople today. At first I did what she suggested, reading one chapter every week, and its ideas stayed with me even though I didn’t necessarily apply the tools themselves. Then I got a bit more hurried and read through the last chapters in a few days, and they were as interesting, but I obviously got less out of that quick reading. Maybe this more superficial reading also explains why I found the last few chapters a bit more “self-help” than the others, although I’m not sure exactly what I mean by that. Maybe it’s the tone of the writing, or the workbook format. Maybe it’s the idea, not found in St. Benedict’s rule to my understanding, that women and men should approach different values (such as humility) differently; while I agree in general, it feels a bit “modern” to me.

But these things notwithstanding, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely try to apply its tools in my daily life.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an admirable workbook for applying the wisdom of St. Benedict's Rule to everyday life; a shift which has been gaining momentum for the last three of four decades. The intent is to take this rule made for monks in the 6th century and look for what can transfer to most people's lives outside of monasteries. Tomaine's careful discussion of the aspects of Benedictine life is joined with useful exercises which are meant to make the topics more experiential than the standard book on Christian Life. I have to admit that I wasn't the most diligent about writing down answers and such like with these exercises as directed by the author, but the discussion was helpful and what I did of the exercises was helpful. Well worth picking up and, hopefully, studying with a group!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title suggests St. Benedict's Toolbox is just that... an excellent tool for applying The Rule of Saint Benedict to lives outside the monastery wall.

Jane Tomaine does a incredible job laying out the chapters in a user friendly fashion with ideas and resources that will blend with your personal lifestyle and faith practice.

If you were to buy only one book to help you begin applying The Rule you must buy St. Benedict's Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living by Jane Tomaine!

I'm crazy about Jane's book and plan to use it for years to come! Every time I open it I get more excited about putting it into practice. Thanks Jane!

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read on exploring practicing the Christian faith as a way of life (illustrated by Benedict in his guidebook).

Each chapter had me thinking and praying on how certain practices do, if I've practiced them, or could draw the soul to mindfulness of Christ in all circumstances.

As a quick sketch, the Rule outlines this:

- immerse yourself in Scripture, particularly the Gospels and the Sermon on the Mount. (Lectio divina)
- Stability.
- Obedience.
- Conversion of Life
- Daily Rhythm of Prayer
- Hospitality
- the sacredness of time
- the sacredness of work

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book, which I discussed in a small group for the past 6 months. It was a really great book to use for a discussion on spiritual disciplines. The content is taken from the rule of St. Benedict for the use in early Christian monasteries, but applying it to life today. It was a very different take on the disciplines than I have ever read and I enjoyed it very much. The author gave me lots to think about and lots of practical suggestions for how to live out the the Benedictine Rules as a way of living a life of worship.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the way the author broke St. Benedict's Rule down into practical suggestions that would work in a lay person's life. For my personal taste, however, the "workbook" approach does not work well. Others may find it just the ticket.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Benedictine Oblate I found this book very inspiring and helpful on a realistic level. I will probably read it again; it is so practical to one striving to live Benedictine values.

I actually finished the book in March of 2013.

[Amy Paget · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully pragmatic approach to adopting Benedictine rules into your daily life. There is also an accompanying website to help you along. Something I will return to in a year or so after I am further along in my exploration.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book as a follow up in our Community of Hope group, a group a non-ordained trained in pastoral care using the rule of Benedict. We read a chapter a month. It was a great way for us to review the rule as well has talk about helpful practical ways to keep the rule.

[James Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very rich book, containing many examples, Scriptures, and references. Information is power and I feel more knowledgeable not only about The Benedictine Way, but about myself as well. There were a few moments where I felt the book was repeating.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep this book close to me now, feeling great affinity for the words. I don't resonate with all the toolbox concepts, but resonate a lot with Tomaine's description of the Benedictine pattern of life. (The toolbox invitations were helpful sometimes -- thought provoking, for sure.)

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite-sized chunks of practical, life-changing targeted mindfulness and spiritual reflection. My copy of this book is dog-eared and much loved.
Transformative stuff. Highly recommended.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for what it is, a book of projects and questions to meditate on. I found it lacking in a personal story, though.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better books I've read on incorporating Benedictine values and spiritual practices into everyday living.

["Sam" Cyndi-Marie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical workbook. The rules for a modern world.