The Way of St Benedict

by Rowan Williams

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.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, History

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2020

About the author

Rowan Douglas Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, is an Anglican bishop, poet, and theologian. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from December 2002-2012, and is now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge and Chancellor of the University of South Wales.

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Way of St Benedict collects Williams's thoughts on the Rule, its meaning for contemporary Europe, and some historical discussions on implementation and interpretation. This was recommended to me as an accompaniment to In This House of Brede, and both books are deeply invested in the Rule of St Benedict for monastic communities.

Before reading this book, I was familiar with the Rule, and I think it would be a confusing read for anyone who hasn't read the Rule (see PDF of a 1931 translation here). Or maybe you are a big fan of coding in SQLite, in which case, godspeed. But I wouldn't recommend The Way of St Benedict as a starting place for learning about the Rule; the best place is the source itself, which is fairly short and full of wisdom:

"In the love of Christ to pray for one’s enemies.
In case of discord with anyone to make peace before the setting of the sun.
And never to despair of the mercy of God."

What I enjoyed about this book were the initial chapters on principles of the Rule considered in modern life outside monasticism. The final two chapters considered more obscure topics related to the Rule, and I think the book as a whole may have been better served if they had been published as articles elsewhere. Of course, I enjoyed the chapter on "Reforming Monasticism: An Early Medieval Debate," but "A Benedictine on 'Mysticism': Abbot Cuthbert Butler" not so much. The Way of St Benedict lacks a conclusion which is an ultimate flaw in the text as a whole.

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"[Benedict's] point is simply that unless you have got yourself accustomed to the 'toolbox' of daily attention to the awkward reality of human others, the search for deeper intimacy with God will lead to destructive illusion." (5; the "toolbox" is chapter 4 of the Rule, "What Are the Instruments of Good Works;" see Susan Howatch for a thorough explanation of "destructive illusion")

"...being wary of facile reconciliation is not about a suspicion of whether the other has adequately made reparation but about whether I have fully acknowledged and dealt with my own resentment." (15; note that this is in a context where both parties are adhering to the Rule)

"The peace which the Rule envisages is more like...a habit of stable determination to put into the life of the body something other than grudges." (18)

[regarding Cluniac reforms] "But the familiar paradox rapidly asserted itself: a reform understood as a reaction to certain aspects of Church or society is defined by what it reacts against, and so, finally, cannot escape from society. It comes to occupy a place within society--even if it is, as it were, marked with a negative sign: the unworldly is domesticated into the world, into a special 'sacral' area of society, and its protest is thereby neturalized. What is more, the way is thus opened for a return to 'accommodation', secularization. It is a vicious circle, a sterile dialectic, repeated again and again in Christian history--the Constantinian Church, the Gregorian Reform, the polity of Calvin, British Nonconformist Liberalism--and Cluny was one of its most notable victims." (93)

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout the book I found myself thinking, "At last! Somebody who gets us." As other reviewers have stated, this book focuses on the global picture of the influence of the Rule of Benedict, not a spirituality book for (or about) the individual. Those, too, are important for understanding how the Rule of Benedict and monastic spiritual can heal the world. But I would recommend this book to anyone who has the question, "Why is monasticism relevant to the world in the 21st century?" The question seems to arise frequently, both explicitly and implicitly, so I am grateful for Rowan Williams' deeply engaging work here. He reads the signs of the times, the direction of popular culture and public discourse, and engages the Rule of Benedict against it, demonstrating the timelessness of St. Benedict's approach and suggesting the way forward for communities around the globe.

[Darren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of this were pretty good, but it was just a random mishmash of articles that had no overarching theme. The last article wasn't even about the Rule; it was a scholarly comment on an academic discussion about a book written by a Benedictine.

[Sanjuro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book, despite a couple of small shortcomings. Part one, the greater portion of the book, provides the primary benefit, and features well written and helpful discussions on the relevance and application of both the Rule of St. Benedict and broader monastic principles to contemporary life. Williams covers issues such as virtue, authority, solitude, and aspects of communal dependence and generosity. The one sharp criticism I have of part one is the way that Williams attempts to generate political conclusions from these discussions, in a way that feels somewhat unnatural. Williams appears aware of this, and at one point actually recognizes that one might criticize these attempts at politicization; he tries to stave off such criticism by appealing to forms of liberty that are necessary for Benedictine virtues to flourish. He doesn't do enough to state WHY such liberty is necessary, or why it is necessary for liberty to follow after his own specific ideas, and therefore some of the political commentary feels unfocused and out of place.

Part two of the book, just two chapters, is in some places helpful, but broadly unnecessary for a reader to grapple with the book's best ideas. The purpose here is more to lay out some aspects of the reception of Benedictine monasticism by certain thinkers in history. I got something out of part two, particularly the discussion regarding Peter Damian's views concerning the relationship between church and state, but overall I think most readers could skip part two and miss very little.

[Reading List · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of the best and the worst of william's "style". On the one hand we get an inventive and enjoyable ride through the development of the Benedictine tradition and a fresh look at what constitutes the monastic way of life. On the other hand you get "critical distance"-mongering, presentism and a weird secularising hermeneutic. But well worth reading.

[Jamie Nelson]

The chapter on stability is a standout among the various contemporary RSB commentaries.

[Scott Meadows · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of articles and not a cohesive book. Some of the early chapters started off great, but others felt out of place or overly political.

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. Perhaps it’s my fault for not reading the description thoroughly enough, but I hoped for something about monastic life and how the Rule of St Benedict might inform a secular or even agnostic individual life. This book looks at the Rule from the opposite point of view, considering its macro rather than micro applications - how it might inform the established Church and world politics. Even then it doesn't seem to have an overarching argument or theme that holds the different chapters together.

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: A series of loosely connected essays about the influence of the rule of Benedict and Benedictine spirituality on the church.

I have read a number of Rowan Williams' short books. Most of those books were based on lectures and compiled into books later. This seems to be different in that it appears to be a series of essays that was compiled into a book and just doesn't have the same level of coherence as I tend to expect from Williams' books. That isn't to say they are bad essays, I learned a lot about the history and influence of the Benedictine order. But I think as long as you go into the book with an expectation of essays that are loosely connected and not as a more intentionally shaped book, you will be rightly primed for what the book is.

One of the reviews I skimmed through complained about the last essay, which is less about Benedictines broadly and more about a particular Benedictine author's book. I agree with the comment, but I also found that essay the most engaging of the book because it was about a book trying to grapple with mysticism in the early 20th century (about the same time that Evelyn Underhill was writing her book on mysticism.) Williams was helpful in pointing out that we tend to think of mysticism phenomenologically or sometimes epistemologically, but that isn't how all people at all times have thought about mysticism. Those are both useful ways to explore mysticism, but they do limit the concept of mysticism if those are the only methods of exploration.

The Rule of St Benedict is probably the thing most people are aware of, even if they haven't actually read it. There is a good discussion of the rule, but you probably do want to have a little familiarity with the rule before you start. I have read it all, but it has been a while ago and I probably should have stopped and read it all again before reading the book.

Most of the first section reflects on the rule and the ways that the rule shaped Benedictines to stability and obedience and virtue. These sections are all helpful but because I am not brand new to Benedictine spirituality, that was less new than the last two chapters. I have already mentioned the last chapter on mysticism as my favorite chapter. But the chapter of the history of reforms within Benedictine order was helpful because much of that was new to me. As someone that is always interested in reforming system, understanding the influence of both successful and failed reforms is helpful.

Overall, this wasn't my favorite book of Williams, and I am glad I picked it up while it was on sale. But there was value for me reading it even if I think it will be too narrow for many readers.

I posted this originally on my blog at https://bookwi.se/the-way-of-st-bened...

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd heard about this book a while ago, but happened to run into in my Google Play store, so bought it. How could I not? It's Rowan Williams, after all, who is one of the best theologians alive today. And talking about St. Benedict, whose influence on me should be obvious from my Read list.

What this book is a collection of essays on St. Benedict and Benedictine theology. Williams is sensitive to the nuances of that tradition and applies his understanding of it to contemporary theological and political issues. The essays are good theology, even if, as is usual with Rowan Williams, quite dense. I had even hesitated with this review because I wasn't sure I could do it justice. I'm sure that I can't.

The basic theme is that St. Benedict's stress on stability and everyday faith can teach us moderns a thing or two about living in community, especially, but not restricted to, faith communities. He discusses aspects of the Rule to demonstrate this. The connection to faith communities and to individuals, I think, work well.

I hesitate on his use of St. Benedict as an example to Europe, not so much because of St. Benedict, but I'm not entirely sure about the use of him in the self-definition of Europe (whose patron saint he is). I keep wondering about how Benedict might have thought about this- whether he had any intention to 'saving' Europe as sometimes appear from people from Alisdair MacIntyre onwards. To his mind, Benedict was seeking God and that was all. That the effect of the movement which arose out of St. Benedict's Rule had the effect on the self-definition of Europe is fair enough, but we have to continue to realize that wasn't and isn't the point of the Rule or of St. Benedict's life.

But that is really only one essay and it isn't even a bad one. The essay themselves are well worth reading and, probably, if you're like me, re-reading.

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began reading this on the first day of Lockdown 2 (or is it 3, I forget) which seemed appropriate. If Benedictine spirituality ever has a chance to speak to a society then surely it is one that is confined to its homes desperately trying to discover new rhythms of life. And if there is anyone that you would like to write on Benedictine spirituality, then it is probably Rowan Williams, whose wisdom oozes from each page.

As with all of RW's recent books, this one feels like a bit of an amalgam. The first chapter is a reprint from Holy Living, which given that Holy Living was only written a few years ago, and that The Way of St Benedict is only 132 pages long, feels like a bit of swindle. Even so, the chapter itself was one of the best in Holy Living and is an obvious introduction into the Benedictine spirituality. Throughout the first part of the book Rowan is at his quotable best - which means to say that he is relatively succinct, wise and memorable. "Benedictine stability is the context in which we learn to sit still with whatever company arrives, in the confidence that God in Christ sits still with us."

The second part, consisting of two longer chapters, is more heavy going, and is really written for specialists - the last chapter being a review written in 1984.

[Philippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is written in two parts. Part 1 is about living a holy life. Rowan Williams observations are gems.
Here are just a few.
‘The denial of emotion is a terrible thing: what takes time is learning that the positive path is the education of emotion, not it’s uncritical indulgence, which actually locks us far more firmly in our mutual isolation.’p18
‘ likewise, the denial of rights is a terrible thing; and what takes time to learn is that the opposite of oppression is not a wilderness of litigation and reparation but the nurture of concrete, shared respect.’ P18
‘What the audit’ ( read our present cancel culture) lacks is usually a positive shared focus.’ P25
Williams is concerned with how communities develop and grow. In a way, I suggest, Williams is creating ways to think together rather than individually.
P35 writing on the benefits of living communally ‘staying with the opportunity that community creates to live differently, so that we can change and grow as we accompany one another, and understand more fully what our humanity is and how it works together.’

Rowan Williams is someone who understands the spiritual life. He writes ‘ Only when we have discovered something about honesty, peace and accountability can we even think, in Benedict’s world, of moving on to ‘ higher’levels of spiritual life. (P41) For me this gem was a salient and helpful reminder ‘ How we spend the time we think is insignificant is important.’ P 47.

The second part of the book looked at the theology of monasticism and life of B Cuthbert. It lost me.

[Jane Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about the 'Rule' written by a centuries old saint, giving instructions to monks as to how to effectively live in a community and to serve God well, doesn't sound at first like a riveting read; but Rowan Williams writes well and manages to weave a thread between the life of the monastery and the communities, both local and wider, in which we live and how these lessons and 'rules' can cross the barrier of time and social change and still have relevance.

Not surprisingly he does dip into theological themes and arguments, the chapter on Mysticism was a step too far for me but, overall, the book was informative and enlightening and gives hope at a time when the world is holding it's breath to see how things pan out across the pond after an election.

The President Elect could benefit from some of the wisdom of St Benedict and an understanding of community and love for one's neighbour.

[Trevor Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book comes in two parts: part one is amazing and a fantastic reading about Benedictine monasticism. It asks questions about how the lessons learned from monasticism can be applied to life by lay Christians and what we can do to develop a more contemplative life. As I said, fantastic and a much better approach to Dreher’s Benedict Option philosophy of retreat. Part two, unfortunately, was where the book falls apart. It’s completely unnecessary and felt like the publisher just wanted Williams to throw a couple of random essays on monasticism in for a word count. The first chapter in part two is a debate between two historical monastics. The tone of the second part of the book is more academic, which is fine, but both this chapter and the chapter on monastic mysticism which followed did nothing for me. Had the book stopped after part one it would have been a four star review.

[Roy Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viewing our common life through the way of Benedict is a remarkable exercise. Williams points to the various ways that this 6th century rule has immense value for communities today. The simplicity and spiritual clarity of Benedict’s rule is reason enough to read this book. While it may seem utterly naive, I found myself yearning for the church community to resemble a public monastic life of honesty, peacemaking and accountability. The chapters on mysticism and internal monastic reformation didn’t interest me.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love all things Benedictine. Their spirituality is a saving grace of the church not to mention their monasteries provide spooky settings for literature and film. But this book...dreadful. It was repetitive, byzantine and wordy. If Benedictines are about anything it’s simplicity. Apparently the author missed that in his reading of the Rule.

There are far better books like Columba Stewart’s lovely book, that give one a much better idea of what Benedictine spirituality is and how one can apply it to their daily life.

[Scott Rushing · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Way of St Benedict is not a theological exploration of the Rule of Benedict, as I expected. A book does not have to line up with my expectations to be worth the time and effort involved in reading it. But it is helpful to know those expectations when wrestling with the differences between them and reality.

Rather than a theological examination of the Rule, The Way of St Benedict is a collection of essays about the impact of the Rule on European civilization, and the possible ways in which the Rule might challenge western culture in the future.

[Paul Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Way of St Benedict, Rowan Williams wisely discusses St Benedict's Rule and its relevance to Christians and non-believers. The main chapters are in clear, easily understood non-specialist language. Important rules such as stability are explored more clearly and eloquently than I have read in other books on the subject.
As often the case with Rowan's books, there are one or two chapters which may be of more specialist interest.

[Georgiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting in some respects, but rather incoherent overall - a random collection of essays with some vague connection to Benedictine history that didn't speak to current circumstances nearly as much as the publisher's summary claims. Also assumes a pretty extensive knowledge of medieval church history... lots of name-dropping with little or no context given.

[Adeptus Fringilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Very well written and eloquent, as you would expect from Rowan Williams. The last chapter, On Mysticism, was way too much for me though. Maybe this is not really an introductory text but it's good.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a couple of years I've been endeavoring to learn more deeply about the Rules of St. Benedict. This short book included insights into the history and reformations of the movement, as well as, the need and place for a monastic movement to serve now and in the future.

[David Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Part 1 which felt really relevant to the world and church today; however, Part 2 felt like rather a dry history lesson. I couldn’t really see the connection to Part 1, so overall the book felt disjointed.

[Renée · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful to read on the heels of Teresa and Julian’s mysticism.
Such a lovely distillation of mysticism in monasticism

[Bret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is typical Williams, and while it doesn’t stand among his best works, it is nonetheless excellent.