At Home in the World: A Rule of Life for the Rest of Us

by Margaret Guenther

A thoughtful, real-world interpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict to guide us into a more balanced life. From informal versions of the Rule of St. Benedict to Twelve-Step groups and Weight Watchers, the basic human need for guidance and structure in the quest for wholeness is palpable and real. Out of her long experience as a spiritual director, mentor, and teacher, Margaret Guenther offers a warm and sensible guide for “the rest of us”―singles, couples, parents, extended families, members of churches―to create a helpful and balanced rule of life to help us in our search for faith.

She explores ancient and contemporary meanings for the classic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, along with the distinctively Benedictine ethos of stability and conversion, pointing out the pitfalls of each. A series of short essays follows on the different elements of a rule of life―such as authority, money, pleasure, stinginess, friends, enemies, and living through hard times. The final chapter gives practical ideas for crafting a rule of life that encourages each of us to grow, stretch, and flourish.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Christian

183 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sarah Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be recommending this to others and using it as I construct a quiet day (mini-retreat) introducing the concept of rule of life. I began this book in preparation for that as well as for another specific set of duties, but I find it quite personally useful as well. The reflection questions are such that I can go back to them in prayer regularly, quite apart from any crafting of a personal rule of life.

You may wish to know that if you are looking for a set of instructions on how to write one in terms of format/structure, you'd be better off pairing this with a different book (such as Macchia's, to which I related much less well, but which helps you make little charts of it all if so desired, almost workbook-like). Still, this one has my vote.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunther writes a deep, yet practical and helpful book about A Rule of Life. I laughed out loud, paused to read and reread her insightful teaching. She gets to the heart of the matter and also gives such practical tools and invitations. She's my favorite.

[Jules Bertaut · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has some good ideas I guess, but it feels very white and upper middle class.

[Janelle V. Dvorak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very approachable guide to establishment of a Rule of Life for the layman.

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good material, but not as helpful as I wanted for creating a rule of life for myself. The author's style is slow and ponderous.

[Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

a great look into the rule of Saint Benedict and how to apply his rule of life to our daily lives, especially if you are a lay person.

[Juli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed this one for a paper I am writing for school. It wasn't that helpful and I didn't find it a compelling read.

[Marianna]

Just couldn't get into it. And not very helpful for writing a personal Rule.