A Guide to Living in the Truth: St. Benedicts's Teaching on Humility

by Michael Casey

This book shows us how humility brings a basic happiness that is able to cope with difficulties and sorrows. Casey translates the ancient wisdom of Saint Benedict into the modern arena of capitalistic competition. He also demonstrates how people must stop regarding others as rivals and be content with what we have because it is a waste of time to envy those who possess qualities different than our own. Humble individuals are content with both the gifts and limitations inherent in who they are.

Paperback

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Catholic

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2001

Reviews

[7jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book talks about chapter 7 in St Benedict’s Rule: the one about humility, its many benefits and sides. Of course the author talks it through the view of its impact in monastic life, and some chapters in this book are mostly of use for those living that life, but there is plenty of things for those who are not, too. Humility is achieved through ‘steps’, points of progress that can take decades to accomplish, but when one reaches the end, all the work will be worth it.

The author starts the book perfectly with all the objections, difficulties, and reservations modern people might have with the concept of humility… some reasons are really legitimate; abuses of it are around. He also notes that people with low self-esteem might not benefit from following the steps so much – it might make things worse for them. So for them first would be better to work on improving their esteem. He admits that some parts of this chapter of the Rule are flawed, but most of it really works. The Rule’s origins are discussed a bit, too – Benedict borrowed things from St. Cassian and the rule of The Master, but changed some wordings around, sometimes for the better. Benedict also says that some stuff left unsaid in the rule are found in other writers’ stuff.

The part about seriousness brings up that sometimes Benedict was a bit strict about humor, but had points about useless, distracting laughter and moments of humor. But to be completely without humor in your life is not realistic. Other things discussed in the book include doing God’s will, having patience, speaking honestly when meeting the abbot (about your thoughts and struggles), yielding to others (in a good way), restraint of speech… and in the end everything comes together. One will still be quite ordinary, have flaws and struggles, but there is awareness of one’s fragility, more inner peace, and greater awareness of God’s love-anyway.

The steps of humility work on getting into the virtue, but at the same time make the connection with God improve a lot too. Better handling of life’s variations, stronger hope for the future, and better enjoyment of monastic life with others – it’s a good deal. As the author says, “true humility is a quality that enhances humanity”. I might not always gain something from all the chapters, but those that have something, have let me see that there is a rather clear a road to humility, and that humility is a much better place than the modern world might think.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to read this book once a month.

[Nathanial]

An extended close reading of Chapter 7 of Benedict's Rule. Point by point, verse by verse, step by step, Casey explores the scriptural references, the practical consequences, and the philosophical assumptions lost (and gained) through the centuries. Meditative but not abstruse, contemplative but not specious, this "Guide" strikes the work-a-day balance that the Rule itself embodies.

[Clayton Keenon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Benedictine reflections on the spiritual life. This one was full of gold nuggets. Not exactly a page turner, but given the topic, the fact that I wasn’t eager to read about how to be more humble probably says more about me than the book.

[Bob Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saint Benedict still has a great deal to say to contemporary society...that is the foundational claim to this book...and its correct.

While the Rule of St. Benedict is meant primarily for monks, it has applications that can help any modern believer deepen their spiritual walk and relationship with God.

This book is essentially commentary and application on one chapter of St. Benedict, his chapter on humility. Humility is greatly needed in today's society of self centered, self aggrandizing individualism. (i.e. it's not just Donald Trump who needs to read this book).

As I read this book, I found myself convicted and humbled. As I looked at the pattern of my life in comparison to what Benedict had to say, I discovered pride is a deadly sin that has a grasp of me.

The best part of this book is not only does it diagnose the problem, it gives very helpful and very practical application for how to deal with pride. The author may be a monk, but he doesn't limit this application the monastery.

I highly recommend this book for anybody who is looking for help in their spiritual walk with God, who need a new perspective on life, or who want to deepen their relationship with God.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the book. Again. Don't think I'll ever be "finished" with the subject though, or the book. I'll be rereading it the day after I die. In Purgatory if the pages won't burn. :)

[Carl McColman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Casey is one of the most lucid, inclusive, and insightful of contemporary Christian contemplative authors. He deserves a wide audience.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a “next step” book after reading The Rule of St. Benedict, as well as one of the many basic introductions to Benedictine spirituality. Casey unpacks the steps of humility, applying them to monastic life first with some applications for those of us outside the cloister. If you’re looking for a “next step” book that gives a basic explanation of humility from a Benedictine viewpoint, you’ll appreciate what Casey has to say. His chapter on Humility, as he says, should be read frequently with contemplation. Don’t let it quickly slip by you. You may wish to read it again and again over time. That’s what I plan to do.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profound. I read it with an important group of women in my life over a very long period (was it really two years?) and now I want to go back and reread quickly with a highlighter in my hand so I can remember all that we found inside. Excellent treatment for delusions of grandeur.

[Reading Through the Lists · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars (for now).

I had to speed through this book in order to get it back to the library on time, but clearly this is a book that requires slow reading and thoughtful contemplation.

Next time, I plan to be a little more thorough.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's impossible to say enough good about Michael Casey. Everything he writes is full of truth, beauty, and wisdom. Living in the Truth is no exception.

[Candace Simar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent book about the meaning of humility in today's Christian. I savored every page and sadly reached the end. I will re-read this one again. Wonderful!

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on monastic formation I have read. A must-read for all monks, I would say.

[Claudia Reinfelds · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The most relevant characteristic of this holy fear is mindfulness, memoria, a term with a long history not only in Christian spirituality but in the tradition of the great world religion."

This book was written for monks, therefore did not always apply to my life, yet I learned a lot more about Saint Benedict's teaching on humility. Humilation is an example of how the present culture does not really understand this concept and how it is connected to a relationship with God. I may not completely understand yet, but I am emerging learner of this topic. Would not recommend reading this one, if you are not really interested in Benedict's ladder to humality teachings.

[Jeanie Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading that made me examine my own life closely. Pray I can make the changes.

[Christopher Moellering · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear-eyed look at the teaching on humility in St. Benedict’s Rule. Applicable not just for those in monastic life. Worth re-reading.