Living with Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality

Once in a while one comes across a book that is life changing and this book "Living w/ Contradictions" is one of them. Each paragraph is pearls of wisdom explaining St. Benedict's Rules which the original is so difficult to understand in comparison with our world today. The author, Esther de Waal makes the transition beautifully. We are to accept that are lives are never going to be perfect and that is ok because it's in our imperfections that we learn, grow and experience the enormous power of our God who loves us more then life itself. She says we may seek God but what is even more important is the fact that "God is seeking us." How awesome is that!

Esther deWaal seems to write in a way that causes me to slow down and read in a contemplative way ... to savor every word, every thought as I have read through this book for the first time. Like The Rule of St. Benedict itself, as well as "Always We Begin Again" by John McQuiston, I believe that this will be one of those that I will read again and again, not only to savor the contents, but hopefully to integrate her teaching into my every cell on this journey toward "the fullness of the stature of Christ". I like the fact that there are subdivisons within each chapter because, at least for me, this isn't a book that is to be read rapidly. It's definitely been a contemplative experience. I would encourage anyone seeking to grow in Christ as Benedict himself taught so many centuries ago, to add this book to those which you will surely treasure for both it's spirit and content.

A thoughtful series of readings grounded in Benedictine spirituality. Taking elements from the Rule, as well as other writers and thinkers, the book provides reflections on living the Rule and the contradictions in life and behavior while doing so.

Initially I was put off from the book until I realized that it contains not a straight narrative bu a series of meditations by the author of how an introduction to St. Benedict and his monastic rule helped her in her faith. It is a book to read slowly and reread.

Outstanding! Ms. de Waal knows her Benedictine spirituality!

This book gives short meditations/talks about the Benedictine life. This author has another book on this life. I suggest you read that one first.

It is the same book as Living With Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality above which I bought for a friend to use in a book discussion.

Yes, learning how to say "yes" to God, to assign meaning to all life events, We find purpose in surrendering ourselves completely to God.

As one would expect from this author; this book is both thought provoking and written in a style that encourages 'dipping into' and re-readinga great buy

I am a fan of this authors down to earth style - makes you appreciate that everyone has difficult questions that need courage to face