Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living (15th Anniversary Edition, Revised)

McQuiston translates this old guidance for living in community into modern language, which is useful and thought provoking. He includes an example of its application to a modern office-worker’s routine and commute. One glaring gap is that there is no time allocated to keeping the household running- there is time for meditation but none allotted to grocery shopping, getting dinner on the table, picking the kids up from daycare, doing laundry, visiting sick relatives or even manly tasks like trimming the hedges or changing the oil. Did the monks have servants or something? Or did they make these humble tasks part of their communal lives together? Or is celibacy and bachelorhood, or a wife willing to shoulder the homemaking, necessary for this scheme to work? I wonder what the wife’s typical day would look like, and how this updated Benedictine Rule would apply to it.

I love and embrace Benedictine spirituality, and I have several books (including, of course, The Rule of St. Benedict itself) that I have read and, in some cases, read on a continual basis. This book is one of the latter. Each day I commit time to Meditation, The Daily Office, reading a chapter of The Rule of St Benedict, and a chapter from Always We Begin Again. I've seen some give critical review that it isn't The Rule, and I agree, it isn't. It is a book of Benedictine principles that have been written by the author to have universal appeal. I love it, value it, and will continue to use it as part of my daily worship time. Excellent resource. In addition to the Kindle version, I recently purchased the paper version which fits perfectly in the inner pocket of my suit coat, so when I am waiting for appointments or I am otherwise delayed, I can read for a bit. At the end of the book there are prayers for morning/afternoon/evening, as well as other helps for growth and living a healthy, enriched life.

A “modern” take on the Rule of Benedict, with a distinctively Eastern and even Theosophical feel. For those who are purists, you’ll be a bit put off by the read. However, entering it from outside Benedictine spirituality and looking for a more universal introduction, this book is a great tool.

An excellent and succinct examination of Benedictine spirituality for all readers interested in such studies. It is comprehensive yet not burdensome. The author has the gift of sharing the precepts in a meaningful form with an economy of words. A perfect small volume for personal reflection during devotional times each day. I use this book for gifts and every recipient has called to say how it invigorated their walk in the ways of Christ.

This book represents a marvelous way of translating Benedict' a rule into a guide for Christian living. Bravo Benedict and Bravo John!

I’ve been looking for a copy of this for ages. At first, I was surprised it’s so small but then I realized it makes it convenient to carry it around.

If you're looking for strict Benedictine writings, look elsewhere. However if you're like me and looking for something that will help you bring thoughtful routine to your life, this may be the book for you. It's one I keep coming back to again and again to let the words sink in and become habit.

This is only a short, limited version of the Benedictine Way written by a lawyer. Only hits the high points but does not give the true feel of the Benedictine Order.

Great contemporary version, I really enjoyed reading it. And found the appendix useful. More words are needed for me to post.

Excellent 'modernisation' of the Rule of St Benedict. An inspiring guide on how to live our lives well and happily, at peace with ourselves and others.

Very disappointing. This parafrace takes the heart out of the rule. He seems to take the centre of faith Jesus Christ out of the book. The rule of Benedictine is entered on Jesus. It may be harder to read in the old English style, but this is loosing the point, sorry very disappointed.