The Rule of St. Benedict illuminated by the texts and traditions of Hindu and Buddhist monasticism, as well as by the Desert Fathers and the spiritual giants of the western and oriental Christian traditions.

A commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict, enriched and informed by insights from world ascetic traditions, by the world's leading Benedictine theorist.

An exhaustive guide to every significant Christian theologian who lived from the first century to 1308, the year in which John Duns Scotus died. The dictionary encompasses the Catholic, Orthodox, Nestorian and Monophysite traditions, including information not previously available in English. Thoroughly indexed, the dictionary incorporates common variants of names and concepts which will help and direct the reader. The main criterion for inclusion has been contribution to the development of Christian theology. Sub-criteria by which that is measured include, above all, originality and influence on later figures. With over 290 entries, the dictionary provides a handy summary of theologiansi lives and writings together with recent scholarship,as well as an up-to-date, definitive bibliography listing primary texts, translations and secondary literature in the major western European languages. Useful for all levels of academia; no other text matches the depth of the dictionaryis bibliographies. The unprecedented thoroughness of Hill's compilation provides an essential resource for studies at all levels on such a large and varied range of Church thinkers.

Founder of a monastery at Monte Cassino, between Rome and Naples, in the sixth century, St Benedict intended his Rule to be a practical guide to Christian monastic life. Based on the key precepts of humility, obedience and love, its aim is to create a harmonious and efficient religious community in which individuals can make progress in the Christian virtues and gain eternal life. Here, Benedict sets out ideal monastery routines and regulations, from the qualities of a good abbot, the twelve steps to humility and the value of silence to such every day matters as kitchen duties, care of the sick and the suitable punishment for lateness at mealtimes. Benedict’s legacy is still strong – his Rule remains a source of inspiration and a key work in the history of the Christian church.

How did medieval hermits survive on their self-denying diet? What did they eat, and how did unethical monks get around the rules? The Egyptian hermit Onuphrios was said to have lived entirely on dates, and perhaps the most famous of all hermits, John the Baptist, on locusts and wild honey. Was it really possible to sustain life on so little food? The history of monasticism is defined by the fierce and passionate abandonment of the ordinary comforts of life, the most striking being food and drink. A Hermit's Cookbook opens with stories and pen portraits of the Desert Fathers of early Christianity and their followers who were ascetic solitaries, hermits and pillar-dwellers. It proceeds to explore how the ideals of the desert fathers were revived in both the Byzantine and western traditions, looking at the cultivation of food in monasteries, eating and cooking, and why hunting animals was rejected by any self-respecting hermit. Full of rich anecdotes, and including recipes for basic monk's stew and bread soup -- and many others -- this is a fascinating story of hermits, monks, food and fasting in the Middle Ages.

In this collection of weekly reflections on the Sunday Lectionary for Year B, Verna Holyhead draws us into the inspired texts of both the Old and New Testaments. Through a rich tapestry of literary forms, historical contributions, and life experiences, Holyhead gives us surprising perspectives and carefully constructed contexts, which are sure to enrich our appreciation for the Word of God. In addition to following St. Benedict's admonition to glean a harvest by attending mindfully to the pages and passages of the inspired books of the Old and New Testaments, Holyhead generously layers her commentary with insights distilled from the Rule itself. As a sourcebook for pastoral ministry or a reference for personal or communal reflection, this volume will assist believers who desire to engage more deeply with the Word. Verna Holyhead, SGS, is an Australian Sister of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St. Benedict. She leads retreats, lectures, and writes, all with an emphasis on biblical scholarship, liturgical insight, and pastoral challenge.

An introduction to the Rules and Customaries of the main religious Orders in Medieval Europe: Benedictine, Cistercian, Carthusian, Augustinian, Premonstratensian, Templar, Hospitaller, Teutonic, Dominican, Franciscan, and Carmelite.

The men and women that followed the 6th-century customs of Benedict of Nursia (c.480-c.547) formed the most enduring, influential, numerous and widespread religious order of the Latin Middle Ages. This text follows the Benedictine Order over 11 centuries, from their early diaspora to the challenge of continental reformation.

Victorian medievalism physically transformed the streets of Britain It lay at the root of new laws and social policies It changed religious practices It deeply coloured national identities And it inspired art literature and music that remains influential to this day Sometimes driven by nostalgia but also often progressive and futurefacing this widereaching movement which reached its peak during the reign of Queen Victoria looked back to a range of different peoples and historical periods spanning a thousand years in order to inspire and vindicate cultural political and social change Medievalism was pervasive in Victorian literature with texts ranging from translated sagas to pseudomedieval devotional verse to tripledecker novels It became a dominant architectural mode transforming the English landscape with 75% of new churches built on a 'Gothic' rather than a classical model as well as museums railway stations town halls and pumping stations It was appealed to by both Whigs and Tories But it also permeated domestic life influencing the popularity of beards the naming of children and the design of homes and furniture This landmark study is an attempt to draw together for the first time every major aspect of Victorian medievalism and to examine the phenomenon from the perspective of the many disciplines to which it is relevant including intellectual history religious studies social history literary history art history and architecture Bringing together the expertise of 39 experts from different subject areas it reveals the pervasiveness and multifaceted character of the movement in the nineteenth century and explains its continuing legacy today

Abide in me as I abide in you. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.