The Foundations Of Western Monasticism

"It is to you that I direct my words, whoever you may be. My hope is that you will renounce your own will, and then take up the strong and most excellent arms of obedience, and so do battle for Christ the Lord, the true King." 

These words from the Prologue of St. Benedict's Rule offer an introductory vision of monasticism: It is a life of self-renunciation in the service of Christ by means of holy obedience. And this way of life may be truly said to have built Western Christendom, and all we hold dear in Catholic civilization. If we are to restore what has been lost and understand what has come before, then we must seriously understand the monastic spirit which built it. This excellent compilation will help the reader to do so.

In addition, each of these texts will offer countless points for meditation to help increase the reader's spiritual life. As the back cover of the book states:

"Monasticism distills the essence of Catholic spirituality for all time and for all Christians. This volume concentrates on three of the finest Christian texts available and provides both first-time and advanced readers with an essential review of Christian monasticism and the foundational principles of Catholic prayer life, spiritual combat, contemplation, and communal living. St. Anthony of the Desert, St. Benedict of Nursia, and St. Bernard of Clairvaux rise above all other figures in Catholic history as guides.

These three texts - The Life of St. Anthony, the Rule of St. Benedict, and the Twelve Degrees of Humility and Pride̴—are offered as a short path to the essence of Christian monasticism and authentic Christian teaching. Taken together, these men and their writings will allow the reader to ascend the very heights of Christian monasticism and arrive at certain firm principles by which to evaluate and deepen his commitment to the Faith. With illuminating introductions and a new, updated translation of St. Benedict's Rule by Dr. William Fahey, these classic texts are primed for the contemporary reader."