Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

by J. Augustine Wetta

Overview

Saint Benedict's fifth-century guide to humility offers the antidote to the epidemic of stress and depression overwhelming modern young adults. But the language of The Rule by Saint Benedict is medieval, and its most passionate advocates are cloistered monks and nuns. How then does this ancient wisdom translate into advice for ordinary people?

With candor,
humor, and a unique approach to classical art, Father Augustine, a high school teacher and coach, breaks down Saint Benedict's method into twelve pithy steps for finding inner peace in a way that can be applied to anyone's life.

Drawing upon his own life experiences, both before and after becoming a
Benedictine monk, the author explains every step, illustrating each chapter with color reproductions of sacred art that he has embellished with comic flourishes.
The winsome combination is sure to keep readers from taking themselves too seriously—which is already a first step on the path to humility.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781621641490
Publisher:	Ignatius Press
Publication date:	10/05/2017
Pages:	188
Sales rank:	229,251
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.54(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Fr. J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., a Benedictine monk, has two degrees in Theology from Oxford University, a bachelor's in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from Rice University, and a master's in English from Middlebury College. For twenty years, he has taught English, Classics, and Theology at the Priory School in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he also coaches rugby and serves as Director of Chaplaincy. He is the author of the popular book Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem.

Table of Contents

Introduction 11

Saint Benedict's Ladder of Humility 21

Step 1 Fear of God 27

Step 2 Serf-Denial 39

Step 3 Obedience 51

Step 4 Perseverance 63

Step 5 Repentance 75

Step 6 Serenity 87

Step 7 Self-Abasement 99

Step 8 Prudence 111

Step 9 Silence 123

Step 10 Dignity 135

Step 11 Discretion 147

Step 12 Reverence 159

Conclusion 171

Acknowledgments 175

Illustration Sources 177

Editorial Reviews

"This book could not be more perfect. The author shares with C.S.Lewis his rare talent of taking profound thought and turning it into the language ordinary people understand. Many have tried to do as Lewis did, but of those who have achieved it, Fr Augustine is the most successful."
— Walter Hooper, Literary Adviser to the Estate of C.S.Lewis

"My apostolate has worked with many thousands of teens and young adults. I know how real self-esteem challenges are for them.  Fr. Augustine's book is a good antidote to this. It is full of practical, relevant advice based on a rule that's been road-tested for 1,500 years.  I highly recommend this refreshing and engaging read!"
— Curtis A. Martin, Founder and CEO of FOCUS

"With warmth, wit, and honesty, Humility Rules presents a fascinating window into the way of the monk, showing how St. Benedict's wisdom enables us to find freedom in Christ wherever we make our home. The depth of this book's spirituality makes it an engaging introduction to the Benedictine way for readers of any age."
— Dawn Eden, Author, Remembering God's Mercy

"Secular culture loves things monastic like monk-made bread and calming meditation. But the heart of the Benedictine life is humility. This deceptively light hearted book offers a series of enlightening contrasts to make humility an attractive proposition today. This is an excellent introduction to truthful living for a culture steeped in illusions."
— Dom Christopher Jamison, Monk, Writer, Broadcaster

"Humility rules. It really does! This fun and insightful look at the Rule of Saint Benedict brings ageless wisdom to everyday life. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book! Then ask God to help you live it. For in His kingdom, the way down is truly the only way up."
— Joanna Weaver, best-selling author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

From the Publisher