This short book by Dennis Okholm is a collection of insights gained from an evangelical's visits with and participation in a Benedictine Monastery. Okholm himself is a one-time Pentecostal now a Baptist with Presbyterian leanings; he attempts to glean practices and habits he finds beneficial within the Benedictine order and make them "relevant" to protestants. One is grateful for his objective approach, an approach to Catholicism often lacking in evangelical protestant circles.
His exposition of Benedictine teachings regarding silence/listening, obedience, and humility was particularly helpful. His clarification of misconceptions about Benedictine teachings regarding poverty, submission to authority, hierarchy, and balance is worth examination. Okholm's approach seems always open and eager to learn. There is certainly much modern evangelical protestants could learn from the Church's ancient practice.
Potentially problematic, however, is Okholm's "buffet" approach to christian practice and teachings. The idea that the individual can ascend to the judgment seat and choose from the vast array of traditions and practices without submitting to the systems from whence they arise is problematic. This lead to slight inconsistencies in his discussion of submission and obedience. Many of the practices he suggests to his readers are not truly separable from their theological background. Okholm never examines his own theological background to see why the qualities he sees in the Benedictine monks are lacking. He seems to base these absences in systems rather than theology.
Overall, this book was an interesting and educational read. It raised interest in the Benedictines and their order and in further reading regarding them. Several of the lessons Okholm presents were applicable given a theology and philosophy more similar to the Benedictines. The book is definitely a worthwhile read.
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