“Perhaps the greatest need in the human heart is the need for life to have meaning….Meaning flows from relationships and the vocation of the Christian parent is to develop first one’s relationship to God, and then the loving relationships within the family. In the face of extraordinary pressures, nurturing the vocation of parenthood requires energy and discipline….” –From the introduction
For centuries The Rule of St. Benedict has provided guidance for many monastic communities. In recent years, individuals outside the monastery also have discovered the merit in living according the Benedict’s ideals. Now, Dwight Longenecker takes Benedict one step further, and uses the Rule to help men become better parents. Just as the abbot of a monastic community reads Benedict’s Rule for guidance, Longenecker says, so, too, can men read the Rule to help them guide the family.
Listen, My Son (the opening words of Benedict’s Rule) breaks the Rule into small daily portions and provides commentary specifically geared to help men be better husbands and parents. Without underestimating the emotional, spiritual, and physical demands of fatherhood, Longenecker also holds up the joys of developing a strong bond with God—one that nurtures the individual man, and that provides him with the ability to grow himself and his family in faithfulness, service, and love.
"Readers who take the time to savor Benedict's teachings, aided by Longenecker's concise commentary, will be rewarded with a closer relationship with God. They also will find themselves parenting their own children with greater compassion and effectiveness. This is a powerful resource for parents, with daily readings that dig deep."
—John Perrodin, CBA Marketplace
"Listen My Son is highly readable...Longenecker's insights—useful to all parents, not just fathers--offer valuable support to those who would like to see their own families reflect St. Benedict's call to live together so that 'in all things God may be glorified.' "
—Amy Welborn, Our Sunday Visitor
"Without underestimating the emotional, spiritual, and physical demands of fatherhood, Longenecker also holds up the joys of developing a strong bond with God - one that nurtures the individual man and that provides him with the ability to grow himself and his family in faithfulness, service, and love."
—Catholic Marketing Network
"Longenecker explains the spiritual wisdom behind what appear at face value to be rather archaic and sometimes harsh rules. He successfully illumines the devout character of monastic life and the sacred lessons we may glean. Longenecker teaches us that fatherhood is a matter of spiritual devotion."
—Dale P. Andrews, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, Fall 2001, Vol.15:3.
"The perfect gift for Dad! Explore how The Rule of St. Benedict, which has provided guidance to monasteries for centuries, can be used as an effective guide to parenting. Organized into short daily reading segments with commentary, here is ancient spiritual wisdom for contemporary fathers."
—Cherished Christmas Gifts
