In the Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders, Mark W. McGinnis presents readers with thirty biographies of Benedictions in the United States. In every biography readers are introduced to:
● The setting of the monastery where they reside
● Their early lives
● Adjustments to monastic living
● Insights of their vocations
● Benedictines’ educational motivations
● Impact of Vatican Two
● Rules for living
● Aging in place
● Hopes for the future
McGinnis’ selection of monasteries range from the Big Cloud Abbey, Marvin, South Dakota; St. Scholastica Monastery, Fort Smith, Arkansas; St. Martin’s Abbey, Lacey, Washington; to San Benito Monastery, Dayton, Wyoming; Mount Angel Abbey, St. Benedict, Oregon; St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas; and more.
The monks themselves were quite an eclectic group. Some were from large families, quite poor, and received help in the early stages of their education. Most became quite accomplished, earned graduate degrees, taught elementary, middle, or high school, and at universities. Yet they still had busy lives with monastic living where they were devoted to ora et labora – “prayer and work.”
The monks led balanced lives for they also participated in physical activities, interacted with laypersons and oblates, and had time for recreational activities. They were in agreement about their chosen lifestyle, and were happy because they did not have to worry about a roof over their heads, meals, clothing, companionship, nor bills to pay. All these necessities were taken care of by treasurers at their institutions.
They saw future changes impacting their lifestyle. For one thing there were fewer sisters, brothers and priests joining their ranks. Some were in their eighties and there were concerns if there would be younger monks replacing them. Still they felt called to live out their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
This book is a wonderful primer for persons contemplating such a religious lifestyle. It shares what it takes to be faithful in the Christian faith. Readers live through the challenges the monks would face while progressing through life. Often it is asked, “Do they regret not being married and having a family?” With this question readers gain insights into what it takes to live in community, with dedication, perseverance, and love. The monks love their sisters and brothers and consider themselves members their families. Living in humility they care deeply for one another.… (mais)

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erwinkennythomas | 2 outras críticas | Oct 23, 2019 |

The Show-Off Monkey and Other Taoist Tales por Mark W. McGinnis

What a fun little book! Great drawings, one per parable. They're very short and simple; kids could definitely get a lot out of this. One of my favorite things was how many of the stories could be taken two different ways. If you just read straight through, it's a very quick read; just a thin book with about two to three dozen less than one page stories. Very nicely done.

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.**

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MisterMelon | 1 outra crítica | Dec 7, 2017 |

Buddhist Animal Wisdom Stories por Mark W. McGinnis

I did not like this book. The language used didn't match the childish illustrations, and I thought the stories were boring. For example, the author says, "One day in their search for food they found a temporary alter that had been used to make offerings to the sea gods." This type of language next to an illustration of an antelope in a forest just doesn't seem to match up. This book would not do good as a read aloud. Overall the purpose of this book is to retell folktales in a collection.

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adietr3 | 1 outra crítica | Feb 22, 2017 |

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