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A new self-acceptance
by Joan Chittister on Jul. 15, 2009
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PDF versionBenedict’s spirituality of humility is an antidote to patriarchy
Printer-friendly versionSend to friendPDF versionEditor's Note: This isn't really one of Sr. Joan Chittister's "From Where I Stand" columns, but it is the latest piece of writing Chittister has shared with NCR readers and we didn't want her regular readers to miss it.
In an essay titled “Pride and Humility: A New Self-acceptance,” Benedictine Sr. Joan Chittister takes a fresh look at the concept of humility in the Rule of Benedict. Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism, Chittister writes, “made the keystone of his rule of life a chapter on humility that he wrote for Roman men in a patriarchal culture that valued machismo, power and independence at least as much as our age does. Pride, ancient spirituality says, is the corrosive of the human soul. Humility, the Rule of Benedict says, is an antidote to violence and a key to mental health.”
Read the full story here: Turning Life Upside Down
Sister Joan continues to
Sister Joan continues to inspire anyone who seeks the God within each of us. "Turning Life Upside Down" is worthy of commitment to memory for all who attempt to follow the Rule of Benedict in today's world. I am now prepared to finalize the charter and rule for our emerging ecumenical religious order, Benedictines of the Good Shepherd. More than ever, Sister Joan provides me with direction, energy and inspiration as the mentor sent by the Source of creation.
please keep us posted on your
please keep us posted on your developments, inclduing contact information, please
Deo gratias
Feminism is the antithesis of
Feminism is the antithesis of humility as it seeks to replace domination of women by men with domination of men by women. In order to achieve this, women must out-do the men in aggressiveness and control. I know - I was married to a feminist for 25 years until she decided she wanted a divorce when it suited her. Fr Albert Benoît, OSB, you are naive. I would suggest that the best way you can be cured of your illusions is to marry a feminist - perhaps Sister Joan. In any case, Sister does not think twice about disobeying her superiors (obedience) or promoting homosexuality (chastity) which makes her less than a paragon for interpreting the Rule of our Holy Father ST Benedict. Her intepretation of St Benedict's 12 Steps of Humility is ludicrous and is imposing her own feminist ideology onto an ancient text in a totally inappropriate manner. I welcome the Vatican's investigation of America's female congregations which has just begun. Your flouting of our Catholic traditions and your destruction of Catholic religious life have gone too far!
Does any bitterness possibly
Does any bitterness possibly influence your writing here?
The Rev. Sister Joan Chittister herself has been head of the Benedictine Prioresses of America; how has she disobeyed superiors, being herself the superior?
I am very grateful for her great theological writings and recommend everyone read them, and in fact when able have gifted them to others, including close family. Highly recommended reading which might help you through your great loss and pain. I wonder how you made the choices you did, but don't we all sooner or later!
Several of Sister Joan's works, with which you seem familiar, may prove solacing and strengthening and healing to you.
praying with you through this loss, (and please pray for me), I remain
frère charles du désert OSB OBLAT (Congrégation de Subiaco)
I'm amazed it took 25 years
I'm amazed it took 25 years for her to leave you.
I have a very different
I have a very different understanding of feminism than you have. My sense of feminism, as well as my observation of the many women who call themselves feminists who I have known over the past 4 decades, has giving me the understanding that feminism is a desire to be considered equal to men, not to dominate them. There is certinaly a fringe element to the movement that may fit your discription (every movement or group has a fringe element and, unfortunately, all too often the opposition sees the group thru that lens). I am certain that most feminist would not fit in the discription you have given of them.
We all have different levels
We all have different levels of understanding. I don't believe any truth comes from vitriol. If I am naïve at my age and with my experience, I rejoice in my naïveté. Let Love Eternal bring peace to all who have hateful and destructive actions and thoughts. It is time for those who follow the Christ to speak up and be heard. After all, Jesus was the model of feminism at its best!
I suggest that the word
I suggest that the word "equalist" be substituted for "feminist," because I believe that is what most feminists really are. We do not want to follow a male model of power, only to break open the existing model in such a way as to empower us all.
Thank you for the thoughtful
Thank you for the thoughtful substitution. Yes, the term feminist is a reactionary term. Maybe we should have a contest to replace the term feminist with the most appropriate and descriptive title possible. After I have finished reading "Heart of Flesh," I'll make an attempt at finding another term. I am finding this book the most challenging of the more than 20 book of Joan that I have read. So much to reflect on!
This is refreshing.
This is refreshing.
Dare we to breathe in
Dare we to breathe in substitution:
Humanist?
How about:
Catholic?
Benedictine?
Or is it simply a struggle with our anglo-saxon tongue?
I suspect you have never done
I suspect you have never done a literature search of feminist writings .You come across as a relaxed loving spirit Why not give yourself this task You might be surprised and you have nothing to lose by doing so since you clearly believe the feminist movement is an enlightened one.
I am now struggling with the
I am now struggling with the book I have begun. I have a vision of a Benedictine life in the "monastery without walls" which translates the Rule of Benedict into practical 21st century needs. We are so hungry for meaning in our lives and seem to be looking in all the wrong places. As I read and process Sister Joan's words in "Heart of Flesh", I pause to rethink how I am going to present this new Benedictine way of being. Such depth in Joan's writing, such vision in her thoughts. Certainly, this is a woman sent by the Spirit to lead the way to a new understanding of our relationship with each other and with our Creator. I shall continue to attempt to take Sister Joan's wonderful thoughts and interpret them into a practical rule and charter for those who wish to become Benedictines of the Good Shepherd in the spirit of the "Sermon on the Mount" as found in Matthew's Gospel. Please continue to provide all who are seeking to include all brothers and sisters as equals in this journey we all take with courage and commitment to the Truth. Ayez du courage, mon cher frère Charles du désert. Le bon Dieu, mère et père de tous, vous aime plus que vous pourriez imaginer!
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