Radical Hospitality: Benedict's Way of Love

Rating:
Summary: A kinder world
Review: There's a danger in thinking this book is about being nice or anxious to entertain guests. There is no normal sense of the word hospitality by which one can identify the message of Radical Hospitality. It is clear-headed, wildly fun to read with unexpected sorts of stories about real people. Personally, I mistrust rave reviews. Can any book be so worthwhile that it merits no criticism? I found nothing to dislike in this vision of a kinder world. A monk who writes with a pretty woman can't be all bad.

Rating:
Summary: A kinder world
Review: There's a danger in thinking this book is about being nice or anxious to entertain guests. There is no normal sense of the word hospitality by which one can identify the message of Radical Hospitality. It is clear-headed, wildly fun to read with unexpected sorts of stories about real people. Personally, I mistrust rave reviews. Can any book be so worthwhile that it merits no criticism? I found nothing to dislike in this vision of a kinder world. A monk who writes with a pretty woman can't be all bad.

Rating:
Summary: Hospitality Begins At Home
Review: What a delight to read "Radical Hospitality", written by a monk and a mom. Both worlds, that of the monastery and the family home, are primary places of hospitality. Lonni & Daniel weave their lives, stories and faith together into a durable and beautiful welcome rug, inviting all who dare step this way into a life of "radical hospitality". The title word "radical" may turn some away from this book due to connotations of rebellion and anarchy. Don't let it. "Radical" simply means "having to do with the root, the radix". Benedictine hospitality is truly radical, returning us to our roots, our true heart home in God the God who welcomes us as we are, where we are, who we are. Hospitality begins at home with God, and at home where we live, eat, sleep and love on a daily basis with others. Radical hospitality is the true balm to heal the wounds of nations, and bring peace. But will we live this way? For two other books that explore Benedictine hospitality in the home, look into THE FAMILY CLOISTER: BENEDICTINE WISDOM FOR THE HOME (Crossroad, 2000) and THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY TOOLBOX: 52 BENEDICTINE ACTIVITIES FOR THE HOME (Crossroad, 2001).