Seeking Life: The Baptismal Invitation of the Rule of St. Benedict by Esther de Waal

In Seeking Life: The Baptismal Invitation of the Rule of St. Benedict, renowned author Esther de Waal returns to the Rule of Saint Benedict–the inspiration for Seeking God, her classic book published twenty-five years ago. Here, she focuses on the prologue to the Rule and shows how it contains the clues we need to both understand and live by the vows made at our baptism.

Baptism is so fundamental to our Christian identity that many congregations renew their baptismal promises each year on Easter. Yet how well do we understand the spirit and depth of those vows? How much do they shape our daily lives? Parts of the Rule of Saint Benedict are believed to be based on addresses given to those about to be–or who had recently been–baptized; they are a practical guide to “choosing the road that leads to life.” With her characteristic insight and wisdom, Esther de Waal draws out enduring spiritual teaching on how to live when reborn “of water and the spirit.”