Rule of the SSJE

This actually inspired me to seek to create a similar document for myself and family. The book was much more than I expected when I was first seeking to learn about a religious society that has defined for themselves and the world how they live in this contemporary time. I learned that as well as much more about how a group can define for themselves and their community how to worship, live together and designate authority. It is one thing to just state a list of values and what they mean -- and then take those statements further to describe how they are actually implemented among a group of individuals that have chose to live together for life. The statements express why a decision is made about a particular category and also how to live as an individual and in a community expressing the Divine Love of their Order. .

The Rule of this organization conveys their deep faith and trust in God. It is an intelligent and current interpretation and application of ancient wisdom. As you learn more about SSJE, you understand this book truly grounds their practice. The information can be applied to a lay person as well.

When the world is out of control, or the wrong things and people are rewarded for their evil, I turn back to the Rule for rest and renewal. It is a centering point that convinces me that God is in control and that we can live together not only out of personal consideration for each other, but truly live together in a common, shared spiritual life. The Rule is not a discouragement through pointing out our failures, but instead an encouragement that living a life in Christ is fulfilling and rewarding.

I used this in a class I was taking on creating your own rule of life. It was very helpful. In addition, there was online material that also applied and was available. The workbook was invaluable to the class discussions that we had.

The Rule of SSJE includes not just instruction on traditional things you would think of from a religious community like prayer and obedience, but also everyday concerns like health, rest and relationships.

This is a beautiful book that helps explain and deepen one's Anglican identity.

This is a great book outlining the rule of life for the Society of St. John the Evangelist, an Episcopal monastic community in Cambridge, MA. Each rule incorporates scriptural quotation from the Gospel According to John, the Beloved Disciple as well as other biblical references. Each brother vows to live a life of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity. Each of those three "life vows" are well-covered, but the Rule covers much more: hospitality, prayer, worship, silence, retreat, etc. There are 49 short 2 page chapters arranged topically. One does not need to be interested in the monastic life to enjoy this book. It's a great text to explore to assist one in looking at life in a contemplative manner. I encourage people interested to visit the Society's website at [...] where you can learn more about the society, listen and subscribe to pod casts, and schedule a retreat at either the monastery in Cambridge, MA or at Emery House in West Newbury, MA. I have attended two retreats, and I highly recommend them!

How do I begin? In this clean and concise volume the entire tapestry of the Society of St. John The Evangelist is unwound for all to see. This monastic group provides and insight to the faith and lives of those men who have devoted their lives to spreading the word of Christ and daily devotions. Each of the chapters in this book can be used for insightful reading and learning about how to approach the spreading of Christ's Love. The book can be used in study groups, as a help to write sermons, and also private study. The Rule can also be used as a starting point on making your walk with Christ more rewarding and focused. I have very much enjoyed this book, and find this `Rule' much more contemporary and understandable than that of Saint Benedict. I highly recommend it to all.