The Benedict Option

Christians in America have been witness to the secularizing of our country over the past few decades. It is clear that not only is this process accelerating, but there is a growing anti-Christian sentiment that is clearly seen if you look. So, what are we to do about it?

This is a good start in finding that direction. We must come to the realization that the concept of a Christian America is a futile pipe-dream. And attempting to hold back the tides of change will only serve to hasten the destruction of Christian society as we know it.

It may be time to take the Benedictine Option. Interesting idea with good discussion of it. It may not be the perfect solution, but it has a lot of positives and may be just what we need in this crazy moment.

Short review: This has been a good book to initiate discussion about the purpose and focus on the church, but I think the alarmism (against the wrong things) fundamentally missed the right questions and then gives the wrong answers.

After the first section I thought I would disagree with more than I did. There really is some good there. And I think Dreher is writing out of Christian conviction (even if I think he is wrong) because he really is trying to help the church in the best way that he can. So I think there should be some lauding of his attempt even if the result misses the mark.

I have just over 1700 words in my full review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/benedict-option/