The Benedict Option considered again

Posted on April 18, 2017 by jamesbradfordpate

theoutwardquest

I have been thinking about what is called the Benedict Option for a while. It is Rod Dreher’s proposal for Christians to strategically withdraw from the political culture wars.  Last August in the midst of America’s train-wreck of an election, I wrote about it.  I suggested a “Jeremiah Option” instead, referring to Jeremiah 29:5-7.

I pointed out that, beginning with their exile in Babylon, the Jews have had more experience being a diaspora community than have Christians.

Rod Dreher’s new book on The Benedict Option is out and generating much discussion.

Rod has been complaining that some of the early reviews read ideas into his book that are not there.  He likes Scot McKnight’s review, though.  So, if you aren’t going to read the book and want an idea about it, I would start with McKnight.

One of the things about the Benedict Option is that it requires the forming…

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About jamesbradfordpate

My name is James Pate. This blog is about my journey. I read books. I watch movies and TV shows. I go to church. I try to find meaning. And, when I can’t do that, I just talk about stuff that I find interesting. I have degrees in fields of religious studies. I have an M.Phil. in the History of Biblical Interpretation from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. I also have an M.A. in Hebrew Bible from Jewish Theological Seminary, an M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School, and a B.A. from DePauw University.
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