The Cannon Beach Gazette David Robinson doesn t consider himself an author, but Crossroad Publishing, a New York publishing company, does. A visitor to monasteries for more than 15 years, David discovered the writings of Benedict, patron saint of Europe, decades ago, In the early 500s, Benedict wrote a 73-chapter book that explained how the Benedictine order of monks, which he founded, should live. Five years ago he started jotting down ideas. The result is an 80-page book that gleans from the Benedictine rules of order what David believes is applicable to family life today.
Some principals work well.
For example, Chapter 53 of Benedict s rules deals with hospitality. Monastic life was almost a conundrum, David said. Monasteries were isolated so monks could devote time to prayer, but monks still had roles to fulfill in the community. Families today have similar challenges. Benedict revolutionized Europe by saying all guests should be welcomed as if they were Christ, for it is Christ who is in your midst .