The Benedict Option

The Benedict Option
First edition
AuthorRod Dreher
LanguageEnglish
PublisherSentinel
Publication date
2017
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint
Pages304
ISBN978-0-735-21330-2

The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation is a 2017 book by writer and conservative commentator Rod Dreher on Christianity and Western culture. Drawing very loosely on the writings of early Christian monk Benedict of Nursia and the philosophy of Alasdair MacIntyre,[1] Dreher argues for the formation of virtuous Christian communities in response to an increasingly secular culture. The book produced discussion and debate in Christian and secular circles over the issues of cultural engagement and the direction of Christian communities.[2][3][4] Although Alasdair MacIntyre was claimed as an inspiration for the movement, MacIntyre has criticized its proposal of retreating from broader society.[5]

  1. ^ Thorngate, Steve (2017-05-24). "Who is the Benedict Option for?". The Christian Century. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  2. ^ Rothman, Joshua (2017-04-24). "Rod Dreher's Monastic Vision". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  3. ^ Wax, Trevin (2017-03-20). "The Benedict Option: Good Strategy, Bad Posture". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  4. ^ Green, Emma (2017-02-22). "These Conservative Christians Are Choosing to Retreat From Public Life". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2024-07-26.
  5. ^ Macintyre, Alasdair (2020-04-21). ""A New Set of Social Forms": Alasdair MacIntyre on "The Benedict Option"". Tradistae. Archived from the original on 2024-07-26. Retrieved 2021-09-26.