Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace
My Spiritual Journey in Opus Dei
-
-
4.5 • 11 Ratings
-
-
- $9.99
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
A deeply personal introduction to the biblical theology and spirituality of Opus Dei by the bestselling Catholic author Scott Hahn.
To conspiracy theorists, Opus Dei is a highly secretive and powerful international organization. To its members, however, Opus Dei is a spiritual path, a way of incorporating the teachings of Jesus into everyday life. In Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace, Scott Hahn, a member of Opus Dei, describes the organization’s founding, its mission, and its profound influence on his life.
Hahn recounts the invaluable part Opus Dei played in his conversion from Evangelical Christianity to Catholicism and explains why its teachings remain at the center of his life. Through stories about his job, his marriage, his role as a parent, and his community activities, Hahn shows how Opus Dei’s spirituality enriches the meaning of daily tasks and transforms ordinary relationships. He offers inspiring insights for reconciling spiritual and material goals, discussing topics ranging from ambition, workaholism, friendship, and sex, to the place of prayer and sacrifice in Christianity today.
Engaging and enlightening, Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace is at once a moving personal story and an inspiring work of contemporary spirituality.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
With interest in the controversial group Opus Dei piqued by the popularity of the novel, TheDa Vinci Code, a book by a member who purports to tell his "personal story" is bound to attract attention. Unfortunately, this latest work from author and Catholic convert Hahn consists mostly of a didactic treatment of the theology of Opus Dei, containing little that is compelling about its relationship to Hahn's life. The author was drawn to Opus Dei after meeting several of its members at a time when he was pondering whether to join the Catholic Church. Disappointed in the lack of zeal he had found among other Catholics, he was pleased to discover in Opus Dei members a lively faith that was closer to what he had known among fellow evangelical Protestants. "Opus Dei," he writes, "was someplace where I could begin to feel at home." Other than this brief personal vignette, Hahn remains in the role of teacher and biblical theologian, expounding on the group's tenets as formed by its founder, St. Josemar a Escriv . Hahn's book is useful as an introduction to Opus Dei for those seeking to learn about the organization and its spiritual foundations, but it could have benefited from greater personal reflection.
Customer Reviews
Great summary of Opus Dei!
There are many books about Opus Dei and its theology around, but this is the most practical and well written. I enjoyed how the author brought all the various aspects of Opus Dei into one book and included personal stories to show how the teachings relate to everyday life.