Norvene Vest
Personal Information
Description
Dr. Vest’s abiding passion is relationship with and experience of the Mystery, as expressed in a progressive Christian third way between conservative orthodoxy and secular disbelief. Norvene writes and teaches about attention to and shared exploration of a deepening relationship with the Holy One, through traditional practices in conversation with contemporary shifts in religious understanding. She is known internationally for her work in spiritual direction and Benedictine spirituality for the common life. In addition to her writing, Norvene has been a Spiritual Director since about 1982, companioning over 125 persons in that period, is a retreat and workshop leader, and has jointly (with her husband Doug) led 12 pilgrimage groups to Britain, Italy, and Turkey.
Books
Benedict
A biography of the medieval monk, St. Benedict, adapted from the writings of Pope Gregory.
No Moment Too Small
In No Moment Too Small, Vest focuses on three of the foundations of the Benedictine way: silence, the exploration of Scripture and other spiritual writings (lectio divina), and the hours of prayer. These essentials of Benedict's sixth-century rule of life offer a practical framework for spiritual growth in our own day, a path to God through the events and people of ordinary lives. In her discussion of lectio-on-life, for example, Vest provides insight on the reading of our lives as the “text” in which we find God's Word written in the ordinary events of daily life. Exercises for individuals or groups follow each chapter on silence, prayer, and holy reading. Excellent for Lenten study groups as well as ongoing prayer or Bible study groups.
Bible reading for spiritual growth
"Author Aviva Cantor offers an illuminating look at Jewish history as seen through the lens of feminist theory. Presenting a new view of Jewish gender and social relationships, Cantor explains how patriarchal values have affected virtually every aspect of Jewish life." "From the creation of Halacha, Jewish constitutional law, and the story of Queen Esther to an examination of sex, marriage, and child-rearing to the establishment of a Jewish state and the struggles of contemporary Jewish feminists, Cantor weaves the fabric of Jewish gender relationships into a compelling cultural tapestry." "Finally, Jewish Women/Jewish Men goes beyond historical analysis to offer a liberating vision of how Jewish society could be transformed by adopting humane feminist values."--BOOK JACKET.