Episode: Monk Habits for Everyday People
Starting in 2026, Bishop Jeff Bailey is taking the host chair, curating conversations with targeted insights on three areas shaping our diocese: clergy care, leadership development, and church planting.
Episode Summary
In the quest for deeper spirituality, many people find themselves looking beyond contemporary practices to ancient traditions. One particularly rich source of insight comes from the teachings of early monks. In this interview with Dennis Okholm, an expert on monastic traditions, Bishop Jeff explores how the psychology of the ancient monks can inform and enhance modern spiritual practices, especially for those in the Protestant tradition.
Episode Highlights
The Call to Monastic Life
Okholm’s association with the Benedictine community began in 1988, igniting a curiosity about the monastic approach to spirituality. His journey was not just scholarly; it was deeply personal and transformative.
Why Gluttony and Other Sins Matter
One of the key discussions in Okholm’s work is around the deadly sin of gluttony. But why does this ancient sin remain relevant today?
The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
One of the most compelling aspects of monastic life is the emphasis on community. Okholm highlights the need for communal support in spiritual growth, a concept often overlooked in individualistic societies.
A Broader Perspective on Salvation
In discussing the concept of salvation, Okholm emphasizes a broader understanding that goes beyond the traditional Protestant focus on justification.
Resources Mentioned
Dangerous Passions, Deadly Sins: Learning From the Psychology of Ancient Monks by Dennis Okholm
Monk Habits for Everyday People by Dennis Okholm
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Dennis Okholm (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary) is one of C4SO’s Canon Theologians. He taught theology and church history for 40 years, primarily at Wheaton College and Azusa Pacific University. After 27 years ordained in the PCUSA, he has been assisting his local church in Costa Mesa, CA as an Anglican priest. He is an oblate of the Benedictine order.