![Book Cover of The Rule of St. Benedict](/image/book/the-rule-of-st-benedict.webp)
The Rule of St. Benedict
'The Rule of St. Benedict ' Summary
The Rule of Saint Benedict is a book of precepts written in 516 by Benedict of Nursia for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot.
The spirit of Saint Benedict's Rule is summed up in the motto of the Benedictine Confederation and the traditional ora et labora. Compared to other precepts, the Rule provides a moderate path between individual zeal and formulaic institutionalism; because of this middle ground it has been widely popular. Benedict's concerns were the needs of monks in a community environment: namely, to establish due order, to foster an understanding of the relational nature of human beings, and to provide a spiritual father to support and strengthen the individual's ascetic effort and the spiritual growth that is required for the fulfillment of the human vocation, theosis.
The Rule of Saint Benedict has been used by Benedictines for 15 centuries, and thus St. Benedict is sometimes regarded as the founder of Western monasticism due to reform that his rules had on the current Catholic hierarchy. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that Benedict intended to found a religious order in the modern sense and it was not until the Late Middle Ages that mention was made of an "Order of Saint Benedict". His Rule was written as a guide for individual, autonomous communities, and all Benedictine Houses still remain self-governing. Advantages seen in retaining this unique Benedictine emphasis on autonomy include cultivating models of tightly bonded communities and contemplative lifestyles. Perceived disadvantages comprise geographical isolation from important activities in adjacent communities. Other perceived losses include inefficiency and lack of mobility in the service of others, and insufficient appeal to potential members. These different emphases emerged within the framework of the Rule in the course of history and are to some extent present within the Benedictine Confederation and the Cistercian Orders of the Common and the Strict Observance.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
LatinPublished In
516 CEGenre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Author
![Saint Benedict of Nursia image](/thumbs/image/author/saint-benedict-of-nursia.webp)
Saint Benedict of Nursia
Italy, France
Benedict of Nursia OSB is a Christian saint venerated in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion and Old Catholic Churches. He is a pat...
More on Saint Benedict of NursiaListen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
![Familiar Instructions and Evening Lectures on All the Truths of Religion, Volume 2 Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/familiar-instructions-and-evening-lectures-on-all-the-truths-of-religion-volume-2.webp)
Familiar Instructions and Evening Lectures on All the Truths of Religion, Volume 2 by Louis Gaston de Segur
It is a religious book that delves into the teachings of the Catholic Church. This book is a part of a two-volume set, with the second volume offering...
![The Life and Death of Mr. Badman Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-life-and-death-of-mr-badman.webp)
The Life and Death of Mr. Badman by John Bunyan
The Life and Death of Mr. Badman is a 1680 book by John Bunyan. It was designed as a companion to The Pilgrim's Progress and was published by Nathanie...
![A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/a-serious-call-to-a-devout-and-holy-life.webp)
A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life by William Law
This is one of the greatest devotional books of the Christian faith, inspiring thousands to a closer walk with their Lord. John Wesley was a close ass...
![The Unconditional Freeness of the Gospel Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-unconditional-freeness-of-the-gospel.webp)
The Unconditional Freeness of the Gospel by Thomas Erskine
The book discusses the concept of the Gospel and its freedom from any conditions. Erskine argues that salvation is a free gift from God and is not bas...
![The Treasury of David, Vol. 2 Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-treasury-of-david-vol-2-abridged.webp)
The Treasury of David, Vol. 2 by Charles H. Spurgeon
Embark on a profound journey of spiritual exploration with "The Treasury of David, Vol. 2 (Abridged)" by Charles H. Spurgeon, where the timeless wisdo...
![The Righteous Man's Refuge Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-righteous-mans-refuge.webp)
The Righteous Man's Refuge by John Flavel
It is a powerful and inspirational book that offers solace and guidance to individuals seeking refuge in their faith. This timeless piece of literatur...
![The Age of the Puritans Volume 2 Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/the-age-of-the-puritans-volume-2.webp)
The Age of the Puritans Volume 2 by Various
This volume of The Age of the Puritans (late 16th century and 17th century) begins with Theodore Beza's 1575 catechism, brief and simple enough to be...
![Joseph: Beloved, Hated, Exalted Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/joseph-beloved-hated-exalted.webp)
Joseph: Beloved, Hated, Exalted by Frederick Brotherton Meyer
In Frederick Brotherton Meyer's captivating biography, "Joseph: Beloved, Hated, Exalted," readers embark on a journey through the extraordinary life o...
![Pictures of the Apostolic Church: Its Life and Teaching Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/pictures-of-the-apostolic-church-its-life-and-teaching.webp)
Pictures of the Apostolic Church: Its Life and Teaching by William Mitchell Ramsay
"Step back in time and witness the captivating journey of the early Christian community as renowned historian William Mitchell Ramsay unveils a vivid...
![On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church Cover image](/thumbs/image/book/on-the-babylonian-captivity-of-the-church.webp)
On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church by Martin Luther
Prelude on the Babylonian Captivity of the Church was the second of the three major treatises published by Martin Luther in 1520, coming after the Add...
Reviews for The Rule of St. Benedict
No reviews posted or approved, yet...