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Carsten Thomsen's Reviews > The Rule of Saint Benedict
The Rule of Saint Benedict
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My planned reading of spiritual classics have been quite slow. But here's one that I can recommend. These Rules have greatly influenced monasteries around the world until this day.
They begin with some general reflections on piety that all Christians can benefit from - then he goes on with more specific rules for the monks. There's a spirit here of love and humility and grace - but a lot of the Rules do seem very strict (specially on not talking and not laughing).
OK, there are also some funny Rules. Here's some with my comments:
* They sleep clothed, and girded with belts of cords; but they should remove their knives lest they accidentally cut themselves in their sleep . How considerate Benedict.
* Each will hasten to arrive at the Work of God before the others, yet with all dignity and decorum. He, he...how fast can you go with decorum intact. May the best man win.
* Without an order from the abbot, no one may presume to give, receive or retain anything as his own, nothing at all - not a book, writing tablets or stylus. No tablets? Oh no. I have to give up my iPad? I knew I was not cut out for this monkish business.
* We believe that half a bottle of wine a day is sufficient for each. I reconsider. Do let me be a monk.
* If anyone does not come to the table before the verse....his portion of wine should be taken away... That should do it!!.
They begin with some general reflections on piety that all Christians can benefit from - then he goes on with more specific rules for the monks. There's a spirit here of love and humility and grace - but a lot of the Rules do seem very strict (specially on not talking and not laughing).
OK, there are also some funny Rules. Here's some with my comments:
* They sleep clothed, and girded with belts of cords; but they should remove their knives lest they accidentally cut themselves in their sleep . How considerate Benedict.
* Each will hasten to arrive at the Work of God before the others, yet with all dignity and decorum. He, he...how fast can you go with decorum intact. May the best man win.
* Without an order from the abbot, no one may presume to give, receive or retain anything as his own, nothing at all - not a book, writing tablets or stylus. No tablets? Oh no. I have to give up my iPad? I knew I was not cut out for this monkish business.
* We believe that half a bottle of wine a day is sufficient for each. I reconsider. Do let me be a monk.
* If anyone does not come to the table before the verse....his portion of wine should be taken away... That should do it!!.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
October 1, 2011
–
Finished Reading
October 15, 2011
– Shelved
