Rule of BenedictRule of Benedict

Benedict (480-547)Benedict (480-547)

Born in Nursia, ItalyBorn in Nursia, Italy Twin sister ScholasticaTwin sister Scholastica

Started a convent near himStarted a convent near him Lived as hermit in SubiacoLived as hermit in Subiaco Started monastery in Monte CassinoStarted monastery in Monte Cassino

Bombed and destroyed by US in WWIIBombed and destroyed by US in WWII Since rebuiltSince rebuilt

Model for most monasteries in WestModel for most monasteries in West But note Jesuits are not monks!But note Jesuits are not monks!

Subiaco monasterySubiaco monastery

Cave of St. BenedictCave of St. Benedict

Abbey of Monte CassinoAbbey of Monte Cassino

Icon of twin brother and sisterBenedict and Scholastica

Discussion of RuleDiscussion of Rule

Why does Benedict value community life? Why does Benedict value community life? (section 1)(section 1)

What was monastic life like?What was monastic life like? Christ in the Desert monastery, New Mexico: Christ in the Desert monastery, New Mexico: httphttp

://www.christdesert.org/noframes/day/skedules/skedules://www.christdesert.org/noframes/day/skedules/skedules.html.html

What problems does he anticipate?What problems does he anticipate? How does he try to prevent such problems, or How does he try to prevent such problems, or

deal with them?deal with them? What sounds moderate?What sounds moderate?

What sounds harsh?What sounds harsh? What sounds like useful advice in 2006?What sounds like useful advice in 2006?

For next timeFor next time

Chinese Christian sutrasChinese Christian sutras What sounds distinctively Eastern What sounds distinctively Eastern

(Buddhist)?(Buddhist)? What sounds similar to Bible and/or What sounds similar to Bible and/or

Western Christianity?Western Christianity? Do you think the Eastern adaptation of Do you think the Eastern adaptation of

the basic message of Jesus is useful? Or the basic message of Jesus is useful? Or does it change the message?does it change the message?