I do believe that the key word here is moderation. Indeed, upon reading through Benedict’s Rule, I found it neither to harsh nor to soft. The legislated humility and strict schedule prescribed by the rule are, in all consideration, a very modest demand. There are no extraordinarily stringent rituals or even harsh punishment listed in the rule, only correction for the betterment of self. According to Traditions and Encounters, the text states, “The two most important reformers were the patriarch St. Basil of Caesarea (329-379 C.E.) in Byzantium and St. Benedict of Nursia (480-547 C.E) in Italy. Both men prepared regulations for monasteries that provided for mild but not debilitating asceticism combine with meditation and work on behalf of the church (p.344).” One of the main reasons for
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The humility described in the rule would, no doubt, make such monks very approachable. It’s such a reality that people, in general, tend to shy away from harsh judgement; nobody enjoys severe criticism, however necessary it may be. Indeed, in the rule it states, “The twelfth degree of humility is, when a monk is not only humble of heart, but always letteth it appears also in his whole exterior to all that see him;” Indeed, with such a display of humility, there’s no doubt that they would have been more approachable. Adding to this, in Traditions and Encounters, it states, “Christian monasteries provided a variety of social services that enabled them to build close relations with local communities. Monks and nuns offered spiritual counsel to local laity, and they organized relief efforts by supplying food and medical attention at times of natural or other calamities (p.344).” Indeed the simple and approachable lifestyle, combined with these charitable mission efforts, provided for a powerful manner through which reach all people, not simply
The humility described in the rule would, no doubt, make such monks very approachable. It’s such a reality that people, in general, tend to shy away from harsh judgement; nobody enjoys severe criticism, however necessary it may be. Indeed, in the rule it states, “The twelfth degree of humility is, when a monk is not only humble of heart, but always letteth it appears also in his whole exterior to all that see him;” Indeed, with such a display of humility, there’s no doubt that they would have been more approachable. Adding to this, in Traditions and Encounters, it states, “Christian monasteries provided a variety of social services that enabled them to build close relations with local communities. Monks and nuns offered spiritual counsel to local laity, and they organized relief efforts by supplying food and medical attention at times of natural or other calamities (p.344).” Indeed the simple and approachable lifestyle, combined with these charitable mission efforts, provided for a powerful manner through which reach all people, not simply