Understanding the Rule of St. Benedict

Historical and Biblical Context

The Rule of St. Benedict served for centuries as an invaluable tool for abbots in managing both the everyday affairs of the monastery, as well as for anyone pursuing the more overarching purpose of progressing along the path towards salvation. Its lessons and doctrines laid the foundations for a successful monastic society that followed biblical teachings closely; it is consistent, explicit, and specific in its edicts, while still allowing the abbot freedom to act as he saw fit under the varying circumstances he might have faced. In short, it was the trusty old playbook of monastic coaching, serving as "a little rule for beginners" (11).

However, as with all written works, The Rule of St. Benedict was not produced in an intellectual vacuum. Benedict lived in a time of great change and transition; as Rome continued to disintegrate, the civilized Western world was in disarray. As a result, many cultures, religions, and theologies existed simultaneously, some of which were not to persist appreciably for more than another two centuries. The last vestiges of Roman civilization were struggling for survival; Paganism continued to be highly practiced in Rome, while Christianity flourished throughout Europe. Considering this heterogeneous blend of influences on St. Benedict at the time of the Rule's conception, it is impossible to attribute its entirety to Benedict's considerable faith and intellect.

Living during the twilight of Roman civilization and the dawning of the Dark Ages in Europe, St. Benedict was arguably influenced most substantially by both the Hebrew and the fading Athenian traditions. This is not to say that Benedict's writings were all merely a throwback to a more ancient era, but there is clearly evidence of a number of similarities.