The Rule of St. Benedict 2

Study Guide Questions for Ch. 3-6

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Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)

Prudence, Truth, Temperance, Repentance, Hope, Love, Deprivation

Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)

1. What did Benedict say should be done “as often as anything important is to be done in the monastery?”

2. What else did Benedict say should be done “just as it is proper for disciples to obey their masters?”

3. What is “no one” supposed to “follow” in the monastery?

4. What are Christians supposed to “renounce” in order to “follow Christ?”

5. What did Benedict say believers should do “as soon as wrongful thoughts come into your heart?”

6. What were monks encouraged to do concerning the Abbot’s commands “even if his own conduct…be at odds with what he says?”

7. What did Benedict tell his monks to “not aspire to?”

8. What should Christians “never lose hope in” according to Benedict?

9. What is “the first step of humility” according to Benedict?

10. What is the case, according to Benedict, “if a disciple obeys grudgingly and grumbles?”

11. How “important is silence” according to Benedict?

Logic Questions: (Interpreting, Comparing/Contrasting, Reasoning)

1. Benedict said “the reason why we have said all should be called for counsel is that the Lord often reveals what is better to the younger.” What did he mean by this? Why might the younger sometimes know better what ought to be done than the older?

2. Why might it be important for the Abbot to keep all the same rules he enforces with his monks?

3. Why was the “less important business” of the monastery to only be brought before the “seniors” of the monastery?

4. What does it mean to “renounce yourself in order to follow Christ?”

5. What did Benedict mean when he wrote, “Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way; the love of Christ must come before all else?”

6. Why was Benedict concerned that no one should ever “give a hollow greeting of peace?”

7. What did Benedict mean when he said “unhesitating obedience…comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all else?”

8. In what way might “love” be the thing which “impels [Christians] to pursue everlasting life?”

9. Why would it ever be appropriate for even “good words…to be left unsaid out of esteem for silence?” What did Benedict mean by this?

Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)

1. Benedict wrote, “If you notice something good in yourself, give credit to God, not to yourself, but be certain that the evil you commit is always your own and yours to acknowledge.” In light of this, define the concept of “pride.” Should we ever be proud of ourselves for anything? Why or why not?

2. Define the term “temperance.” How is temperance an important part of life in a Benedictine monastery? How does one go about developing temperance in his or her life? What might be the particular challenges a person will face if they choose to pursue this virtue?

3. Do you think Benedict’s rule for his monks is an ideal example of the use of temperance in the Christian life? Why or why not?

Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)

1. Benedict makes reference to what has often been called “the Golden Rule.” He specifically wrote “never do to another what you do not want done to yourself.” Read Luke 6:27-36. How are Jesus’ actual words slightly different than what Benedict says here? Why might the subtle difference be significantly important to the way we seek to obey Jesus’ teachings?

2. Benedict said that humility in Christ means putting aside thoughts of our own good and seeking to be quick to serve others. Specifically he said, “such people as these immediately put aside their own concerns, abandon their own will, and lay down whatever they have in hand, leaving it unfinished” in order to serve others or obey their master. Read Mark 1:16-20. How did the apostles in this passage show this same kind of humility?

3. Read Matthew 21:28-32. How does this relate to what Benedict says about grumbling obedience at the end of chapter 5? Are these in agreement or disagreement? Why do you think so?