The History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation

Lecture 26: Benedictine Monasticism and Its Influence

Casey and Tomlin, Introducing the Rule of Benedict.

Knowles, Christian Monasticism.

1. How did the Rule of Benedict provide an accessible form of the “life of
   perfection” in a way earlier rules had not?


2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of understanding the path to
   God as mediated by “a Rule and an abbot”?

Suggested Reading

Questions to Consider