Rules are for Fools

While reading the Rule of Saint Benedict, I couldn't help but notice two things: 1) These people have way too many rules and 2) I would never ever want to be a Benedictine nun.  As I was reading through the “rule book”, I decided to make two columns; one with a list of things I did like about the society, and one with a list of things I didn't like about the society.  Here is what I found to be “yay” or “nay” about being a Benedictine nun/monk.

Yay! 

• ·         The Abbess leads her nuns by example.  She doesn't just talk the talk, but she walks the walk.  Makes for a good leader and a more receptive following.
• ·         The Abbess is required to teach her nuns according to their different personalities.  This is a good tactic when it comes to teaching in general.
• ·         When there is an issue within the monastery that needs to be confronted, the Abbot first asks the opinions of everyone before making a decision that may impact the monastery as a whole.  This gives the monks a voice within the community and can lead to a happy democracy if the Abbot actually listens.
• ·         Punishment for the nuns is based upon the severity of the fault.  If the fault is worthy of a harsh penalty, then the punishment will reflect that.  It’s only fair.  No one gets special treatment.
• ·         A monk who decides to leave the monastery is welcome back but must prove himself worthy to be back in the religious group.  This rule allows for some flexibility regarding your standing with the community but also reminds the monks that it is a privilege to be there.
• ·         The Cellarer must be just like everyone else.  He is a good example and acts like a father figure to the monks.  I like the idea that there is a guaranteed father figure within the group.  There is always someone to go to with your problems.
• ·         Good care is given to the sick within the community.  They are to be treated “like Christ”.
• ·         The nuns are allowed to drink wine! (in moderation of course)
• ·         Everything is done in moderation.  “Let all things be done in moderation, however, for the sake of the faint-hearted”.  There is no chance of becoming too enthralled in one activity or object, making for a well-rounded person.
• ·         The monk’s clothing is very practical.  They dress modestly and for the weather.  There isn't any competition or jealousy regarding who has the best clothing, eliminating that status quo.

Nay

• ·         In chapter 2.11 it says that the Abbess should treat all of the nuns equally, but she has the power to promote those who she thinks is better than others.  “Let her make no distinction of persons in the monastery.  Let her not love one more than another, unless it be one whom she finds better in good works or obedience”.  It’s incredibly contradictory and in no way the “Christian” thing to do.
• ·         Punishment is really harsh! Beating the nuns/monks with “rods”?! Physical beating is not the answer! Especially in a “Utopian” society.
• ·         The Abbess is entirely responsible for the spiritual well-being of her nuns.  That’s a lot of pressure for one person!  Spiritual health should be a personal affair, not something that is controlled and monitored by one person.
• ·         In chapter 4, under the list of “Instruments of Good Works”, the only one that I had a problem with was number 13.  “To love fasting”.  No one should “love” to fast.  It’s a sacrifice that you make in order to grow closer to God.  It shouldn't be an enjoyable process.  How can you have a Utopia when everyone is grumpy from being hungry, anyway?
• ·         How can anyone fulfill all of the things on the “Instruments of Good Works” list?  It’s a list of impossibilities that no one can accomplish.  The list is asking for impossible perfection in order to attain salvation.   
• ·         Monks are supposed to live in perpetual fear of God and to give up all of their free will in order to be at service to the Lord.  That doesn't sound like a very happy or fulfilling lifestyle to me. 
• ·         Humility is considered a major virtue, as it should be, but Monks are expected to consider themselves lower than all others, even though they are some of the closest beings to God spiritually.  That seems pretty detrimental to ones self-esteem, which is the farthest thing from Utopian.
• ·         Monks are meant to be in a constant state of guilt.  “Feeling the guilt of his sins at every moment, he should consider himself already present at the dread Judgment…”  What kind of life are you living if you are constantly feeling guilty for being human? To me, that is no way to live, and no way to obtain Utopia.

Basically, I found many things that I disagreed with in the Benedictine society.  There is no individuality and no real way to express who you are in this society.  This set of guidelines may work well for some, but not everyone is alike.  Not everyone in this society can easily conform to the rules set up by Saint 

Benedict, which ultimately makes this society the farthest thing from a Utopia.

In my opinion, a Utopia is a personal experience.  What is perfect for one person may not be perfect for another.  This society seems to be very dystopian.  It’s all about conformity and following strict rules that may not fit the lifestyle or the opinions of others.  A society should not have to follow a rule book in order to achieve a Utopian society.