Rule of St Benedict

This text seemed a lot different to me than the others that we have read for class simply because of its religious nature. Personally, I think it’s admirable for a person to dedicate their life to pleasing God or living in what is deemed a “holy” way. However, the list of regulations and rules that St. Benedict set forth seemed impractical and possibly even unattainable. I do think that those who choose to live this type of monastic lifestyle and follow these rules would find fulfillment. 

In previous texts, we have seen authors distinguish between groups of people but none (in my opinion) have made such an apparent and clear cut differentiation as St. Benedict has. In the very beginning he makes it clear that the Cenobites are the ideal monks and the epitome of what is it to abide by the monastery’s values. I can’t help but wonder if Benedict intended to use these classifications of monks as motivations for individuals to become more like the Cenobites. In addition, the Abbess, Abbot, and Cellarer of the monastery hold positions of higher authority and hold the majority of the power in the monastery. This class-like system seems almost contradictory when compared to the themes of equality and community that are so prevalent throughout the text. The idea of communal responsibility for society and one another is a reoccurring principal in many of the “utopic” societies we’ve read about thus far. In a lot of ways it cultivated a sense of equality and selflessness between people. (So here’s my question) do you think that with all of the laws set forth in St Benedict’s Rule, true equality could ever be achieved and maintained between monks?