Led by: The Rev'd Wesley Owens
Pathway 2: Scripture and Christian Doctrine
Pathway 4: Living Out Our baptism as public witnesses for Christ
When: Wednesdays, 6:15–7:45pm | 30 November–21 December

For 1500 years, few Christians have shaped the trajectory of communal discipleship as pervasively as St. Benedict of Nursia, the father of Western Monasticism.  His compendium of instructions, the Rule of Saint Benedict, offers one of the most tested and most compelling practical visions for ordering the spiritual life.  Indeed, throughout the Middle Ages, it was the second most widely read text in the world after the Bible – and for good reason.  Its guidelines are challenging but humane. 

Though originally intended for monks, the Rule continues to inspire Christian disciples of all vocations and backgrounds.  In this class, we will examine it together, attending to its historical context as well as its modern application.  As followers of Jesus, we face many distractions and obstacles on the road of salvation, causing us to neglect intimacy with God and our neighbor.  But, St. Benedict taught that the integration of prayer and work in a stable community of Christ-followers fertilizes the soil of our hearts, helping us listen to the voice of God and respond in loving obedience.  This harmony of our wills with the will of God yields forth its fruit: “the inexpressible delight of love.”