How does the Rule of St. Benedict schedule reflect the medieval world Essay

How does the Rule of St. Benedict schedule reflect the medieval world - Essay Example The medieval worldview revolved around a sense of community rather than individualism. Society was divided into three divisions: those who pray, those who work, and those who fight. These different groups of people had to work together to meet the community’s needs. The values of the medieval world reflected a focus on eternity rather than mortality, an economic structure that privileged land and traditions, and a focus on the community rather than the individual. Monasticism (from Greek ÃŽ ¼ÃŽ ¿ÃŽ ½ÃŽ ±Ãâ€¡ÃÅ'Ï‚, monachos, derived from Greek monos, alone) is a religious way of life characterized by the practice of renouncing worldly pursuits to fully devote oneself to spiritual work (Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia). Monks would live in communities and live a life characterized by celibacy, poverty, and obedience. Monks would move into secluded areas, separating themselves from society in order to live as monks under the authority of an abbot. A monk’s daily life was divided into three parts: holy work, holy study, and holy prayer. Monks followed a very strict and rigorous schedule and were expected to do exactly as they were told without any hesitation, delay, grumbling, or complaint (St. Benedict of Nursia 3-4). Everyone living within the community would work together for one common purpose and goal. They all would do holy work, holy prayer, and holy study. Each individual in the monastery had to fulfill his orders and be obedient to make sure the community needs were met. The main value emphasized by monasticism was the priority of the community before the individual. All members of the community must work together to meet a common purpose as heirs of the kingdom of heaven. Monasticism deemphasizes the individual. All members of the religion share the common goal of dwelling in the tabernacle, so they must grow in religious life and faith. They shall learn to follow God’s commandments