How the Rule of St Benedict underpins the emergence of spiritual and emotional strength

When St Benedict wrote his Rule in the sixth century, he was familiar with the Aristotelian idea that “through discipline comes freedom”, writes James Whitehead.

In his Rule, Benedict emphasises the importance of both prayer and work (ora et labora). Indeed, he writes that “idleness is the enemy of the soul”. So there is a combination of emphasis on diligence and persistence in Benedictine culture, with a focus on balance and moderation.