when the saints go marching in
So my blog has been rather post-free as of late. There are a couple of reasons, but this is one of the culprits: The Rule by St. Benedict. It's all about how to live a life of aceticism in a monastery and thereby achieve union with God. It's incredibly interesting, I'll probably post more about it once my presentation on the subject is over.
Below is a picture of the Dar Mar Antonios monastery in Egypt, the oldest Christian Monastery in the world. It doesn't have any entrances...everything that comes in has to be hauled over the wall with ropes.
I am truly impressed at the efforts of monks to be pure and Holy. I know there are some flaws in the theology behind the concept, but I can't help but be excited at their commitment to the lifestyle.
posted by Ryan at Monday, March 24, 2008
2 Comments:
Hmm. The devotion is compelling, but I agree that the theology is flawed.
mkay. this is amanda (phlamanda) and i'm not gonna lie, i creeped your blog (blame joel faber, you're linked from his blog.)
i wrote a paper on the ancrene rule (or riwle or wisse) which is essentially a cheap knock-off of the benedictine rule. i think it was written somewhat seriously, but it's hysterical. it was written for three women (sisters) who wanted to live holy and seperate lives, without having to give too much away.
for example, while benedict says that pets are not allowed under any circumstance, the ancrene riwle says "ye shall not possess any beast, my dear sisters, except only a cat." a cat, of all things. it's full of that stuff - the author gives a command and then backs down. makes me think of our culture so much. "i'll do it, but let me negotiate." "sounds about right, how can i water it down." i guess we're afraid of extremes. not always bad, but not always good (which is a completely non-extreme response...)
just sayin'.
and your posts are brilliant. i like the short, pithy ones.
happy paper-writing and exams. remember that it's not in vain.
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