Benedict's monastic rule encouraged:
A) a strict diet and extreme asceticism.
B) a contemplative life at the cost of all other activities.
C) living a religious life as a hermit, alone in the desert.
D) time spent in physical labor and contemplation.
E) silence in the monastery at all times.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Benedict's monastic rule encouraged a balance between physical labor and contemplation. This meant that monks were expected to spend time working (often in fields or with crafts) as well as engaging in prayer and study. This balance was meant to help them live a disciplined and focused life, while also contributing to the material needs of the monastery and broader society. This emphasis on balance and practicality set Benedict's rule apart from other ascetic or contemplative practices of the time.

Benedict's Monastic Rule Encouraged