A monk by the name of Benedict wrote a book called, The Rule. In its time, this book was the greatest of all monastic literature.
An abbot, the leader of the community of faith, was screened through a litmus test. Yes, this is antiquated in its origin, but we can still use this test for leaders today:
- The abbot should be en example of integrity.
- The abbot should call together the council and weigh input while making decisions.
- The abbot gives account of his behavior to God.
- The abbot is learned in divine law.
- The abbot is sober and chaste.
- The abbot prefers mercy to justice.
- The abbot hates sin but loves the brothers.
- The abbot exercises prudence, even in his corrections.
- The abbot keeps his frailty and shortcomings ever before himself.
- The abbot cuts off vices in each brother as he determines, distributing guidance to each as they have specific need.
- The abbot works to be loved rather than feared.
- The abbot is not violent, anxious, obstinate, jealous or prone to suspicion.
- The abbot is prudent and considerate in all matters.
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the sober is not referring to drinking from what i understand.
I need to be an abbot. I suck, JY!
Okay, I need clarification:
Sober and chaste… is that sober and in drinking or sober as in vigilant? Since it’s coupled with chaste, I’m assuming it means vigilant.
Your thoughts?