Christian Mission and Poverty

Chapter 2: A Monastic Response

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Discussion Questions

How is the community of a monastery different from the community in which you live? Are there ways that God is calling you and your fellow Christians to live differently in regard to money and ownership? What does Benedict teach about private ownership of goods? Are there ways that your community of Christians could learn from monastic communities in this regard? Benedict sees his fellow monks as brothers. This affects his desire that each brother might receive what he needs. How could seeing the people around you as siblings change your desires in relation to them? There are times that Benedict thinks certain community members should have more and times when they should receive less. How do communities know the difference between these two times? Are there times God is calling you to hold on to goods and times God is calling you to give them away? For Benedict, the discipline of living by a community rule helps Christians form a healthy community. Are there practices that you or your community could live by that would encourage a healthy view of money and human need?