I've often thought that the monastic order is the high-point of my religion. No power, no ambition, just simple and just service to God and man.

Therefore I thought I'd read the beginning of that order. My sympathies are much more in align with the Franciscans then the Benedictions which is to put it gently, a little harsh. A surprisingly large amount of the book deals with Benedict's disdain for laughter and or grumbling.

Alot of this slight volume is simply not very useful to the layman, unless you desperately want to know how you should perform you're cooking duties and sleeping arrangements should a monastery happen to visit you.

Still this book is the foundation for an order and way of life that I have nothing but the utmost respect for. And if more Christians (myself of course included) followed the wisdom of lines such as, "keep your tongue free from vicious talk, and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and your aim." I firmly believe that both the world and the church would be in much better standing.