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A Rule of Life
From the very beginning of Christianity and before people have asked questions such as, “How shall I live this faith?” “What shall I do and when shall I do it?” “How do I encounter God and keep God’s will in the forefront of my life?” Simply put, a Rule of Life is an attempt to answer these questions.
Most famously, monks and nuns have adopted a Rule of Life to govern their goals, values, and norms of behavior both individually and in their communities. Some of the most famous authors of monastic rules of life are St. Augustine of Hippos, St. Benedict of Nursia, St. Francis & St. Clare of Assisi, St. Columba, and St. Basil the Great. There have, of course, been others, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer ( see his book Life Together for a Protestant Rule of Life) and Nicholas Ferrar.
Many Rules of Life describe a routine centered around prayer or devotion or worship. They also include hours for study, work, eating, sleeping, singing, clothing, socializing, silence, gardening/farming, artistic expression, and/or writing. Rules of Life may also describe sexual values, practices of thought, hygiene practices, healthcare, and more. None cover every area here listed or every part of life. Instead, by the details they do describe they paint a picture of the Christian community and the the Christian individual they seek to form and conform to the image of Christ.
All Rules of Life have in common the pursuit of a Christian life, but they differ in the methods they use to pursue Christian life. As a result many Rules create a community with a certain charism, or spiritual gift. For instance many who pursue St. Benedict’s rule are known for the gift of Godly hospitality – of both people and of the Holy Spirit. St. Augustine’s rule has lead many to heartfelt friendship with both other people and with God. And so on…
Here is a chart detailing common understandings and misunderstandings about a Rule of Life.
| What a Rule of Life is… | What a Rule of Life is NOT… |
| It is a pattern of behavior. | It is not just an extra set of commandments. |
| A Biblical goal for a Christian life lived out with/towards others. | Something you can instantly achieve. |
| A description of how you intend to spend your time/energy/focus. | An inflexible schedule and standard. |
| An intention for how you will live in love with God & others. | A way of making yourself righteous or a tool for judging others. |
| A way of making yourself available to God and to serve others. | An individualistic tool for distinguishing yourself from others. |
| A spiritual tool that requires humility and patient practice. | A tool for achieving perfection or to become a “super-Christian” |
| Not easily fulfilled but in its attempt, is very fulfilling. | A spiritual fad, easily abandoned. |
| Something you ask others to hold you accountable to. | Something wistful or of little import. |
Some Rules of Life worth reading and studying…
The Rule of St. Benedict – St. Benedict of Nursia is know as the Father on western monasticism. Among the many strengths of the the Benedictine Rule are the emphasis on balance, stability, and hospitality. This Rule has been highly influential in the history and ethos of the Anglican Church.
The Rule of St. Augustine – St. Augustine of Hippo has been the most central theologian in western Christianity. He was a convert, Bishop, theologian, monk, author, philosopher, and saint. He was also a fornicator, a lover, a husband, and a divorcee (all before becoming clergy). His rule is among the oldest in the West and is know for its flexibility, focus on right and egalitarian relationships, interiority (knowing oneself deeply), and passionate friendship with God and others. (Note: This is the Rule that Martin Luther followed as a monk.)
The Rule of St. Francis & St. Clare – St. Francis, and then St. Clare, were known for their fidelity to the Gospel commands, patterning their lives after Jesus’ own life and teachings. Their Rules are known for selflessness, generosity, and their connection to and appreciation of God’s natural Creation.
Life Together, the Rule of Dietrich Bonhoeffer – This is a Protestant Evangelical Rule of Life. It describes how students at a college/seminary would live together in pursuit of Christ. It was written in the the 1930’s-40’s. It is know for its practicality, Protestant sensibility, and simplicity.
And one other…. Recently Presiding Bishop Michael Curry (Episcopal Church) has challenged the Episcopal Church to take up a rule centered around the pattern of “Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest,” and named the Rule “The Way of Love.” You can learn more about it by clicking here and/or by watching the video below.
St. Christopher’s App contains resources for living a Rule of Life. Please download our App.
You can also find a workbook for creating your own Rule of Life here: Living Intentionally: A Workbook for Creating a Personal Rule of Life by Br. David Vryhof
Finally, you can find out more info about Episcopal Religious Orders, Communities, and Monasticism here and the same for Lutherans here.
See also:
Holden Village (Lutheran)
St. Augustine’s House (Lutheran)
Order of Lutheran Franciscans (Lutheran)
Anglican Religious Orders & Societies (Episcopal)