Theology Day 2023: Thriving Where You’re Planted: Benedictine Stability in a Rootless Time

Document Type

Presentation

Streaming Media

Publication Date

2023

Abstract

In the last decade, authors like Rod Dreher and Patrick Henry have portrayed The Rule of Benedict as an antidote for the ills of our society. These authors often single out the virtue of stability: the choice to identify and remain with one community. In today’s extremely mobile culture, Benedict shows the wisdom of putting down roots. This presentation will examine how stability can be a gift for contemporary American Christians. We will examine what Benedict taught about stability as well as how one particular community—the Trappist martyrs of Tibhirine, Algeria—help us to understand stability as an antidote to fear and division today.

Dr. Michael Rubbelke is an Assistant Professor of spirituality and monastic studies at the Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. His passion for education led him to teach high school, serve as the Director of Adult Faith Formation in a Catholic parish, and now teach and form students at the undergraduate and graduate levels at CSB/SJU. Michael has been fascinated with Benedictine wisdom, particularly how it can be applied outside the monastery. His teaching and research highlight the necessary interrelationship between spirituality and theology, particularly in monastic settings.

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