Benedictines vs. Thomists

Attribute	Benedictines	Thomists
Founder	St. Benedict of Nursia	St. Thomas Aquinas
Order	Benedictine Order	Order of Preachers (Dominicans)
Focus	Monastic life, prayer, work	Scholastic philosophy, theology
Key Texts	Rule of St. Benedict	Summa Theologica
Key Beliefs	Stability, obedience, humility	Thomistic philosophy, natural theology

History and Origins

Benedictines and Thomists are two distinct religious orders within the Catholic Church, each with its own unique history and origins. The Benedictines trace their roots back to the 6th century when St. Benedict of Nursia founded the Order of Saint Benedict. Benedictines are known for their commitment to a life of prayer, work, and community living in monasteries. On the other hand, Thomists belong to the Dominican Order, which was founded by St. Dominic in the 13th century. Thomists follow the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, a renowned theologian and philosopher.

Spirituality and Focus

One of the key differences between Benedictines and Thomists lies in their spirituality and focus. Benedictines place a strong emphasis on the Rule of St. Benedict, which outlines a balanced way of life that includes prayer, work, and community living. Benedictine spirituality is centered around seeking God in all things and striving for holiness through a life of simplicity and humility. In contrast, Thomists focus on the intellectual tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas, who sought to reconcile faith and reason through his writings on theology and philosophy. Thomist spirituality emphasizes the pursuit of truth and understanding through study and contemplation.

Community Life

Both Benedictines and Thomists value community life, but they approach it in different ways. Benedictines live in monasteries where they follow a strict schedule of prayer, work, and communal meals. The Benedictine motto "ora et labora" (pray and work) reflects their commitment to balancing spiritual and physical labor within the context of community living. Thomists, on the other hand, live in friaries or priories where they engage in a life of study, preaching, and ministry. While Thomists also value community and communal prayer, their focus is more on intellectual pursuits and preaching the Gospel to others.

Intellectual Tradition

One of the defining characteristics of Thomists is their adherence to the intellectual tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas. Thomists study and promote the writings of Aquinas, particularly his Summa Theologica, which is considered a masterpiece of Christian theology. Aquinas's philosophy, known as Thomism, emphasizes the harmony between faith and reason and the importance of using philosophy to deepen one's understanding of God and the world. Benedictines, while also valuing intellectual pursuits, do not have the same emphasis on Thomistic philosophy and theology in their spiritual tradition.

Approach to Prayer

Prayer is a central aspect of both Benedictine and Thomist spirituality, but they approach it in different ways. Benedictines follow a structured schedule of communal prayer throughout the day, including the Liturgy of the Hours and the celebration of the Eucharist. Benedictine prayer is characterized by its rhythm and regularity, providing a framework for the monks to seek God in the midst of their daily activities. Thomists, on the other hand, place a greater emphasis on personal prayer and contemplation, often spending extended periods of time in silent meditation or study. While Thomists also participate in communal prayer, their approach to prayer is more individualistic and reflective.

Mission and Ministry

Both Benedictines and Thomists are committed to serving the Church and the world through their mission and ministry. Benedictines engage in a variety of ministries, including education, healthcare, and social services, often rooted in their local communities. Benedictines see their work as a way of living out the Gospel and serving others in the spirit of hospitality and charity. Thomists, on the other hand, are known for their preaching and teaching ministries, as well as their intellectual contributions to theology and philosophy. Thomists seek to spread the Gospel through their words and actions, sharing the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas with others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Benedictines and Thomists are two distinct religious orders within the Catholic Church, each with its own unique history, spirituality, and focus. While Benedictines emphasize a life of prayer, work, and community living based on the Rule of St. Benedict, Thomists follow the intellectual tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas and seek to reconcile faith and reason through study and contemplation. Both orders value community life, prayer, and service to others, but they approach these aspects of their faith in different ways. Despite their differences, Benedictines and Thomists share a common commitment to seeking God and living out the Gospel in their daily lives.