The eighth step of humility is that a monk does only what is endorsed by the common rule of the monastery and the example set by his superiors.

The Rule of St. Benedict, 7:55

I think one of the great losses of the Church in the modern age, and something that in my opinion probably contributes to the rapid decline in membership in the West, is the idea of the Church as a community of interest in our lives. What I mean by this is, the Church should be a community we take a part in that has a claim on our lives, and on the way we live in the world. The Church should have some claim or interest over how we live, and consequently, the ability to chastise and direct us when we fall away.

While that may seem a rather authoritarian view of the Church, I think the opposite model of community does a disservice to itself, to people, and to the world, when it is not. A Church that does not put claims on those who in turn claim the name Christian then becomes liable to be held responsible for the worst actions of those people. Why do so many people view the Church as a den of hypocrites? Not just because we harbor hypocrites (we were in fact commanded to do so), but because the Church does not often call out the hypocrisy, but more often, closes ranks around the hypocrite, in the name of power or influence or defensiveness. Through this process, those who don’t want the Church to cast its moral voice upon itself come to power, further removing the Church from its own moral voice and consequently, from its ability to speak with authority in the world.

So what would be a good practice for Christians to reclaim? The practice of confessing to one another our failings, and the the consequent practice of the Church demanding the best of its members. Far from being merely a system of control, this is crucial to the Church’s moral witness in the world and its ability to be the hands and feet of Christ.

The seventh step of humility is that a man not only admits with his tongue but is also convinced in his heart that he is inferior to all and of less value.

The Rule of St. Benedict, 7:51

Now we are really getting into the hard stuff. A lot of modern Christianity has been infused with what has been termed “therapeutic moral deism”, a pseudo-self help, personal betterment scheme, akin to any other modern self-improvement plan. And a key part of this is a dismissal of any idea of self-critique, or really, anything less than absolute self-affirmation.

And I do get that, and agree that much of the church’s historical record on self-talk is pretty bad, and has been used to oppress. At the same time, there is also a strong Scriptural tradition of reminding ourselves that we are sinful, we are limited and mortal, and we do have a tendency to make mistakes and cause harm to others and the world around us. Reminding ourselves of this fact, as a way of providing a check on our tendency to seek power and dominate the world around us, becomes a good and important habit. We shouldn’t declare ourselves inferior as a way of tearing ourselves down, but as a way of reminding ourselves of our limits to do good and our ability to do harm.

The sixth step of humility is that a monk is content with the lowest and most menial treatment, and regards himself as a poor and worthless workman in whatever task he is given, saying to himself with the Prophet: I am insignificant and ignorant, no better than a beast before you, yet I am with you always (Ps 72 [73]: 22-23).

The Rule of St. Benedict, 7:49-50

The sixth step is a supremely difficult one in a world premised on success, achievement, and upward mobility. We all want to move up the organizational chart, to be noticed and rewarded for our efforts, and to break free of menial work. But, Christian humility demands otherwise. In order to humble ourselves, we must serve, and not just in ways that look good on social media and ask minimally of us. True Christian service is not glamorous or glorified, but happens in small moments, free of notice, and often in the form of tasks and service that is undesirable. We put ourselves on the road to Christian perfection when we serve with no expectation of reward or glory.