Care must be taken that no monk presume on any ground to defend another monk in the monastery, or as it were to take him under his protection, even though they be united by some tie of blood-relationship. Let not the monks dare to do this in any way whatsoever, because it may give rise to most serious scandals. But if anyone breaks this rule, let him be severely punished.

Benedict was working to create a transcendent tribe that focused on their shared identity with each other through Christ Jesus. Other tribal loyalties -- family, town, nation -- were in competition with this goal.

As a teenager my daughter chose not to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church. She explained that it was good enough -- and tough enough -- to be a Christian. Choosing a further identity was, she perceived, divisive.

There may have also been a touch of teenage rebellion in her decision. But, if so, she was wise enough to wrap it in an argument that her father -- and maybe even Benedict -- would assess as having some merit.