The Rule of Saint Benedict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Rule of Saint Benedict - Essay Example One of the reasons why it was and remains so popular is its objectivity, which makes it much more sustainable than related precepts especially because it allows for a moderate line between the zeal of individual devotion and institutionalism1. The rule was essentially designed to create an environment in which the needs of monks in communities could be provided to foster a deeper understanding into human nature, providing spiritual mentorship, support the monk’s ascetic endeavors and develop spiritual growth. This paper will endeavor to analyze the text by primarily focusing on; the historical context in which the Rule emerged, the factors that drove Saint Benedict to write it, his secondary sources of information and the role the rules played and continue to play in religious and non-religious discourse. For as long as it has existed, the rule has been used by Benedictine monks and to many scholars, saint Benedict is considered to be the originator of western monasticism alth ough historians had suggested that he probably had no outward intention of starting a religious order. Among the many advantages of these rules is that they allow of communities of monks to be autonomous and thus operate without outside influence or direct co-operation. Consequently, communities that apply these rules have enjoyed a variety of benefits from the accruing independence such as the development of close internal bonds and more contemplative lifestyles without outside distraction. While the book is quite explicit on some of it requirements, it is not iron clad and it allows the Abbott to use his discretion when circumstances demand it.2 The lessons, according to Benedict were not meant to dictate but provide a guide of those wishing to spend their lives in holy contemplation especially beginners. Overview The rule has seventy-three chapters and these are divided into edicts about the duties of the abbot, regulation of worshiping God, chastisement and consequences for brea king rules, the core management of the monastery and miscellaneous rules. It prologues with a hortary preface through which Saint Benedict lays down the basic tenets of the religious life and the renunciation of an individual’s will to take up a life of Christ In his summation, the rules will serve as the foundation for the formation of a school in which salvation shall the taught as a science. Through their perseverance in the monastery for the duration of their natural lives, monks will be deemed as qualified to be partakers of the kingdom of Christ Owing to the scope of the rules, it is not possible to summarize it explicitly by the chapter since that would require an entire paper of considerable length. Nevertheless, several of the rules, which have a bearing on the historical context to the text, will be briefly discussed herein. Benedict makes it clear that the rule is only relevant to two classes of monks, those are the Cenobites, Hermits, and it precludes the Gyrovagi and Sarabites who did not follow any specific code and were, in Benedict’s opinion a disgrace to the monastic profession. He emphasizes on the authority of the abbot who all the monks must obey without question and in the selfsame way requires the abbot is an honorable and godly individual. Concerning the personal lives of the monk, the rules demand that they must live frugally and what little they have such as extra clothes should be

Fairness in Taxation theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fairness in Taxation theory - Essay Example In 1949, the income tax rate was 50 Percent. Ideally, there was not fairness because every person paid tax on equal tax rates irrespective of how much a person earned. However, when Income and Corporation Act 1970 was enacted in 1970, it improved distribution of tax burden among different income groups. Tax rates were divided into lower rate, basic rate, higher rate, and addition rates depending on the levels of income earned by individuals. On the other hand, corporate tax rates were categorized into small profit rates, small profit upper limit rate, marginal relief limits and the main rate. Categorisation of tax rates for individuals and corporation brought some fairness in the tax system. Brederode (2009) define fairness to paying tax according to ones ability. It should also be based on the benefits (public goods/services) a person or corporation receives from the government. Fairness in taxation means that all people are treated equally without discrimination. Furthermore, Adam Smith defined fair taxation as a progressive tax system. Progressive tax system imposes greater tax burden to the rich as compared to the less rich. Therefore, a person or entity pays tax according to the amount earned and public goods consumed. If a person or entity earns more income or uses more of a public good, tax burden imposed on them also increases. However, fairness varies over time and is highly subjective. According to Adam Smith, statistics indicated that affluent (rich) people often benefit more with economic expansion. Therefore, because benefits accrue more to the richer when there is economic development and expansion; it becomes natural that they pay more tax to support a government that delivers the public goods and services to them. In addition, a large corporation uses more of public good than a small corporation uses and should be taxed more. Furthermore, concerning income tax on individuals, non-domiciled citizens are required to pay taxes on income earned in f oreign country to pay for the benefits he or she received when growing or residing in the original home country. The importance of fairness in taxation Fairness in tax administration is critical. This is because fairness plays a critical role in influencing tax payers behaviours and attitudes. First, fairness in taxation is an indication of distributive justice. When taxpayers feel that the tax burden has been distributed fairly, they are likely to voluntarily contribute their taxes. Therefore, tax enforcement agencies will not increase their surveillance or increase their sanctions to make taxpayers comply. Consequently, will people behave fairly if the tax system treats them fairly and the cost of surveillance or sanctions will be reduced significantly. Secondly, it reduces uncertainties. Taxpayers normally feel anxious about taxes that they pay. However, if they perceive that taxation burden has been applied fairly, their anxiety or uncertainties reduce significantly and are able to concentrate on productive activities. Thirdly, fairness legitimises the tax system. Unfair taxation system may result in psychological reactance in taxpayers and may lead to opposite and retaliatory actions or behaviours. This is because people will perceive unfair tax system as illegitimate and are more likely to evade and avoid taxes. This may result to fewer taxes collects and increased administrative costs. b) Fairness in the 2010/2011 UK’