What does St. Basil think about obeying what is contrary to a divine commandment?

One of the foundations of the Basilian monastic order is obedience, which is why it is often mentioned in the writings of the saint, especially in his ascetic writings and monastic laws. Here are some of his principles:

• a. If anyone feels that a remedy given by the superior is contrary to a divine commandment, he must object privately; and if he finds no response, object openly.

• b. If a monk disagrees with his superior but realizes that his superior’s command does not affect a divine commandment, he should remain silent.

• c. If a monk doubts a matter, and is unable to make a decision, not knowing whether a command of the superior is against a divine commandment or not, he must to resort to others. If they find that what the superior asks is contrary to the Holy Bible, then he has saved himself and his brothers from disobedience to the commandment of God.

• d. A monk ought not be the cause of vain and dangerous discussions about the decisions of the superior as long as he is not sure whether they are against the divine commandment or not; so as not to become a stumbling block to those who are simple in faith.

• e. The saint warns that those who just want to rebel and be stubborn, and who provoke long disputes without a cause, must be expelled from the community.