The Monastic Urge to Live Without Contradiction

Scott and Karl begin discussing the Rule of Saint Benedict, written by the father of Western monasticism. These rules have been used by the Benedictines for 15 centuries and act as a guide for religious communities or anyone wishing to live more simply. 

Karl says, “It’s civilization stuff, it’s not papal stuff. Western civilization, probably all civilization, is monastic.”

While the book was written for monks living collectively under the authority of an abbot, you'll find aspects of leadership, management, and community in these rules that could be useful in many different realms. 

Tune in for Part One of the duo's discussion, brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com.