We're talking communes, but keep your clothes on, people. Today we explore the Rule of St. Augustine and his vision for a common life for lay Christians. There's more to this than s'mores, fire dances, and optional clothing.

After his baptism, Augustine founded a  community of laymen with whom he shared life and prayer. His community was oriented around a Rule designed to bring its members closer to God and neighbor. Eventually, the Rule was extended to priests and became what is now the oldest monastic rule in the Western Church. Nick, Tyler, and Austin discuss how Augustine's principles would fit in with their own Catholic "commune," or intentional community, dreams.

Show Highlights

• Who was St. Augustine and why did he start a Rule of community living?
• Why do secular communes often lead to disaster?
• Did Augustine think a pure democracy would work in the monastery?
• Was Augustine a communist?
• Can "commune" members go on personal shopping sprees?
• Could we play Settlers of Catan on our "commune"?
• What would be the most difficult parts of living together?
• What are the keys to fraternal correction?
• Can there be snacks?

Links

• Rule of St. Augustine (can be read in one sitting!)

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