Pick up this book and you'll find yourself immediately engaged in a conversation, at times inspired or nodding in wholehearted agreement, at other times vehemently disagreeing, and at other times laughing or smiling at its humor. As such, it is a great conversation starter for monastic communities, oblates, and faith sharing groups.Colleen Maura McGrane, OSB, Vocation Director, Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Clyde, MO This well-considered series of essays, bringing Saint Benedict's Rule into dialogue with contemporary attitudes and issues, is both instructive and entertaining. Each essay is thought-provoking, honest, and challenging. They are also powerful and contemporary expositions of basic monastic values.Michael Casey, OCSO, Author of The Road to Eternal Life: Reflections on the Prologue of Saint Benedict's Rule Perfect conversation partners-St. Benedict and his self-styled curmudgeon disciple, Terence Kardong! Readers seeking wisdom will find themselves drawn into exchanges on both contemporary and perennial issues facing monastics and others committed to living well in community. Who can escape concerns about mutual presence and mutual assistance, the value of silence, power dynamics, the good uses of electronic stuff, and what not to wear, as well as the dozen other practical topics in this essay collection? The author's opinions will evoke yours.Mary Collins, OSB, Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, KS This book does not claim to be an exhaustive exegetical examination of the Rule, but it is however an interesting and engaging exploration of how contemporary monasticism can still speak and teach a living tradition to a post-modern society in constant change by similarly adapting and changing as a way of growing in fidelity and rooting itself in its true Christian principles. Dom Joshua Morales, The Downside Review