Another community is possible ...

Shane Claiborne and some other co-conspirators have long engaged in counterculture projects such as "Another World is Possible," (that's it's logo) "The Ordinary Radicals," and Shane's ongoing community in Philadelphia, "The Simple Way."

Admittedly, some of us might find Shane and other "modern monastics" as being really "out there" -- but, isn't that where we are called to go? Out There?

Like the Apostle Paul, I consider myself the "worst of sinners" when it comes to being a Christian Hobbit. You remember Hobbits, right? They're the ones in J.R.R. Tolkien's series who really have no desire to leave "The Shire." They're comfortable right where they live, thank-you-very-much.

The only problem is this: It's hard to be transformed when you stay in your comfort zone.

And how can we transform our community if we do not allow ourselves to be transformed?

Read the newspaper: Our community is sick, sisters and brothers.

And another community is possible, and it's possible when we bring words, signs and deeds that reflect ...

grace ... and peace.