I am beginning to emerge from my hiatus. I finished reading Jim & Casper Go to Church and am continuing where I left off in Soul Graffiti, where I read the following:
I believe part of our society's frustration with organized religion stems from a lack of discourse and question-asking. The one-way communication from pastor or priest to congregants that is so prevalent maintains awe, authority, and distance, but does not invite fully engaged participation, ownership, or collective action. If our goal is generative loving activity, rather than mere indoctrination, then candid dialogue must be encouraged. We need casual cooperative contexts in which we can ask questions and navigate how to live and travel well together. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why early followers of the Way so often ate together in their homes and met from house to house.
Some may respond, "Ah-ha, then what we need to do is promote conversation!" which is not a bad idea. But if it's contrived or controlled, I'm not sure that it's a conversation. The hallmark of conversation is listening. How can you tell when listening is taking place?
Comments
Good point Bro! I'm listening.....
I would also add that there is a difference between conversation & argument; as well as controlled vs. moderated conversations. There really isn't a line of demarcation which can solely be determined through our intellect. We must be led by the Holy Spirit.