Community & Authenticity as Doctrine?
Seems there is a huge longing in many parts of the Church for what folks call authenticity, community, being real and raw.
Is it really possible to create “authentic” community?
Seems that Jesus did not require certains standards to be met before he welcomed folks to his circle. As a matter of fact the reality that folks didn't live up to certain standards was a good indication that they'd be welcomed.
What happened?
Whatever happened to the Spirtuality of Jesus and his vision for community?
Folks did not have to hide in his presence. It seems that folks where often willing to expose their true selves--except for the most religious folks. The presence of Jesus makes it possible for folks to be real and authentic. I imagine if folks can't be free to be real and raw then it may be that Jesus isn't there in the first place. Maybe Jesus shows up when folks are being authentic and real.
I must admit that if Jesus showed-up in many church circles that the folks would kick him out.
I think as soon as we place certain “beliefs” that one must possess in order to either be a part of the community or to have voice in the community we jeopardize authenticity and being real and yet I recognize that the Church does hold to particular doctrines—example: sacraments like Baptism etc.
Can we call it authentic and make it a part of our culture by naming it? Wouldn't it require our being authentic in spite of the risk? Look at the stories of the leper or the prostitute, they both risked being real, raw and authentic before God.
There is no doubt that something takes place in the lives of folks collectively and individually when they gather together and do the work of God in this world; where they find a place that is safe to share their stories without fear of being fixed, judged or analyzed; and when they gather around the table and share in the bread and wine; and when they find a place to speak and listen to God in community.
I have no answers.
I am just thinking aloud.
One of the most meaningful spiritual times of my week occurs on Wednesday evenings. I partake in a 1/2 HOUR of Centering/Contemplative Prayer followed by a Contemplative Eucharist with about 15-20 others. Not much is said... no music.. but there sure seems to be a community there and gathered around the Table in the presence of Christ may be the most authentic place I have found. I'm grateful for Wednesday nights. Gathere d around the table in silence and sharing in the Gifts of God for the People of God, I am totally free to be myself-- all of us are.
5 Comments:
what is the need in being raw and real if there is no speaking. that kind of community is focused on another...which is very attractive to me, yet very exclusive.
I say that becasue most folks do not want real, they want escape. most folks do not want Jesus, who has always had requirements for his followers, they want escape from life.
People want to vent. justify their actions, their beliefs and their desires. when words get in the way of actions, we become less than we were intended.
this is why in the church, there is more focus on who is there than who is not.
"Seems that Jesus did not require certains standards to be met before he welcomed folks to his circle."
It depends on which circle. True that He didn't require much to come to him ("let the children come to me"), but didn't he ask a lot from the people who want to follow him ("let the dead bury the dead", "carry your cross", or even "sell all your possession")?
Isn't that why you said that it's easier to "settle to be a Chritian"?
Thanks for the comments.
Jesus seemed pretty open to welcoming folks to his inner circle. When it came to the "kingdom" of God, it was even LESS. Yes, there are many things that get in the way of folks recognizing and awakening to the God in their midst; the kingdom of God within them; etc.
Some folks allow the "law" to get in their way of knowing and recognizing God in their midst.
Often times congreations place "standards" of folks that Jesus never did. MOst of those places who are so rule bent are often the least authentic.
It is hard to let go of certain things in order to accept our belovedness and to follow Jesus. Some of the things we need to most let go of is the ideas and religious barries that restrain us from encountering God in us. Jesusz removed the barriers... or did not create barriers.
Hey Rick, good post as always. I want real. I just wrote about it the other day. Guess I fit into that category.
Rick, I would have to agree to disagree with you on "Jesus seemed pretty open to welcoming folks to his inner circle."
"He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles..." (Mk 3:13-14, NRSV)
I just don't think Jesus said, "Hey, any of you guys want to be in my group of Twelve?"
He was picky at times...
But I do agree with your main point of "Often times congreations place "standards" of folks that Jesus never did."
Amen there, brother.
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