Actually, I believe that others are rebellious because I know that I am rebellious. I agree that finding balance is key. I just think that the correct balance is hard to find in a consumer driven, “me” culture (US). I sense that we too easily make choices simply to suit ourselves, and I think we lose something by doing so.
For example, in the US Christian community most people drive at least 20-30 minutes to church. They do so because they have found a church “home” that suits their theology/practice. I wonder how beneficial this behavior is (and I do it every week by the way!). By driving to a church where we can meet “like-minded” people of similar background, we also drive by many closer churches that we have decided are not a good “fit” for us. But are we sacrificing the benefit of hearing different points of view, and perhaps submitting to practices that we don’t really like, simply to gain a kind of modern sterility where everyone around me thinks the same way?
But I think I’m getting off the topic. My point is that I’m not judging others for being rebellious. I’m asking questions of myself.
Yes and no. I think that it is very beneficial to be part of a like-minded community. Additionally, by being part of a community that you mostly agree with, those interesting ideas that you might disagree with sneak under your radar and get under your skin.
When you are defensive, you learn nothing.
Though, I do rather like the Unitarian idea of rotating speakers behind the pulpit. It affords exposure to a variety of ideas, allowing the individual to find a system that ‘works’ for them.
You and I both want mankind to be, as the Odes say, “Like bone cut, like horn polished,/Like jade carved, like stone ground.” But even that shows the many ways in which we may improve ourselves. It would be foolishness to forge wood to make a table.
We need the exposure to find a technique which works for us, in terms of our moral development. Once we’ve found that, it makes sense to develop along those lines.
Plurality is good at the beginning and there should always be an open mindedness in the persuit of virtue, but commitment ought come first.
And I do too. I can see that having a weekly meeting with people who fundementaly disagree on major theology would get tiresome. However, there is a balance somewhere that I think is getting lost in our individualistic culture in the US.
My church is very much a 20-30s church, the music is loud, the atmosphere relaxed, it’s easy for a yound person to connect. Another church down the road is an old person’s church with organ music and everyone over 65. I think both groups like what they have got.
I think we have much to learn from the old geezers, but sadly we don’t because we don’t ever meet. We don’t meet because it would create some inconvenience for each of the groups. Maybe the music would have to be turned down some, maybe the old people would have to listen to the electric guitar once in awhile. I’m veering off the topic but there is still an issue about submission and self-interest in there somewhere… I think our culture of self interest is impeding our spiritual growth.