Community defined...?
In further pondering the whole 'community' issue, I thought it would be beneficial to look at some definitions:
Community: the people living in an area, or the area itself, (or) A group of living things that belong to one or more species, interact ecologically and are located in one place, (or) A group of people with common interests especially when living together (ex. monks). (also) Shared ownership or participation.
Commitment: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future (or) something pledged.
Loyalty: the quality or state of being loyal; faithful to one's lawful government, (or) faithful to a person to whom allegiance or affection is due, (or) faithful to a cause or ideal.
Friendship: the state of being friends; a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another, (or) a person who is not an enemy, (or) a person who aids or favors something.
Compassion: sorrow or pity caused by the suffering or misfortune of another.
Time, (there are so many definitions for time, I just picked my favorite): part of the day when one is free to do as one pleases.
Sacrifice, (again, I used the definition I liked best, as we all know what a sacrifice is): giving up something especially for the sake of someone else.
Well, I like all these definitions, but do they shed light on my continuing dilemma? All of these components are required for success of a community. However, I think it is imperative to have a goal or purpose for which you exist.
Purpose: something set up as an end to be attained.
I believe Scripture clearly states the purpose of a faith-community: discipleship, raising up the next generation, love, discipline. Do we explore these mandates often enough when discussing issues of community? How about when discussing more mundane issues?
The question remains: can a group of people attain community in this culture?
It is a lofty goal, to be sure.
Community: the people living in an area, or the area itself, (or) A group of living things that belong to one or more species, interact ecologically and are located in one place, (or) A group of people with common interests especially when living together (ex. monks). (also) Shared ownership or participation.
Commitment: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future (or) something pledged.
Loyalty: the quality or state of being loyal; faithful to one's lawful government, (or) faithful to a person to whom allegiance or affection is due, (or) faithful to a cause or ideal.
Friendship: the state of being friends; a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another, (or) a person who is not an enemy, (or) a person who aids or favors something.
Compassion: sorrow or pity caused by the suffering or misfortune of another.
Time, (there are so many definitions for time, I just picked my favorite): part of the day when one is free to do as one pleases.
Sacrifice, (again, I used the definition I liked best, as we all know what a sacrifice is): giving up something especially for the sake of someone else.
Well, I like all these definitions, but do they shed light on my continuing dilemma? All of these components are required for success of a community. However, I think it is imperative to have a goal or purpose for which you exist.
Purpose: something set up as an end to be attained.
I believe Scripture clearly states the purpose of a faith-community: discipleship, raising up the next generation, love, discipline. Do we explore these mandates often enough when discussing issues of community? How about when discussing more mundane issues?
The question remains: can a group of people attain community in this culture?
It is a lofty goal, to be sure.
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