Lesson 5: Rebuilding Culture
I’ve been implying that we must build new or rebuild old cultural values lost by relying on technological systems. This assumes a very loose definition of culture as shared meanings and purposes that bind us together and guide our social relationships.
The loss occurs when technological systems provide what we need or think we need without considering how this affects others or the environment. Overcoming the indifference and conflict that has resulted has become a critical concern.
The problem is exacerbated because the institutions that should give some direction, such as the government, the university, and the church, are caught up in our society’s deep conflicts. The Church certainly has a creative voice if she can resist succumbing to Christian nationalism or some other theocracy. Wicked zeal that claims to have all the answers and feels called to impose them on others is a great deal of the problem.
The way, the truth, and the life taught by Jesus lives with the nuances of real life while refusing to resort to violence. This lifestyle attempts to overcome evil with good but is ready to forgive when this does not work. This might be the best guidance Christianity offers those restoring cultural values.
The Church also maintains that the most basic community remains face-to-face. Christian community begins with gathering around a table to share a meal. The electronic can offer an extension but never completely replace intimate personal relationships.
The Church’s experience as a catholic institution can offer insight into working in the global society developed around technological systems. Over many centuries, she has maintained unity by accommodating local traditions. Thinking globally and operating locally might still be good advice.
It is also time for us to recognize that Christianity offers a counter to the extremely unregulated competition that characterizes technological society. Our story tells of God’s steadfast love and mercy that motivates sharing and caring. We should be a voice for co-operation in which the community recognizes the special part each member plays.
We can also foster common good by championing long-term visions of the future that work toward a peaceful, just, and loving society. This would correct relying entirely on economic growth, political power, and scientific fact.
And we can champion some form of accountability. Some believe that is the primary loss. The church officially points to the Bible as canon and leadership as ordained providing this but checks and balances are also offered when we meet regularly with each other. We witness promise making and have a chance to judge fulfillment.
The challenge of the present situation might actually be a good thing for Christians. It forces us to examine the genuine meaning of the faith and provides an opportunity to reexamine how well we are following Christ. Let me wrestle with what that means in the coming weeks.
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Excellent Lesson Pastor imo.
We can also foster accountability and common good though practical mutual aid through community awareness and learning, civil respect, community support work and hands-on-craft. All four of these we have lost through techno-economic change esp. over the past generation.
Church’s can play a key role in this ‘community organisation/solidarity/formation/development /animateur (Fr). In Australia each Uniting Church congregation had right up until the early 19990’s an Adult and Community Learning co-ordinator. Sadly now all that is gone.
ciao paul
thanks ciao paul