Connected to the World but not to Our Neighbor
If we need a wake up call to mobilize Christians into action, this article in the Wall Street Journal could be it Deaths of Despair The article interviews a married couple that both teach at Princeton University. Ann Case and Angus Deaton write a report that reveals the very disturbing statistics about suicide and death by addiction.
One of their telling arguments has to do with the rise of Evangelical Churches and the demise of traditional churches. Evangelicals, they say, focus on an individualistic faith that tends to isolate us from each other. Traditional churches are more community oriented and do a better job of building relationships and deeper communities.
In my view, one of the culprits in the Evangelical movement has to do with the fact that they often attract people who drive to church from a far distance. These people may see each other at worship but attend different schools, shop at different sores, and rarely work with each other. Their children attend different schools and getting together to hang out during the week is difficult.
The result is ----- Isolation.
Isolation is harmful. Caring relationships are healing.
Just being with people that smile, listen, hug, interact together. improves my health.
What can we do?
I want your input as well as suggestions about other stories you want me to write about.
Go to Sweeten Life Systems for great materials on life together.
www.sweetenlife.com
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