The reason for living within proximity is shallow rather than deep. It is difficult to attain the other 11 Marks if we are separated by geographical distance. For instance, nurturing common life in the community is made possible by the practical fact that we are a couple hundred feet away from each other instead of a couple miles away for each other. Our closeness enables the frequency of our meals and prayers as well as the times when we just want to go talk to a fellow community member.
Hey Matt...I disagree that the reasons are shallow...they are deep. Living in proximity to each other is hard and sometimes dark and the reasons are deeply rooted in the Bible and how The Church should live in such a way that promotes community. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteFaith,
ReplyDeleteWhen I say shallow reasons I mean more "instrumental" rather than "insignificant" or "superficial" reasons." I agree with you that living close to one another is hard. For me, it is especially difficult to find time for self. And you are correct in saying that there are reasons for living close to one another in the Bible and the concept of Church. Jon Stock, in his essay on Mark 9, discusses koinonia (which he translates as"togetherness) and allelon (which he translates as "one-another") as specific scriptural reasons for living in close proximity. But from my perspective, living in close proximity to one another is more so about achieving other goals, such as sharing with fellow community members, nurturing common life, et. al.
Thanks for your comment.