COMMUNITY

Jean Vanier (1989, orig. 1979). Community and growth.

Vanier writes from a 25 year experience of living in a community of persons with disabilities at L'Arche, France. He defines community as, "...groupings of people who have left their own milieu to live with others under the same roof, and work from a new vision of human beings and their relationships with each other and God" (p.10). Writing from a Catholic perspective, Vanier quotes scripture and saints, and some of the topics covered include: heart, covenants, mission, growth, authority, gifts, welcome, and celebration. 

The difficulty i have is there is almost nothing on the pragmatics living in community, especially farming and everyday work and play. I agree with his premise that many modern cities in the industrialized west in particular create conditions that foster individualism, consumerism, and loneliness, and that many of these individuals feel the need to be loved and cared for in a place where their gifts are valued and expressed...these are fundamental needs.

Do you feel a need to be loved and cared for? Do you feel that your gifts are being expressed in ways that contribute to those you live with (or those living near you). Are your gifts actively affirmed and encouraged...valued? If not, what group of people could you connect with to express your gifts in ways that contributes to life?


 

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