Here are a few questions for discussion:
- In chapter 10 ("Together Apart"), Hipps writes about how technology has made the distant seem close by, but the close by seem distant. He argues that "our electronic experience creates a kind of empathy at a distance" (108), because, through technology, we are made aware of needs and people around the globe, and we are able to express empathy for them, and often reach out to them. He then goes on to argue that the human heart isn't designed to bear the full gravity of planetary suffering (109), and so we become so overwhelmed with the needs of the world that we fail to even meet those needs we ARE capable of meeting (especially of those who are, physically, in close proximity to us. Do you agree or disagree? What has your experience revealed to you?
- In chapter 11 ("Our Nomadic Life"), Hipps discusses the ways in which the internet has allowed us (and even encouraged us) to 'broadcast' our lives for those both far and near. Because of the "virtual community" we experience on the internet, he argues that "we no longer feel the need to participate in authentic community" (114) and we no longer have the desire "to be physically present with others in real social networks--networks like a church or a meal at someone's home" (115) Do you agree or disagree? Many studies show that the number one thing 'young adults' crave today is community...has this been your experience? What kind of community do you think they crave? Why?
I often think we are oblivious to the suffering and needs around us. We live in America and we think that means everyone in America has food, clothing, shelter, and family. That is not the case. Yet, our opinion of America skews our view of the people near us that need our help. So, when we see the child on television in a Third World Country we are more likely to help, because that person does not have what we have in privileged America. How many church mission trips are to other countries and how many are to other places in America?
ReplyDeleteYes, young adults crave community. However, I have not seen the church do a good job at helping them find that community. So, they turn to virtual community. I think young people crave community that is welcoming and accepting of them just as they are and a community that has other people that are their age. With all the stereotypes about this generation congregations do not tend, in my experience, to be that type of community.
I think that our view of suffering is certainly screwed but our surroundings and our own experiences. As a whole, our culture doesn't deal well with discomfort, and pain. (Look at all the pharmaceuticals that are advertised) So, when we consider or see the pain and suffering of others I do think it's easy to turn a blind eye, or as Hipps points out open the pocketbook when something, especially something huge happens. The day to day suffering that we see broadcast on TV or printed in magazines or the internet is something we've become desensitized to.
ReplyDeleteI think that craving community isn't restricted to the young. Although adults are so busy they may not always be able to identify what it is they yearn for. I think that part of the lure for the young, however, comes from the anonymity of the internet. Individuals who don't feel accepted by their own peers and therefore are reluctant to join face to face community gathering feel more acceptance when they can communicate incognito.