Standing for What We Do Not Believe In

Building an identity on what we do not want: . . .

"The community form of rebellion is protest. It is noble in tradition but still often keeps us in perpetual reaction to the stances of others. There is safety in building an identity on what we do not want. The extremists on both sides of any issue are more wedded to their positions than to creating a new possibility. That is why they make unfulfillable demands. The AM radio band is populated with this non-conversation. Any time we act in reaction to evil, we are giving power to what we are in reaction to. . . . The real problem with rebellion is that it is such fun. It avoids taking responsibility, operates on the high ground, is fueled by righteousness, gives legitimacy to blame, and is a delightful escape from the unbearable burden of being accountable."

Community: the Structure of Belonging, p. 134

Community: The Structure of Belonging

As the world rages, and as I believe I have been given a mandate to "go local" with love, to engage neighbours as a way of standing against the larger universal currents of evil that seem to abound, I've been blessed greatly by Peter Block's Community: The Structure of Belonging. Here Block speaks of the value of hospitality, of welcoming strangers,... but not only strangers but also of "the strange ideas and beliefs they bring with them."

"Creating space for dissent is the way diversity gets valued in the world. Inviting dissent into the conversation is how we show respect for a wide range of beliefs. It honors the Bohr maxim that for every great idea, the opposite idea is also true. 

There is no way to be awake in the world without having serious doubts and reservations. Each of us takes many walks in the desert and in some ways our faith is measured by the extent of our doubts. Without doubt, our faith has no meaning, no substance; it is purchased at too small a price to give it value. 

This sounds simple and true enough, but in a patriarchal world, dissent is considered disloyalty. Or negativism. Or not being a team player. Or not being a good citizen. America, love it or leave it. You are either with us or against us. This is a corruption of hospitality and friendship. Hospitality is the welcoming of not only of strangers, but also of the strange ideas and beliefs they bring with them.”  

Community: the Structure of Belonging, pp. 130-31