Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Debelak
I see groups as an natural outflow of genuine seeking and spirituality. You see groups as an end to themselves, which you then "try to make sure" has spirituality in it. Very similar appearing outcomes. My position entails yours (see my post below on "barameters" for a healthy individual walk), yours doesn't necessarily entail mine.
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No, I don't see groups as ends in themselves. The end is always the glory of God. I see groups as a normal result of being the social creatures God created us to be.
Think of it like sex. Sex is natural and normal. The problem isn't sex. The problem is how we approach it. People need to learn how to handle sex correctly. The key is not to be suspicious of sex in itself, the key is to understand the pitfalls.
Likewise groups. The answer isn't to teach people to be suspicious of groups in themselves (anymore than the solution is to make people suspicious of sex in itself). The key is to become skilled enough to handle groups (and sex) in a healthy manner.
Running away from or becoming suspicious of something in our created nature is not an answer. Because, as the article said, that is the same as giving up on humanity.
The problem I had with your original position was not outcome, but approach and attitude. I understand being in groups has pitfalls, and I'm not arguing that groups should be permanent. I'm saying we shouldn't be looking for excuses to bail on groups because they hinder our "spirituality." I'm saying we that maybe, just maybe, we need to become more spiritual so that we can negotiate groups better.
The point is the point is not solely our own spirituality. It is not the bottom line anymore than our own personal wealth is. Yes, we seek to gain wealth, but it's not all for us. It's to share with others, too. Part of the reason we have Christ is to share him with others.
The point is not groups, the point is
others. We just often need to form groups to help others.