Where to Next?
I recently came across an old devotion I had shared on the ‘iPodization’ of our culture (note age can be verified by the use of iPod, which first came out in 2001 – bet that makes you feel old!), and how there are some frightening similarities to today’s world. The author reflected that postmodern culture is supposed to be marked by a profound urge for community. The longing community is supposed to be a determining factor as to who postmoderns are and how they relate to each other. Social scientists point to the proliferation of chat rooms and online forums as evidence of this communal longing.
Yet (he says) I am noticing a chink in the armor of this component of postmodernism. I am beginning to sense that people today are afraid of community. Postmodernity does not seem to foster an interest in being in community at all. There is a contemporary distancing from others that some are terming the "iPodization" of our culture.
Doing It My Way
When you check out at the grocery store, do you hunt for the friendliest checkout clerk, or the shortest line? Or do you go to the even "friendlier" U Scan station? That's right. You buy the groceries, and you check out yourself. U scan, U bag, and U pay. You don't have to talk with anyone, unless some produce you bought doesn't have the magic numbers attached. What kind of community does U Scan create? I think postmoderns don't like each other.
Not long after I shared this devotion, a YouTube clip came out titled ‘Look Up’ which lamented the obsession we have with our mobile phones, and last year the sequel emerged a decade after the first viral screening of this clip. As I ride the train to work each day, I am surrounded by hundreds of fellow human beings, and the first thing I do is place my air pods in and queue some music. Now I’m not suggesting we should strike up conversations with randoms on trains (that may result in being arrested!), but I do wonder about the singular lack of connection we now seem to have in society generally.
When I contrast this with the early Church, where conversations and storytelling was the fundamental glue that bound society together, I can’t help feeling the pendulum has swung too far one way. Having four children I am very aware of the ‘advantages’ of asynchronous communication and social media connection but still hold the ‘no technology’ line at the dinner table to ensure some conversation occurs. What lessons might we learn from Jesus when it comes to communication?
Firstly, he was willing to be interrupted, and gave his undivided attention to whomever was in front of him. He didn’t ignore people (very easy to do on social media!), and ensured everyone who came to him was welcome. He asked great questions, encouraged thoughtfulness and reflection. All these are great examples of being a good communicator, and we can take these lessons into our everyday lives.
In closing, I would like to thank all those who serve in our learning communities for their dedication and commitment to our young people and their families. Trusting the upcoming school holidays provide time for rest, family and restoration.
Blessings,
Colin Minke
Executive Director
