Really lovely piece, James, both the imagery and the advice. I loved the point about language as invitation, particularly. I grew up in somewhat of a "you need to be evangelizing to save the lost" kind of culture (not a crazy one, but leaning that way), and I've found being simple and open, but not browbeating, does a lot more for connecting with people and inviting them to be curious about the spiritual life.
Also, what does Aidanic mean? Is that related to St Aidan?
Yep, good ol' Smilin' Aidan of Lindisfarne himself! His approach to interacting with his community I find interesting. Go on-foot but even more than that, take your shoes off. Then just talk to people. Hang out, be a positive presence and use their own language so that they feel understood. Milton tried to warn us that intellectualism leads us to impose on others, and look where we're at today: in a world of hyper-rationalism in which everybody's trying to win arguments over everybody else. I think these things are related.
Thanks so much for reading. I'm far from an authority on any of this, but this seems to be as clear as I can get my thoughts at present.
These are great steps, James. Things I have been thinking on for some time but haven’t laid out in quite so articulate a list. Graciousness is a big one we’ve been practicing in our family and ministry, which should seem like a “duh” idea but is shockingly lacking everywhere. And the idea of staying small. I, personally, have been far less enchanted with the large gatherings or followings, and I think we’ve seen a lot of the negative pitfalls of such crowds lately. Smallness allows for real vulnerability and connection which (I think) communities need. Lots more thoughts of course, but thank you for sharing this.
Thanks so much for reading, Brit. What I find strange is that a good handful of our practices, beliefs and perspectives we consider so immutable and necessary are actually pretty new. It wasn't like this up until very recently. I think Dr. Shaw's attempts at defining the merrie are along very similar lines. It's a relief to hear that others are grappling with similar concerns, so thanks so much for reading and sharing where you're at, too.
The particularity and inspiration in these suggestions are really something. Very applicable.
Lovely piece, James.
Thanks, Hasse. Very much in-progress, but I suppose this is where my thinking is at the moment.
Really lovely piece, James, both the imagery and the advice. I loved the point about language as invitation, particularly. I grew up in somewhat of a "you need to be evangelizing to save the lost" kind of culture (not a crazy one, but leaning that way), and I've found being simple and open, but not browbeating, does a lot more for connecting with people and inviting them to be curious about the spiritual life.
Also, what does Aidanic mean? Is that related to St Aidan?
Yep, good ol' Smilin' Aidan of Lindisfarne himself! His approach to interacting with his community I find interesting. Go on-foot but even more than that, take your shoes off. Then just talk to people. Hang out, be a positive presence and use their own language so that they feel understood. Milton tried to warn us that intellectualism leads us to impose on others, and look where we're at today: in a world of hyper-rationalism in which everybody's trying to win arguments over everybody else. I think these things are related.
Thanks so much for reading. I'm far from an authority on any of this, but this seems to be as clear as I can get my thoughts at present.
These are great steps, James. Things I have been thinking on for some time but haven’t laid out in quite so articulate a list. Graciousness is a big one we’ve been practicing in our family and ministry, which should seem like a “duh” idea but is shockingly lacking everywhere. And the idea of staying small. I, personally, have been far less enchanted with the large gatherings or followings, and I think we’ve seen a lot of the negative pitfalls of such crowds lately. Smallness allows for real vulnerability and connection which (I think) communities need. Lots more thoughts of course, but thank you for sharing this.
Thanks so much for reading, Brit. What I find strange is that a good handful of our practices, beliefs and perspectives we consider so immutable and necessary are actually pretty new. It wasn't like this up until very recently. I think Dr. Shaw's attempts at defining the merrie are along very similar lines. It's a relief to hear that others are grappling with similar concerns, so thanks so much for reading and sharing where you're at, too.