the allure of separation
It’d be nice to get away and stay away, wouldn’t it?
Definitely. That really sounds sweet right now. Some distance. Getting away. Running away. Why not?
Since the inception of the Christian church, movements within Christianity have advocated, at one time or another, a separation from society as a standing way of life. The corruption is rampant, they’ve basically said, and we must cut ourselves off to save ourselves, our children, our faith.
There’s some merit to that way of thinking, many would say. It certainly sounds attractive in some respects. How would that look today?
The Los Angeles Times published an article Jan. 26 titled “What Chores Would Jesus Do?” that featured some Christians who are part of what’s known as “New Monastic” movement. It’s an interesting and fair article, and worth the read. They want to live in a manner honoring to Jesus, and how he lived.
Jesus gives a mixed example in the Bible regarding this idea. He hung out with tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes. He spent enough time with them so that others accused him of being a drunkard (Matt. 11:19). He was also around the religious elite, though their interactions were notably dicey. He worshipped in the temple, despite its corruption.
But Jesus also withdrew at so many times throughout his ministry to pray. He made sure there was time for that too.
So what do you all think? Would you prefer some measure of separation for yourself and your family? If someone came to you and said they wanted to do this as a Christian and wanted your advice, what are some things you would say? To what degree would you agree with them, and where would you draw distinctions? How do you think a person could live as a follower of Jesus in this day and age? How would you handle opening your home to strangers and those in need?
Editor’s note: no one is advocating for total separation from society. So don’t argue with that, it’s too easy to push aside.
Good questions, Jim! Tough ones, too. I think maybe the best are usually the toughest…or maybe not.
I think withdrawl as a temporary thing is a great idea. I mean, separation serves a great purpose in many regards. It allows a person to see him or herself more clearly. And, as a kind of prosaic, therapeutic measure, I think it can be really helpful.
but then its like, where do you anchor yourself in the world? I know a guy who had a solid career in theatre. I mean, he was doing REALLY WELL. He was the production manager at what was then called Improv Olympics in Chicago (now it is called IO), and he was a big-name dude who hobnobbed with all the second city gang. but then one day he completely withdrew from everything and went and lived, literally, in a cabin with no running water or electricity in Tennessee for three years. He then returned to Chicago. I asked him what brought him back, and he said he was going mad without understanding where he stood in reference to the world around him.
He said that he had sorted everything out for himself, and when he was alone in his cabin, he was really content and happy. but then there was the pesky issue of going in town for certain supplies or to meet a family member. He said that these events were beyond disturbing: they unhinged him for weeks because he had grown so accustomed to world without those things.
I love the global society we are living in, and I am personally excited by the prospect of a shrinking world and culture. Maybe it will finally really force us out into the great beyond that is space. And I think maybe, while it does often create tension, it can teach us how to live better with one another, rather than apart.
“And I think maybe, while it does often create tension, it can teach us how to live better with one another, rather than apart.”
There certainly doesn’t seem to be much choice in the matter! (Thank God) We either have to get over ourselves and learn to get along or be in perpetual conflict. Hiding isn’t really an option anymore.
On a side note, I absolutely cannot wait until spring. Winter this year is killing me, and I need warm weather so I can “separate” to the closest state park…