People inside of belonging systems are very threatened by those who are not within that group. They are threatened by anyone who has found their citizenship in places they cannot control.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on how belonging and identity can create fear towards those who exist outside of a defined group.
Richard Rohr's quote highlights the dynamics of belonging and control within social systems. Those who identify strongly with a particular group may feel threatened by individuals who do not conform to or belong within that group, as their presence challenges the norms and stability of the established system. Such fear often stems from uncertainty and a perceived loss of control over identity and values when confronted by differing perspectives or affiliations.
In practice
In a discussion about workplace diversity, one might quote this to illustrate challenges faced by employees who come from varying backgrounds.
My scientist friends have come up with things like 'principles of uncertainty' and dark holes. They're willing to live inside imagined hypotheses and theories. But many religious folks insist on answers that are always true. We love closure, resolution and clarity, while thinking that we are people of 'faith'! How strange that the very word 'faith' has come to mean its exact opposite.
The gift of darkness draws you to know God’s presence beyond what thought, imagination, or sensory feeling can comprehend.
I cannot illustrate huge differences between male and female spiritualities except in their starting points, style and fascinations along the way. This is significant, however, and has huge pastoral implications: men must be challenged in the world of doing; women must be challenged in the world of relating.
Much of the Christian religion has largely become “holding on” instead of letting go. But God, it seems to me, does the holding on (to us!), and we must learn the letting go (of everything else).
We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.
I've had the good fortune of teaching and preaching across much of the globe, while also struggling to make sense of my experience in my own tiny world.
An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
The bells they sound on Bredon, And still the steeples hum. "Come all to church, good people"- Oh, noisy bells, be dumb; I hear you, I will come.
Never judge a philosophy by its abuse.
What is a good man? A teacher of a bad man. What is a bad man? A good man's charge?
I do not consider it an insult, but rather a compliment to be called an agnostic. I do not pretend to know where many ignorant men are sure - that is all that agnosticism means.
You come of the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve," said Aslan. "And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content.
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