Biblical Answer

The Possibility of a Sense of Community

The question of whether it is possible to have a sense of community despite the challenges and criticisms associated with it is a valid one. In fact, the Bible itself speaks of community as a vital aspect of the Christian life. In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." This verse highlights the importance of being connected to others in a community, where we can grow and bear fruit together.

However, it is also true that communities can be imperfect and even flawed. As Lauren Winner notes, "If you are a twenty-six-year-old who has just moved across the country for grad school, the role your community can appropriate to you is a different one." This highlights the reality that community is not a fixed or static entity, but rather a dynamic and evolving relationship between individuals. Moreover, the emphasis on individuality and subjectivism in postmodern thought can make it challenging to build and maintain a sense of community. Nevertheless, the Bible teaches us that community is essential for our spiritual growth and development.

In fact, the Bible provides a model of community that is characterized by love, depth, and orthodoxy. In 1 Corinthians 1:5-8, the apostle Paul writes about the community of believers in Corinth, saying, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich... and you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." This passage highlights the transformative power of community, where individuals can grow and develop together in their faith. Therefore, while there may be challenges and criticisms associated with community, the Bible teaches us that it is possible to build a sense of community that is rooted in love, depth, and orthodoxy.