JULY 2009 “I never knew there were others like me.” Everyone involved in subculture ministry has heard those words at some point or has experienced it for his or her self—the sense of being the only one who feels this way, believes these things, values these things. Then, after an internet search or a “chance” meeting, the person discovers that he/she is not alone, not the only one, and a sense of family, of belonging—of tribe—is instantaneous, deep, and lasting. I have had this experience, not once but many times, and each time I discover kindred souls, my brothers and sisters, that until that moment I never realized I had. I found the following two writers particularly insightful, and their words resonated deeply with me. Perhaps they will speak to you as well. “As post-modern consumer culture erodes, “families of choice” provide communities….Linked by festivals, alternative lifestyles, expansive spirituality, and the internet….Generally speaking, “modern tribals” prefer to create communities of their own choosing rather then to conform to mainstream expectations.” – Phil Brucato writing for Witches & Pagans Issue 19 page 23 The following excerpt is from The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter III. “For over two centuries, the ideology of the Enlightenment shaped the climate of “Modernity” that scripted people to believe that they were essentially good and rational creatures; that they could build morality and society on reason alone; that science and education would deliver humanity from its remaining problems; that progress was “inevitable;” and that the universe functions like a machine—a closed system leaving no need for the supernatural and little room for spirituality. “As the Enlightenment has faded, postmodern people are increasingly suspicious of people and institutions that claim authority, and they are increasingly dubious of ultimate explanations. They are rediscovering their intuition, and they own and trust their feelings. They take in the world through what they see, touch, and experience – not just through what they hear – and they explore spirituality and the supernatural. “The grounds of their identities are shifting. “Prior to the Enlightenment…people said “I belong, therefore I am.” “Under the Enlightenment’s influence, people said “I think, therefore I am.” Postmodern people now seem to be saying “I feel, therefore I am,” or “I shop, therefore I am,” or “I look good, therefore I am,”… or “I am, so what?” “We also observe the “retribalism” of much of the West – as peer groups, subcultures, and ethnic groups produce and “I belong, therefore I am” source of identity once again.” – George G. Hunter III, The Celtic Way of Evangelism My connection with God is encouraged, the flame is fanned by my community, by my tribe, my needs are met or at least one need it met, the need to belong. So for me tribalism is to be encouraged and celebrated—that is at least in part what Gothic Christianity is all about. Much love my dearest, |