Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Self-distancing

As we have become a nation of inhabitants of cocoons (predicted by Alvin Toffler in Future Shock) we have become very good at self-distancing--removed, apart, wary.
And as a result, we immediately size up people we see or meet as we observe their clothing, hair length, facial hair, weight, and age. We often make snap judgements about them even though we do not know them.

And in doing that, we often miss opportunities to make friends with someone who would benefit our life or at least broaden our horizons. Christ touched many people who were considered untouchables. He talked to the marginal, the outsiders, and those the Jews would not even approach (the Samaritan woman).

I believe it would benefit all Americans and Christians if they would be a little less self-distanced and more welcoming as Christ was.

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