The book suggests that the defining problem driving out most people who leave is … just how American life works in the 21st century. Contemporary America simply isn’t set up to promote mutuality, care, or common life. Rather, it is designed to maximize individual accomplishment as defined by professional and financial success. Such a system leaves precious little time or energy for forms of community that don’t contribute to one’s own professional life or, as one ages, the professional prospects of one’s children. Workism reigns in America, and because of it, community in America, religious community included, is a math problem that doesn’t add up.

  • mar_k [he/him]
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    edit-2
    11 months ago

    I live in a very liberal area at the moment, and there's a Church near me with a sign saying "everyone welcome" and the gay/trans pride flag on it. Most people obviously still don't attend weekly, but I've talked to people that say they would never have attended for Easter or anything in the first place if it wasn't for the church making it clear they preach tolerance.