Minister’s Reflections Rev. Rod Debs June, 2010
`Balkanization’ is a geopolitical term used to describe the process of fragmentation or division of a region or state into smaller regions or states that are often hostile or non-cooperative with each other.
I can’t remember when a stranger ever said to me, “I enjoyed our conversation. You made my day.” First thing Harvey said as I stopped to pick up a plastic bottle was, “Are you the neighborhood clean-up crew?—just kidding.” Then he said he didn’t have much hope for the world and declared that my favorite politician is “ruining the nation.” I stopped and talked with him about shade-trees and gardening. We agreed that the media twist the news to get us all upset. We introduced ourselves and parted on good terms.
Of the people I meet every day, most are rather friendly and keep their opinions to themselves. Some are brooding about the state of the world and ready to spout their ideological rhetoric at the least provocation. Some are polite, holding back from exploding with evangelical zeal, waiting…, waiting…, for any sign you might be open to THE TRUTH they are very willing to offer. Oh, alright, this describes me as well as other people, depending on our moods.
Our community does seem fragmented—divided into multiple ideological perspectives of the world, and non-cooperative if not hostile to other views. We smile and make nice. Beneath the surface seethe sadness, fear and anger. Balkanized into tiny, virtual worlds of “ditto-heads” and “Move-On” networks, to name just two, we are pretty much isolated. Putty in the hands of radio talk show hosts, TV opinion-reporters and moralizing pulpits.
Unitarian Universalists have a Mission in this community, don’t you think? We promise to be a safe place for each person’s integrity, religious sentiments and right of conscience. How many in our community feel there is no safe place that welcomes them into caring fellowship? Tens? Hundreds?
Not all sad and angry people will welcome a community of mutual relationships. According to the bell curve, 6% are extreme right and 6% extreme left—not open to co-existing with diversity. 64% don’t care enough to reach out. But 12% leaning one way and 12% leaning another, are willing to talk. Needing a safe place for sharing and exploring mutual concerns.
How can we become that safe and welcoming place? How can we connect deeper than “smile and make nice”? Emily Dickinson wrote:
“Tell all the Truth but tell it slant—
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise
As Lightening to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind—“
What we have in common is a longing to share our stories, to make connections. We need inviting settings. Friendly ground-rules. Indirect rather than in-your-face truth-telling. We need a safe place to open those dangerous, interesting topics: religion, politics, loneliness, fear, shame.
Community. It is how we can save the world. One person—one relationship at a time. What is your role in this expanding and deepening fellowship? Come explore where your gifts join ours in creating a peaceful world. See you Sunday!