Comments on: Defining Community

By: dandydon

dandydon — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:00:25 +0000

I like the picture you use to illustrate community: hands reaching together, touching one another, forming a perimeter of unity. That is the image of "common unity." The reason it stands as an apt metaphor – better than an illustration representing people networked through computers or some other communication device – is because it is seminal in its presentation of unity.

Community is hard to define because it is within us, as Jesus said. So we may see ourselves committed to the "brotherhood of man" as well as our nuclear family and many parts in between. It seems to me that Jesus had several levels of community that were compelling to him.

Devices that connect are mere substitutions for real, tangible connection. Through the web we communicate ideas and feelings, but not hugs. Presence is hard to do through wires and waves. We are more than those thoughts and feelings. How we long for the one who awaits us at the airport; for a daddy or mommy who is home; for a minister to comfort us; for Emmanuel.

By: Bernadette Pabon

Bernadette Pabon — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:39:45 +0000

community, is a powerful word, it makes you feel a deeper bond,like a family, a spiritual bond, because the leader of community is Jesus Christ. Little or large we must consider all of the people, this common bond unites us in love and faith GOD.

By: FaithBarista Bonnie

FaithBarista Bonnie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:03:46 +0000

"..a very powerful and intimate community is created. And it makes no difference if they are physically in the same location or online."

I love this line. I am blown away by the fellowship and encouragement that is flowing from blog to blog. It feels like open borders, beyond ourselves, yet bringing us to connect and move mountains. With the power of words online.

By: @katdish

@katdish — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:03:59 +0000

The Church in the Book of Acts is a good model, I think. They had their share of problems, but they were committed to living in community. I found that same definition, and was equally perplexed.

By: Bridget

Bridget — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:54:13 +0000

Lindsey, what a perfect addition to the carnival!

I read the definition when we picked Community as our topic this time… I was disappointed to say the least. I really like what you said:

"when a group of people are united behind feeding the hungry, praying for the sick, holding one another accountable to His standard, or even just walking through life together, a very powerful and intimate community is created"

This is a beautiful description! I also agree that it doesn't matter if it the people are you next door neighbors or online friends thousands of miles away…

Thanks for posting.

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:21:27 +0000

I’m so glad you added this to the blog carnival!

I hope lots of people come and read it and then stick around to read regularly!

By: @irishwings

@irishwings — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:48:29 +0000

i like your thoughts on this, friend.

i also get the frustration that can result from what would seem to be a simple definition search! i wonder, though, if what you found in the dictionary entry (multiple and varied definitions) lends some strength to your position: community really is something that can be expressed in varied ways. it is not something that should not be restricted to a person's small "box" of experience.

Web 2.0/social media certainly does create new arenas for community. those new arenas cannot – and should not – replace in-person communities, but they sure can be fruitful complements.

By: Kyle Reed

Kyle Reed — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:20:15 +0000

good question to ask yourself.
Often times (myself included) we can articulate and project what we want online, you know put your best foot forward, and in real life it is much harder to be that way.
Just a thought maybe as to why online community is easier.

By: torybee

torybee — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:04:33 +0000

I can see what you are saying. I think I come across differently online; more articulate, a bit more bold and in real life I either come across as super shy or difficult because I ask questions.

I wonder at time: Which is the "real" me? How I project myself online, which is truly my authentic, inner thoughts, or how I am in real life, which is much quieter.

By: Paul Steinbrueck

Paul Steinbrueck — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:18:26 +0000

Hey Lindsey, this is my first time to your blog. Great question! It think part of the reason "community" is so hard to define is because it's used (misused?) in so many contexts.

We refer our city as the "[insert city name] community" even though we don't know 99% of the people in it. We refer to a loose collection of regular visitors to a website as an online community even if they don't know each others real names. And then we use that same word to describe the very deep personal relationships in our small group. Which is real community?

Perhaps it's all community, but what it looks like certainly varies depending on the depth and commitment of the relationships.