This page was created on May 24, 2004
This page was last updated on May 24, 2004

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ON COMMUNITY

So many thoughts crossed my mind during the film. I admired the shared community of the Dinka culture and how all worked together to get by. Later we observe contrast as the “lost boys” try to succeed in the competition-driven culture of America. The economic structure of the United States makes it the power it is, but I mourn the loss of community in our culture. I empathized with the torn sentiments of the refugees who are trying to prioritize personal gain and helping people back home. One second I was contemplating how little I appreciate the conveniences of our culture and the next I was understanding how the conveniences often get in the way of true life. One moment I believed the “lost boys” were better off in America and the next I was considering the illusions of affluence. Peter and Santino‘s opinions seem to vary similarly. One point I was happy there are people in the world dedicated to helping refugees and the next I was angry at the way it seems they’re left out to dry.
--BEN BECKER

Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.
--Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

The community stagnates without the impulse of the individual. The impulse dies away without the sympathy of the community.
--William James (1842 - 1910)

For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people's love and concern for each other.
--Millard Fuller

ON COMMUNITY

Acts 2:40-47 (Message Bible)

He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, "Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!"

That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.

They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

Acts 4:31-37 (Message Bible)

While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's Word with fearless confidence.

The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, "That's mine; you can't have it." They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.

And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need.

Joseph, called by the apostles "Barnabas" (which means "Son of Comfort"), a Levite born in Cyprus, sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.

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