A few days ago an icon passed away, Walter Cronkite. I heard Brian Williams, of NBC make a comment about the impact of Cronkite. He talked about life during the time of Cronkite's reign. He spoke of a special time of "community," saying that it was comforting to know that everyone was listening to the same voice, rather than all of the voices we hear today. This is not a direct quote, it is mainly what I remember him saying. I was taken back by this comment. Really? Hearing one voice is better than hearing many? I found this comment bothersome on a couple of levels.
First of all, the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." As a news reporter one would think that Williams would understand the necessity of the "many voices."
Secondly, according to the comment, "community" apparently is when we all agree and are listening to the same voice vs the many? Really. If this is true, and we ought to be all listening to the same voice, then which one do we listen to? The easy answer is "God." However looking at the number of denominations and groups who all believe they are hearing "God," and looking at the number of differences that exist, all with people who are "listening to God," one can see that perhaps that answer isn't as easy as we think.
I find that many people believe that community is found when we hang out with people who are like us, people who "agree" with us. However, if those with whom we are in relationship are the ones who help us grow, and we all agree on "everything" where exactly is the growth? How does a community ever exist if all must agree? I believe that community is truly found in our differences. How about you? Do you believe that community (meaningful relationships) occur in our sameness or in our differences?
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