A recent article titled “Why are we Lonely?” seeks to answer that question through the writings of Alexis de Tocqueville. In his “Democracy in America” de Tocqueville saw a restlessness in the modern world, captured by this quote: “Scarcely have you descended on the soil of America when you find yourself in the midst of a sort of tumult, a confused clamor is raised on all sides … around you everything moves.” One of the antidotes he offers is the attendance of religious services, because “there is no religion that does not place man’s desires beyond and above earthly goods and that does not naturally raise his soul toward regions much superior to those of the senses.” In other words, remembering that life is more than what our senses can register both reorient our perspective and connects us with others who we might not otherwise spend time with.
There has been a lot of ink spilled about how the pandemic exacerbated the isolation of modern life, made worse by the breakdown of institutions that used to connect us in communities. Christians by definition are not just related to God personally, but to a community relationally. This is one of God’s created goods given to us, mitigating the clamor of life and tumult of our relational connections. RWS offers many opportunities for its congregants to combat loneliness and restlessness. You can click on this link to find just a few, but you can also go to our website to get a more robust set of options. And remember to view these opportunities not just as a way for you to benefit from the richness of community, but to offer it to others in our midst who wrestle with their own loneliness. For as de Toqueville wrote about himself: “This profound saying could be applied especially to me: it is not good for man to be alone.”
Amen.
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. – Psalm 133
P.S. if you didn’t see my email from Friday about my retirement click here.
RWS Memebership Class
This class helps potential members learn the gospel theology and ministry of Redeemer West Side so you can join the church. We cover what’s behind the five membership vows, how a PCA church is led, and how members step into our sacred call to love our neighbors and heal our city.
Upcoming Events
- Oct 3 | Pack toys for two HFNY affiliates
- Oct 4 | New Women’s CG
- Oct 8 | RWS Membership Class
- Oct 8 | Last Date to Take the F&W Survey
- Oct 11 | Kids Community Group is Back
- Oct 11 | Trust Recovery Support Group
- Oct 11 | Cultivating Marriage
- Oct 14 | Premarital Seminar
- Oct 16 | Faith & Work 101
- Oct 17 | Emotional Strength & Peace
- Oct 19 | Reformed Theological Seminary Open House
- Oct 20 | Live@W83 featuring pianist Chelsea Guo
- Oct 25 | Prayer: Putting It Into Practice
- Oct 26 | Gender: Goodness in God’s Design
