"Part of the power of mob identity is that the individual has a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves, something meaningful and important and with power and movement in the world."
"Larger than themselves", "with power and movement". Those are key here. So many thoughts here, but this is not what the Church has felt like to many, nor has the Church felt SAFE to so many of us. But if the Church did feel big, and moving, and possessing the only real power we should want: that of God saving sinners who hate Him, and safe, perhaps the mobs would look as unattractive to everyone as they do to me right now. Perhaps.
Another good post Alan. If I may... compare: https://www.lewissociety.org/innerring/
"Part of the power of mob identity is that the individual has a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves, something meaningful and important and with power and movement in the world."
"Larger than themselves", "with power and movement". Those are key here. So many thoughts here, but this is not what the Church has felt like to many, nor has the Church felt SAFE to so many of us. But if the Church did feel big, and moving, and possessing the only real power we should want: that of God saving sinners who hate Him, and safe, perhaps the mobs would look as unattractive to everyone as they do to me right now. Perhaps.