Religion / Theology
How do the two forms of individualism Benne (2003) describes seriously challenge the church?
Benne does a great job of breaking down the threats of individualism to the church. In his text he states that âGod founded the church in the past; his Spirit nurtures the church in the present and futureâ and that the churchâs mission is to âbear witness of Godâ (2003, pg. 204). The church does this through âworship, baptism, Eucharist, marriage, vocation, hospitality, charity, among many others that gives them identity and definition as the people of Godâ (Benne, 2003, pg. 204). However, when we bring individualism into this community, we shift our focus away from teaching and passing on these traditions to others. Instead we shift the purpose of the church to focus on fulfilling our own selfish needs. Beene describes Utilitarian individualism as âturning the Christian faith into something that is useful for meâ (2003, pg. 204). For this type of individual, the churchâs purpose is to provide the individual with a moral boost, assist in supporting social life for the adult as well as their children, and to give the individual âinsuranceâ of eternal life (Benne, 2003). This individual is not as concerned with learning the truth if it challenges their moral uplift. The other individualism described by Benne is Expressive Individualism. It âexpects the church to fulfill their felt needs; to make the individual feel good about themselvesâ. Benne says that the individual wants to be âentertained, affirmed, and inspired up to the limits of their comfort zonesâ (2003, pg. 204). The danger to the churchâ is when certain traditions are picked apart for the pieces that fit the purpose of these individuals. The traditions lose their original purpose which is to bear witness of God. When this happens, the message ceases to be the Godâs truth and therefore becomes very dangerous indeed.
How do they challenge society?
When members of society solely focus on the âwhatâs in it for me mentalityâ they hinder the pursuit for the greater good. However, Mark Goddard states in his article that societies that are driven by individuals. And those, such as the United States, tend to be optimistic as compared to societies that are more focused on the community as a whole (2002). The American Dream is embraced by our society and yet it is the example of the individual being able to achieve anything s/he can dream up. However, individualism can bring out an unhealthy competitiveness where people will compromise their morals and begin to view others as object to be conquered or to make the âends justify the meansâ. When we as a society can balance drive of the individual with the needs of the community, we will see a great movement that will benefit us all.
How might you as an individual combat them in your own life?
As I mentioned above, I believe finding a balance is key. As the King Solomon discusses in the book of Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything. There is a time when I need to work as an individual and there is a time for me to work for the community. I will, as a mom, need âme timeâ and I will need to spend my time and energy on my family. As an educator, I will need to focus on my professional development and at other times, I will need to focus on developing others. As a Christian, there will be times when I need to spend time in prayer talking with God about things that involve my spiritual growth and there will be time I spend time praying for others. King Solomon states in Ecclesiastes that âI know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toilâthis is the gift of Godâ (n.d, verses 12-13). I believe in this statement, he shows how we âeat, drink and find satisfaction in our toilâ to satisfy our individual self, but also that we âdo good while we liveâ which is to help others in our community (Ecclesiastes, n.d, verses 12-13). King Solomon says, âThis is the gift of Godâ (Ecclesiastes, n.d, verses 12-13). Finding balance is the key. We cannot allow individualism to rule our lives, but if used carefully, it can be beneficial to everyone.