Possibilities for Social Change Part 3; Community

Matt and Bob carry on the conversation...The whole of civilization is grounded in relationship. Our capacity to relate to each other, person to person, in ways that truly have meaning. The process of civilization-building then, begins with the cultivation of our innate capabilities to engage in meaningful and uplifting conversation. Today, fewer and fewer people appear to have developed the capacity for genuine dialogue. People today seem, literally, to run from each and every opportunity for genuine and authentic conversation, withdrawing and isolating themselves from anyone who does not already agree with whatever they might think, feel, or believe. Plus, when people do speak openly with one another such interactions appear to be reduced to "plot", the exchange of stories - about the weather, what they did yesterday, doing today, or planning for tomorrow - avoiding real dialogue, which, if approached otherwise, might become a source of growth, intellectual and spiritual, for themselves and society. The rebuilding of society under these circumstances must begin with learning how to cultivate our God-given abilities to engage in conversation that qualifies as meaningful and uplifting.