Intentional awe, awareness and connectivity
Whether it's people or trees, we are surrounded by community, writes Colleen Earp, but connection requires intentionality.
In her 1952 autobiography, "The Long Loneliness," Catholic activist and journalist Dorothy Day noted, “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”
The U.S. Surgeon General issued a report in 2023 stating the country was in the midst of a loneliness epidemic. Despite the connectivity of social media and the freedom to gather post-pandemic, Americans seemed less connected, less involved with each other, less of everything that disrupts the feeling of being alone. What can we do – as individuals, congregations, schools – to recognize and ease the loneliness in ourselves and in others? Perhaps it starts with remembering that, at our core, we are connected, and we are one in each other and in God. In this issue of the Outlook, we consider the epidemic of loneliness.
Whether it's people or trees, we are surrounded by community, writes Colleen Earp, but connection requires intentionality.
In "Just Making:" Mitali Perkins explores the seemingly bifurcated relationship between creativity and justice and finds that the two are not as opposed as she once thought. — Caroline Barnett
"Pathways to Belonging" is for those interested in the importance of belonging, and the power of choosing to belong to God, writes Amy Pagliarella.
William Yoo's work is of interest to all people of faith, who are called to a more honest approach to American history and who seek a faithful way forward for the church, writes John Wilkinson.
Has America's crisis of Christianity become a crisis for America's democracy? Raymond Roberts reviews Jonathan Rauch's new book.
We are called to serve as death doulas to the institution and midwives to the church, writes Jess Cook.
Hospitality is about walking with people and inviting them in, not just pointing them in the right direction, write James McMinn and Gina Vance.
Men long for emotional and community connection, research shows. Catherine Knott asks, can congregations help them find it?
To combat the epidemic of loneliness, we must shift from transactional engagement to intentional community-building, writes Kat Robinson.
In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation.
Let's reclaim community—because loving God means loving each other, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Don Griggs shares how social connection helps build strong relationships and overcome loneliness — inside and outside the church.
Owen Gibbs’ story exemplifies the significance of Amendment 24-A and the church's commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
College students face rising loneliness and anxiety. Katrina Pekich-Bundy shares how community spaces, on campus and beyond, can help rebuild connection and emotional well-being.
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