Take My Car, Please

The traffic on Michigan Highway 78 crossing in front of the house has reduced to a slow trickle, the result of burgeoning gasoline prices. It sure makes things a lot quieter here at Cousins Island. We are just beginning to see the dramatic effects of automotive expense. Everyone is talking about it. Airline travel is getting more expensive. The sale of scooters has skyrocketed 40% in the past month. Public transportation has mushroomed. Summer vacations are taking place close to home. Second homes are visited far less often, if at all. I am sure you can add your own.

The mystique of distance is fast receding as travel costs rise. Where we are going to feel these effects even more going forward. For congregations and those who nurture the spiritual life, the news is surprisingly good. The bane of American religion has been the rise of superficial, look alike membership. Churches have come to resemble clubs of like minded folk, like our neighborhoods. As costs increase, people will be be considering costs over community makeup in their job and living arrangements. It may be that one will not drive quite so far to be surrounded with like minded individuals. Mixed communities may emerge from the present crisis as some return home.

Congregations will be challenged by the increasing diversity of their membership. We will learn to recognize and value that we are in intimate communities with those with whom we disagree. Families, too, will need a broader perspective to accommodate that offending brother in law who now lives next door! Managing “close in” relationships will encourage dialogue on a level more spiritual, deeper than mere ideology. This is as much an opportunity as it will be arduous spiritual labor.

Congregations, as well, will be challenged by the down side of gas pricing. More of us will be in need of energy subsidy, food supplement. The poor will suffer. We will be challenged to dig deeply to respond to these needs.

On the whole, rising energy costs presents opportunity to those who are concerned to maintain the fabric of our communities. Maybe people of good will will benefit by worship with those who differ with them. Difference is one sign of authentic spiritual community. Maybe gas prices will deliver us from look alikeism and conformity in faith communities.

Real life is never only difficult or easy, but a more mixed picture. “Take my car, please,” has gifts to offer.