Ben Brown reads Robert Putnam's new book, which explores the ways in which religion in the U.S. causes greater intolerance but simultaneously a greater civic engagement and likelihood of helping others through charitable acts.
Brown thinks the book should be a call to action:
"What if we make our profession of faith an investment of trust in folks in our neighborhoods and maybe a few blocks beyond? What if we act as if we owe them the chance to age comfortably in the communities in which they now live?"
Brown says such a move is necessary given the current climate of isolationist behavior:
"We're like kids building pretend forts, gathering up all our favorite toys and stuffing them in space we imagine we can protect from threats we imagine await us."
Thanks to Hazel Borys
Read the full story: Zoning as Spiritual Practice: From me to we to Thee
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