The Hyper-Individualism of Our Culture
Like fish in water, we don't see it. Getting people to see our hyper-individualism is so hard.
Once seen, what do we do about it? This is not to extol collectivistic cultures; they have their own set of challenges (euphemistically speaking). It is to say we do not realize the toxicity in our own over-self-absorbed way of thinking and being.
We need only look at the Bible, First and Second Covenants, to know we do little on our own. We are even expected to repent on corporately as well as individually. Example, Daniel's prayer in chapter 9: he prays "we" and despite being a blameless man to those around him, includes himself in their sin that led to the exile. We moderns do not want to take responsibility for others' sin, understandably. But the sense of community and identity with one's people was so strong in the past that corporate repentance was not questioned.
Once seen, what do we do about it? This is not to extol collectivistic cultures; they have their own set of challenges (euphemistically speaking). It is to say we do not realize the toxicity in our own over-self-absorbed way of thinking and being.
We need only look at the Bible, First and Second Covenants, to know we do little on our own. We are even expected to repent on corporately as well as individually. Example, Daniel's prayer in chapter 9: he prays "we" and despite being a blameless man to those around him, includes himself in their sin that led to the exile. We moderns do not want to take responsibility for others' sin, understandably. But the sense of community and identity with one's people was so strong in the past that corporate repentance was not questioned.
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