Stewart's Cultural Poesis has a particularly fascinating section about the Body For Life diet/self-actualizing regiment. If you follow the rules of the 12-step program you will live the life that was always just out of reach because of physical/mental inadequacies that drove you to seek help in the first place. The idea of salvation casts a shadow over the distractions of overeating and the pleasures of sloth. As Stewart writes: "They began the crave the 12week program even more than they craved a piece of key lime pie or a beer" (1037).
Now imagine such a powerful promise delivered in just one simple step? The acceptance of the lord. The promise is delivered. Beyond all of the psychological benefits of feeling that you have made some sort of good change in your life (turning a new page), there is the life-affirming power of being "part of something." A supportive group, that accepts you for who you are, and encourages you to do better, alongside others who are working towards the same ends. I don't know if I could continue doing these assignments and weekly readings, if I didn't know there were others who were going through it with me.
Community building provides a certain life-affirmation for the builders as well. The professor enjoys watching the study of their dedication enthused by new practitioners. For the pastor and the organizer of groups like Body for Life, there is something stronger at work. The belief that the people they enfranchise are being saved. Communities give participants and builders something to "step" towards.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment