Community Beliefs

Superior Essays
Regardless if a community is a sports team, a religious group, or American society, communities give their members some set of perks. These are opportunities the members would not ordinarily receive on their own. Although some opportunities are for the benefit of their members, some opportunities extend outside their population into other communities. Not only are there potential opportunities to gain knowledge and experience when two or more communities begin to intertwine, there is also a risk, as English Professor, Terrence Brunk explains within his article, “Reading, Ratification, and Risk”. Throughout this piece, Brunk explains the possible ratifications associated with socializing with those who hold different ideas. Overall, this article …show more content…
The one way this is commonly avoided, is by limiting interaction with those who are known, or assumed, to have different belief systems. Although interaction with both dissimilar individuals and communities is avoided, strong bonds are often created based on related views, to not only avoid conflict but solidify one’s own individual beliefs. This assembling of like-minded individuals leads to the creation of positive communities focused on improving their members. The reason why communities are built on similar beliefs, is mentioned by Brunk, who states “As members of a community, for example, as citizens, readers want to affirm shared values, for the sake of stability or solidarity, for the sake of continuity in orderly life” (xviii-xix). While being involved in a community, individuals can simultaneously surround themselves with persons who share a common ideology, while avoiding conflict. This is highly sought after, as humans crave consistency within their daily lives. The shared beliefs may prevent conflicts among the community, but negative consequences still linger as individuals may avoid involvement in communities for egotistical reasons. Hordes of individuals assume refusal from joining a community will better them in the future; however this is a misconception, as Christian businessman Les Newman states “American …show more content…
There is a pattern throughout history which demonstrates that the most powerful of organizations are often the shortest lived. Ignorance fuels this destruction, as communities are often too unwilling to take the time to understand the viewpoints of differing groups; unfortunately, this ignorance has led to the destruction of countless lives. Typically spawned from fear, this cordial understanding does not take place, but Brunk argues these encounters are fundamental, as “You risk an encounter with another person’s ideas and experiences, and you may not be the same when you are finished. Paying close attention to someone’s words is an act of respect and a form of inquiry, a way of taking the world seriously” (xvii). The possibility of a change of preset viewpoints occurring after an experience is an often feared possibility, but this change is often for the better of the individual. The sole purpose behind these encounters is not to change one’s beliefs, but to better one’s understanding, remove ignorance, and give respect. The importance of respecting others is revealed by Bellah, who argues “One cannot live a rich private life in a state of siege, mistrusting all strangers and turning one’s home into an armed camp. A minimum of public decency and civility is a precondition for a fulfilling private life” (73). Not respecting the beliefs of others

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