Coping with Social Collapse (4) - Groups Together

Christians are called to be salt and light in the world.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house (Matt 5:14-15)

Withdrawing to a place of safety must be a last resort, because we would be putting a lamp under a bowl when it should be shining into the darkness.

We face the challenge of living in the world, while being protected from it. This was easy while we were the dominant culture in Western society. We could expand our influence by spreading across society. Unfortunately, that world has changed and we have now become a small minority in a hostile world. We are now spread too thin to impact our culture and are too isolated to keep each other safe. Isolation in suburbia is dangerous when society collapses.

Once Christians could live anywhere and be safe. We now need to think much more strategically about where are live. The best way to keep safe, without losing visibility is for a group of Christians to live together in the same neighbourhood. If four or five families lived in close proximity to each other, their lives would be open to the people living around them, while being protected by the bonds between them.

About twenty houses in and around A Street have Christians living in them (shaded grey). Some moved into the area, but a few lived there before they became Christians.

There are fifty houses in the neighbourhood, so the neighbourhood has not been swamped by Christian, but they have sufficient presence to have an influence. Those living amongst them will see Christianity in action.

Living close to people we trust will strengthen our security. The people living in homes near the entrance from D Street could take responsibility for warning the rest of the community of coming trouble. The Christians could join together to stand against those who want to harm them. When they go out of their community, they could travel together to ensure their safety. If thinks got really bad, they could throw up barrier at the entrance to A Street to keep intruders out. Those living outside could move inside for a time.

During a time of crisis, giving and sharing will be much easier for people who live near to each other. Living in the right place will be vital, while isolation in suburbia could mean separation from those who can care and share with us. People who have never heard the gospel might choose to live among the Christians in this community, because it is a safe and secure place to live.

The complete series on Coping with Social Collapse is here.