Talk is reasonable, people used to say. But it seems to me it’s at a premium in a world where politicians trade insults and sneer at one another, and social media and technology has replaced many face-to-face conversations.
We can’t change the world, and declare victory against chatbots, artificial intelligence and online battles of words. But perhaps Christians could make a difference on our doorsteps, in our communities, and in our circles of family and friends. Perhaps taking the time to speak could form a part of how we mark the season of Lent, starting on Ash Wednesday, March 5.
In just a couple of weeks’ time, the ‘Chance to Chat’ initiative running within the café of my local supermarket will likely be a 12 months old. The idea behind the project is easy. The store kindly sets aside two tables within the café each Monday morning, and native volunteers come along to host ‘drop in’ sessions open to everyone.‘Chance to Chat,’ co-ordinated by the local Anna Chaplaincy that works with older people, is a possibility for people to stop by, and take part a conversation.
It’s especially necessary in a world that’s losing the art of conversation, the skill of talking to real people, in real life. One college within the UK’s Midlands has even launched a course to assist its young students speak on the phone.
The weekly supermarket project is only one initiative based on friendly conversation. A neighborhood church hosts a monthly Compassionate Café in partnership with a hospice. It’s a secure space to talk plainly about loss and bereavement and be listened to and heard. Other ‘talking groups’ have also been launched locally.
Over the past few years, I’ve been involved in a project to assist Christians and other people of religion beat back against fake news and disinformation. It feels that we’re throwing tiny pebbles back into the ocean as the large tide of untruth comes crashing towards us.
Yet we’re committed to ‘keeping the conversation going.’ To keep raising the importance of truth in a world where the person with the most important megaphone, or bank balance, gets to say what reality is. And politicians, across parties, only imagine their version of events.
Sometimes it’s only head to head – with individuals with whom now we have a relationship – that we will query a belief or understanding that’s based more on a conspiracy theory or rumour, than any foundation of truth.
Churches are certainly one of the few places where people of all ages come together repeatedly – to worship, meet together and construct community. We hold activities starting from pre-toddler groups to older people’s lunches, and numerous other events for all ages. We wish to bring people together.Jesus believed in face-to-face conversations. In his world, he had little option. He gathered a gaggle of followers and talked to them as they walked from place to put.
They shared life together. The disciples watched and learnt as their master declared himself to be Truth, and challenged individuals who had a view on life based only on self-interest and power.
In a couple of days’ time, Christians will begin to mark Lent, the season of repentance and reflection leading as much as Good Friday and Easter. It’s a very good time to reflect on our words, on the importance of in-person conversation and on truth in a world that’s fast forgetting what truth actually is. Or perhaps even caring.
Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, UK and a former communications director with the CofE.
