O Where, O Where is My…?

Sure enough, O blog of blogs, I have left you unattended for some months. No worries, the traffic monitor tells me that lots of readers have treated you the same.  Peace for you and extra time for me!

Perhaps I will give blogging another try if for no other reason than to practice the discipline of discipline.  I picked up Janice Holt Giles 40 Acres and No Mule.  It is Giles’ story about spending a lifetime trying to learn and practice a story that she calls Appalachia.  I cannot say anything more at this point for I am only three chapters into the book.

She captivated me with the Prologue.  Here, she reflects on the culture, values and people called Appalachia.  She subtly scoffs at how this place and people have been (mis)represented by so many over the years.  To the outsider, she supposes, Appalachia looks like the forgotten world – the ‘left behind’ place.  But to the insider, it is a treasure trove rich in value, culture and wisdom.

Perhaps the one standout point she makes is how Appalachia resists institutionalization (sorry Mr. Webber!).  The Appalachian belongs only to place and people that Appalachia claims as her own.  She describes this reality in her observations of how Appalachians refuse to “join” churches in any way other than their presence and participation.  Why?  She holds that it is not the ‘two or three gathered’ that is threatening; rather, it is the framework that has evolved to encapsulate (poor word choice perhaps) the ‘two or three’.  Engrained in the Appalachian is the ethos of “loving the Lord”, which, as Giles holds, does not need further explication by an ecclesial hierarchy.  And so, the Appalachian carries this ethos to a place called ‘church’ to worship but not join.

Giles touches on, in her treatment of Appalachia, one aspect that is perplexing.  What role does the church play in shaping of Kingdom People?  Is it one of authority?  Is it one of mutual partnership and say?  Even more, are the two mutually exclusive?  Not that anyone reads these words but if they do, I’d appreciate any views shared.

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