Looking for information/research connecting Proxemics (anthropological tool/concept) with one's sense of belonging in an ecclesiological setting. Specifically interested in intersections with the doctrine of Union with Christ, or the Trinity and belonging.
Interesting question. I am familiar with E.T. Hall's concepts on Proxemics (Hidden dimension) but that is more related to physical space. I presume that you topic of interest (belonging) would show more relation to other dimensions, such as monchronicity or polychronicity, or high context - low context communication.
Thanks, I'll check on it. I'm kind of analyzing and critiquing a book by Joseph Myers (The Search to Belong) which uses E. T. Hall's concept of Proxemics to talk about cultivating a sense of belonging in the local church. His ideas are fascinating, but my biggest question right now is verifying if he's making a legitimate leap from E.T. Hall's idea of Proxemics, which seems to say nothing about belonging. I'll have to check some into monochronicity/polychronicity and related dimensions. Thanks!
The other "dimenesions" are treated in Hall's other books as "Silent Language", "Beyond Culture" and "Dance of Life". I am only an amateur in this field, but I learned a lot from Hall's works.
http://rossbanister.blogspot.com/2012/12/belonging-identity-and-theory-of_18.html
Jesus seemed to suggest that interacting more directly with, and being physically closer to, another person (especially someone you may not naturally relate to), will create greater unity between you and them. For example, visiting the sick or those in prison, providing clothing, water, etc. will move one toward the Kingdom of God - an environment of unity and love.
In one sense, denying one's self and giving one's possessions to another, creates a oneness with others similar to the oneness shared by members of the Trinity. It allows individuals to, in a sense, become more than just individuals. They become part of Christ and share the oneness that He and the Father shared.
My point is: the love and oneness Jesus (and Buddha) taught requires more than just mental understanding. There must be physical closeness and material sharing in order for it to be real. Intimacy with God and others seems to require actual physical closeness and physical intimacy beyond what is normally considered a culturally and socially safe distance.
Jesus also seems to teach that the best way to experience unity with God is to interact physically with those in whom God dwells, especially the poor and needy. "What you do to these least of these, my brothers, you do to me."
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