Pseudo-community

Pseudo-community
Its hallmark is the avoidance of conflict. In pseudo-community, we keep things safe; we speak in generalities, we say things that those around us will agree with. We tell little white lies to make sure no one’s feelings get hurt, no one gets tense. We keep relationships pleasant and well-oiled. Conversations are carefully filtered to make sure no one gets offended; if we feel hurt or irritated, we are careful to hide it. Pseudo-community is agreeable and polite and gentle and stagnant – and ultimately fatal. – Scott Peck, The Different Drum

Nothing can be more cruel than the leniency which abandons others to their sin. Nothing can be compassionate than the severe reprimand which calls another Christian in one’s community back from the path of sin. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer in “Life Together” p105