We have both found ourselves living in really different communities - Brian in New York City, and Shay in rural Kansas. That got us to thinking about the contrasting religious experiences of living in urban and rural settings and reflecting on how these environments shape understandings of community, spirituality, and the presence of the Divine. There has been a theme of going to the desert or the quiet of the country to hear God, but what if paying attention and tuning in helps us find God in everyday city life as well? We emphasize the need for connection and community in both urban and rural contexts, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of faith and presence in diverse spaces.
Takeaways
We are living in two very different places.
The spaces we inhabit shape our religious imagination.
Cities are often seen as sites of wickedness compared to gardens.
Urban areas provide more safety nets than rural communities.
There is a sense of community in rural areas that can be lacking in cities.
Religiosity can feel overt and uncomfortable in rural settings.
Community hospitality is often stronger in smaller towns.
Finding God requires training our attention to the divine in everyday life.
Paying attention to the details can reveal the presence of God.
Both urban and rural settings have unique challenges and opportunities for faith.
Chapters
(02:20) Exploring Urban vs. Rural Spirituality
(05:03) The Role of Community in Different Spaces
(11:32) Finding God in Everyday Life
(16:57) Attention and the Divine in Our Environments
Resources:.
Say Yes by Andrea Gibson
Join our online community at Sanctuary Collective Community
If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology
