The place of worship was the most important part of the community. It’s where people gathered, connections were made and support was given accordingly.

It also gave people a sense of belonging, knowing they were part of something beyond themselves. 

It’s no wonder the happiest (and longest living) people on the planet are those in community.

As we begin to see the rapid decline in attendance for religious worship around the world, a void has sprung up to gather people together. The patchwork of the online world is offering to take its place, but the results of digital usage is showing that it makes people feel worse, not better.

Hitting a button to show you like something, or writing a few words of support at some news, does not have the same affect as actually doing something physical in real life.

Sharing a picture or a video about people who need help does not provide the same help as someone going out and providing aid. All it’s doing is abdicating the person of responsibility in hopes that somebody else will do the hard work.

What’s needed is a reminder that we still need to gather as people, physically, and work together. When we can create that synergy in real life, we create a lasting impact on all those around us.