In today’s society, many people are experiencing a profound sense of loneliness and a lack of community. This growing isolation has been recognized as a significant public health concern, with experts highlighting its impact on mental and physical well-being.
I recall sitting with a man who had spent his life managing a large international company. He had accumulated substantial wealth. As he was nearing the end of his life, he reached out to his family, asking them to visit so he could say goodbye. They came, but reluctantly. Their interactions were formal and distant, with no physical affection.
After they left, he turned to me with tears in his eyes and said, “I spent my life and my time on worthless work. Please tell them I am sorry.” At his memorial service, I conveyed his message to his family. Tears flowed not just for his passing, but for the lost interactions, the unexpressed familial love, and the realization that his wealth had not brought meaningful connections.
This scenario reflects a broader societal issue: the belief that human beings are merely consumers and producers in a free-market economy. This perspective has contributed to a “loneliness epidemic,” as described by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who noted that loneliness significantly increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, mental health issues, and suicide.
Reflecting on my childhood, I remember many potluck dinners and gatherings. We would play with other children, sit on the laps of various adults, laugh, talk, and enjoy good food together. These events fostered a strong sense of community and belonging.
However, over time, several factors have contributed to the erosion of such communal experiences:
- Increased mobility for work
- Longer working hours
- Extended commuting times
- Both spouses working
- More time spent in front of the TV
- The rise of cell phones and social media that often amplify fears and create information bubbles
- The spread of misinformation through AI and machine learning
These changes have been compounded by individuals and groups who exploit our fears and pains to isolate us further from one another. As a result, we find ourselves lonely and our communities fragmented.
Acknowledging this reality is not meant to be condemning but rather an invitation to initiate change. We are experiencing a famine of meaning and community. We are yearning for connection but often feel afraid and uncertain about where to begin.
Yet, institutions like churches, mosques, temples, community groups, and non-profits possess the resources needed to help us reconnect. They offer spaces and opportunities to rebuild our sense of community. The modern church, for instance, plays a crucial role in community building by addressing social issues, fostering connections, and promoting civic engagement.
We have the assets necessary to rekindle these connections, but we must approach this work with creativity and intentionality. By leveraging the strengths of our community institutions, we can begin to address the loneliness epidemic and restore meaningful connections in our lives.
I will explore this topic further in my next post.