Sanctus 1: a family affair

If you were to draw your family tree, what issues would it raise for you?

This is what we did at Sanctus. We explored the nature of family.

We are all part of a family, even if we don't know our family. It seems to be part of being human: something that holds us together in family. Something mystical.

There are advantages about being in a family, such as security, identity, shared values and heritage.

But there can be disadvantages also, like suppression of the individual, control and the exclusive nature of families. If you're on the outside of a family, you'll know what we mean.

Generally the Bible is very pro-family. Adam and Eve and the boys, Abraham and his many descendants, Jacob is blessed when he is part of the family but less so when he leaves. The parable of the prodigal son tells us something similar: being family is good, out of family is bad.

However Jesus challenges this model by saying:

Matthew ch10 v35: For I have come to turn "a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law".

Matthew ch10 v37: "Anyone who loves his father and mother more than me is not worthy of me: anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."

We also questioned whether people have a right to have a family. There was a resounding no to Michael Nazir-Ali (ex-Bishop of Rochester)'s assertion that "in choosing not to have children are they, self indulgent" (paraphrased a little).

Finally we looked at the notion of God's family and church family and does Sanctus 1 operate as a family? Some felt it did, others less convinced. Perhaps it also includes some the negative aspects of family too, like being difficult to break into by those outside.

This coming week is the beginning of our science theme: Messed-Up Science.