Grocery Shopping and Community
Does your faith have anything to do with where you buy your groceries? ThinkChristian.net recently posted an article entitled “Grocery Shopping and Community,” which resulted in a very lively discussion. “We thought it was an interesting subject, but had no idea groceries were such a hot topic!” commented Think Christian editor Josh Larsen.
Think Christian, a blog produced by ReFrame Media, the English outreach of Back to God Ministries International, is a collaborative community that discusses faith, culture and what it means to be a Christian in today’s society. “We talk about music, movies, politics, world events, the church—even buying groceries,” explains Larsen.
The responses posted express a wide variety of strong points of view, but all the comments illustrate that people are wrestling with practical issues. “That’s the goal of social media ministry and nature of debate,” says Larsen. “We gather a variety of Christian perspectives in one place to allow readers to work out an understanding of the topic at hand.”
“Zlt” responded to the article, “I completely agree that the loss of the mom-and-pop corner stores are a true loss for society and our communities.” Shari wrote, “I confess—I shop at [a big-box superstore]. I have a large family and we would spend a fortune if we bought all our groceries at local grocers. I long for a time when we are able to own some land, grow our own garden, shop locally without having to drive an hour to the co-op.”
Rick offered another perspective. “My local [big-box] chain is sensitive to the local market (we have a large international population) and [it] carries ethnic food choices…I sometimes feel that I am a world traveler or in a foreign country when I see the diversity of shoppers in my grocery store.”
"We provide a place for a Reformed theological understanding to bubble into everyday discussions, in this case the way a sense of Christian community is reflected even in our grocery habits," Larsen noted. "The real benefit of this forum is having Christians interact and talk with each other."
That blog about grocery shopping is just one example of how Think Christian provides a venue for Christians to think carefully - and in community - about how our faith plays out in our everyday lives. Other recent blogs have covered topics such as discipleship, the “Occupy Wall Street” protests, and a discussion of Robert Lupton's new book, “Toxic Charity.”
If you’re wrestling with how to live out your faith every day, we invite you to join the conversation at ThinkChristian.net.
