“Experiences of loneliness are contagious, and that we need to pay attention to the larger social ramifications when people express fear or show other signs of loneliness. Contagion has enormous implications for how we think about social networks as well as such issues as planning neighborhoods, constructing front porches on houses and creating other social gathering spaces.”

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I do not recall ever hearing the word “tribalism” in a good way. It is usually employed pejoratively, describing a mindset that is more closed than even mere parochialism would suggest. To ascribe one to a tribe in our day is usually not a compliment. So I am intrigued by author and Christian researcher George Barna’s latest book, The Seven Faith Tribes, wherein he argues that America’s religious institutions have not responded well to cultural change in recent decades resulting in the erosion of shared and formerly honored values. Apparently, Barna does not believe it helpful to categorize people’s spiritual loyalties any longer according to institutional affiliation. Rather, he orders American faith commitments (or lack thereof) according to these seven tribes.

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Despite the frenzied media coverage of the last two months surrounding the disclosure of Tiger Woods’ manifold adulterous relationships, I have been mildly surprised at the lack of Christian engagement with this story (so far) in Christian media. Do most Christian magazines and pundits already have their hands full enough making sense of the indiscretions of Christian leaders without expending energy opining on those of a Buddhist-oriented golfer?

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