formation

Discussion today in Lutheran Heritage about spiritual practices and formation after yesterday's consideration of means of grace, specifically sacraments.  A lively exchange among students about whether or to what degree these practices are counter-cultural in contemporary American culture that includes religious pluralism, "churn," and a general assumption that religious identity is a choice for adult individuals.

One student articulated quite clearly his view that Luther's desire that each Christian apprehend the gospel and grow in faith has a resonance with Americans' delight in freedom and self-expression.  Others countered that joining church that is a community of believers and strives to form one into that body is the opposite of freedom.  Yet another position was argued: that both might be true.

Behind it all, a growing awareness, certainly on the part of the teacher, that there is no such thing as an un-formed person.  To become a citizen requires formation because no one is just born with the values, and skills, and habits citizenship demands.  To become a friend requires formation because human beings are not just naturally able to care for one another, to cherish one another, to be friends.

So the question remains, is it possible to be formed toward multiple, overlapping identities?  Does that make us, like Martha, too busy with many things?  I am reminded that Luther was partial to dear Martha.