I agree it's not an either/or issue, but an "and" issue. I also believe that If a group has no common goal/belief/practice, then there is no basis for a sense of commonality amongst its members. I mean, what would be the attraction to THAT group........what would be the point? Inclusiveness alone doesn't cut it. How appealing would it be to join a group that says "Hey, be part of our pointless group, just because we'll accept anyone"? I have a hard time seeing the appeal. However, with a common goal/belief established (even if it's the most broad/basic), then inclusivity enters in, so that any person who may be interested in, or holds, the commonly held belief/goal would be welcomed in, regardless of any other differences (it should go without saying that those differences should not be ones that create actual danger for others.........everything needs to have limits in this messed up world). So, I agree with both views.........inclusivity, and a commonly held belief/goal that creates a point to the community.
I agree it's not an either/or issue, but an "and" issue. I also believe that If a group has no common goal/belief/practice, then there is no basis for a sense of commonality amongst its members. I mean, what would be the attraction to THAT group........what would be the point? Inclusiveness alone doesn't cut it. How appealing would it be to join a group that says "Hey, be part of our pointless group, just because we'll accept anyone"? I have a hard time seeing the appeal. However, with a common goal/belief established (even if it's the most broad/basic), then inclusivity enters in, so that any person who may be interested in, or holds, the commonly held belief/goal would be welcomed in, regardless of any other differences (it should go without saying that those differences should not be ones that create actual danger for others.........everything needs to have limits in this messed up world). So, I agree with both views.........inclusivity, and a commonly held belief/goal that creates a point to the community.
Really great thoughts! Thank you, Anne!