Written by: Telile Fikru Badecha on November 1, 2013

Contemporary Social Theory by Anthony Elliott offers great insights to the current issues that we are facing in our time. What I appreciated about this book is that the author does not only present different social theorist arguments but he also discusses how those theories translate into everyday people’s lives.  His discussion on society and social theory in chapter one caught my attention. The author does not define society, but traces random definitions given by social theorist. In fact he said that he has not seen any adequate definition of society in social theory. After reading the list of definitions[1] I have come to agree with the author that how we view society, whether positively or negatively, has “implications for understanding the world in which we live: not just in academic terms but for everyday life.”[2]

This led me to ask myself how I view the society I belong to.  I have come from a culture that often appraises the importance of society. I was not given options to like or dislike, but to embrace everything as is. When I became a Christian I was told I am a new creation in Christ and I belong to my church community a “body of Christ.”  I have also another community; my family, friends and relatives whom I share much but in many cases not share the same faith. This makes me feel like I am a person with two identities—one Christian and one Oromo. Both are very important to who I am and what God does through me in my society. I need to be part of my Christian community in order to grow in my faith. Coming to Jesus does not make me abandon my community. Having a clear understanding of who I am in Christ and my individual role in my given community is the first step toward making a difference.

I know that many Christians in my community would not agree with my stand.  Some of them are very reluctant to even go to Oromo community’s events. Once I asked the church leaders why their members are not interested in getting involved in the Oromo community social meetings. There are several reasons, they said, why they have been reluctant to participate in the community matters. One is that those who are actively participating in community affairs are mostly non-Christians and very much involved in Oromo politics. Most Christians in my church seem unhappy with the political agenda behind the social gatherings. Although they are the same people, speak the same language, and come from similar cultural backgrounds, these two groups are having difficulties in effectively working together. I heard the Oromo community leaders frequently complain about the lack of involvement on the part of church people. Sometimes, they would come to our Sunday morning service to invite Christians to come to their meetings and social events. In my opinion, it was the church who should seek out and invite the non Christians. However, they are missing the opportunity to play the role that it should in the community. I do not wish to undermine my Christian friends sensitivity, however, the church needs to rethink its role in the society. There is no need to wait for perfect timing to do so since we are charged to preach the Word in season and out of season.

About the Author

Telile Fikru Badecha