I’ve had difficulty coming to terms with the tensions of following a God who commands, “Do not fear, I have overcome the world,” with the knowledge that those I love are at risk. Jesus did not fear, but neither did he believe God’s being in control would buffer from the death to come.
He grieved, he wept, and he ate.
Read MoreIt is easy to romanticize the community-building power of the dinner table, but commensality, or the process of eating together, can also be used to maintain boundaries of difference. In my research, I sought to understand how a dinner church harnesses the positive power of commensality through the potentially divisive ritual of the Eucharist. I was particularly interested in the idea of comfort, and how feelings of comfort or discomfort affect church members involvement in and understanding of church.
Read MoreEating together is an intimate act.
Theologian and social psychologist Jean-Claude Sagne suggests that the meal develops close relationships because it promotes equality among those who otherwise might not share a similar social identity. Sociologist Georg Simmel offers that eating bonds people together in a physical and social sense because all humans share the need to eat and drink.
“I don’t know where you’re from, but I know your middle name and how you fell in love,” reflected Daniel, a guest at the first monthly Chez Heureuse dinner party. Upon moving into our apartment, my roommates and I began hosting monthly, themed dinners in order to bring together each other’s friends and expand our own communities in the city. After our first meal – a New Year’s-themed affair centered on tales of resolutions we kept and resolutions we failed – the group lauded the success of the meal, forging friendships among men and women who otherwise would never have met.
Read MoreA few days ago, I went out to dinner with two friends that were in town for the weekend. As we sat enjoying a meal of assorted small plates amidst the colorful décor of Sarma, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Somerville, we discussed the ability of a food space to encourage a certain type of conversation within its walls. My roommates and I often discuss the use of space within our own home as we seek to bring others in, but it was interesting to broaden the conversation to the restaurant space as well.
Read MoreHere at Chez Heureuse, the name we affectionately call our small, Somerville apartment, we seek any opportunity to share a meal together -- not just eating for sustenance, but cooking together while enjoying a bottle of wine, sampling new recipes as we converse about our work and our dreams.
Read MoreUpon moving into our new home, my roommates and I committed to creating a space to bring together friends and neighbors, spreading joy through food and hospitality.
Read MoreThe story of the Gospel is a story of meals. A meal that brought destruction coupled with a meal that brings restoration.
God thinks food is a pretty big deal. And by participating in His meal, we have a responsibility to think so too.
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