Birds of a feather flock together, we have been saying since 1545. It’s as true now as it was true then. Trainspotters, football supporters, financial analysts: they like to get together. They speak the same language, venerate the same experts and influence each other.
If this is such a noticeable feature of the movers and shakers does it have any place in the groupings of those who follow the Christian faith? The Salvation Army has its uniform. The Catholics have their magnificent places of worship. The Brethren practise extempore prayer. Robes are badges of distinction conveying hidden messages of loyalty. Versions of the English Bible are favoured for various reasons.
And then there are the groups who find themselves guided by what their experience tells them is important. There is hardly a word for this but ‘congenial’ comes to mind. Perhaps we recall the friendly easy -come, easy-go days when a university religious group provided companionship and shared ideals for those benefiting from the customs of a prosperous society.
What is congenial is a professed loyalty to the title-deeds of the Christian faith – the Bible. This happens to be one prominent aspect. Another is a preference for present fashion in music, technology and local talent. The history of these things has little appeal, so it finds itself being repeated.
The Christian faith is strong stuff. It is an acquired taste. It appears in a diluted form and becomes palatable. Like cooks, who also enjoy each other’s company, a kitchen has a competitive edge, with winners, losers and experimenters. Sweet or sour, simple or complicated, items for the table become unwitting contestants provided by the butcher, the baker and – newcomer – barista.
Newcomers to this grouping will be surprised at the claims made. Everyday people use high-flown language to accentuate their difference from the general run of society. Observers are puzzled by these claims The birds of a feather are less easily identifiable than one might expect. The Golden Rule is a severe test.
SHETLND THOUSAND
There are about 1,000 Shetland ponies in the Shetlands. They remain popular – and are tough. There are estimated to be 287,000 red squirrels in Britain. About 355,500 red deer are to be found in Britain.
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