We like companionship. But it has to be the right sort. We find this longing showing itself in Paul’s letters. ‘Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them’ (Ephesians 5.11). Modern translations do little to translate this ban into precise terms. The Greek involves a long word based on ‘koinonia’ meaning ‘fellowship’. ‘We are not to take part with those who indulge in activities that are blameworthy.’ J.B. Phillips has a nice rendering: ‘Steer clear of the activities of darkness; let your lives show by contrast how dreary and futile these things are.’ But we still find ourselves trying to get a clear idea of what these dark deeds are.
Perhaps it is as well. Dreary and futile activities vary from age to age. Bear-baiting and cock-fighting were once common. There were fashions in drugs but widespread usage. The range of activities that come under the heading of gambling has always been enticing. Deeds that are done in darkness must include burglary and theft. We recognise as particularly outrageous deeds such as daylight robbery and identity theft, usually shameless and merciless offences.
Maybe it is our job to fill in the blanks. We have to guard against over-egging the pudding. Led by Big Jim Taylor, the more rigorous members of the (Plymouth) Brethren abstained from a host of activities coming under the umbrella of worldliness. Membership of a trade union, watching television, eating with non-members: these were all prohibited. This pattern went on well into the 20th century.
It may be helpful to remember that word ‘koinonia’ in all this. If we translate the word, as we may well do, by the word ‘companionship’, we remind ourselves that as Christians we have certain aspects of life in common. Worship of the Trinity is an obvious example. Jews and Muslims have distinctive food laws and festivals. What we share as followers of the Christian faith are care and concern for each other and, it is to be hoped, a habit of energetic Godliness, the idea that in our private and public lives God deserves only the best. If our priorities are centred on John 6.33, we shall not go far wrong.
BARKING BREAKFASTS
Barking parish church, east London provides breakfast every Tuesday for the homeless. At the church centre the St Margaret’s tea rooms provide refreshment later in the day. NSM John Elwon leads the team. Alongside the church are the abbey grounds, a reminder of the history of worship in Barking from pre-Conquest days. Barking Abbey was a dominant institution in the medieval Church. Chaucer’s daughter Elizabeth became a nun there in 1381. Close by is the City airport. St Margaret’s today is home to a multicultural parish population.
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