Community

“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20) The Church is community (ekklesia)—called out, gathered together. The body of Christ has many members, each one necessary. The Eucharist is a communal meal. Brotherly love (Philadelphia) is the mark of disciples. "See how they love each other" was a pagan observation about the first Christians. Source ✤

"Believers are brothers." (Quran 49:10) The Ummah is the worldwide community of Muslims—transcending race and nation. Salat al-Jumuah (Friday prayer) is mandatory in congregation. Zakat creates a network of care. The Hajj demonstrates visible unity. "The hand of Allah is upon the community" (hadith). Source ✤

"Just as rivers, coming from various directions, merge into the ocean, so all traditions merge into Ishvara." (Hindu tradition) The Hindu community is organized by family (kula), caste (jati), and locality (grama). The temple is a community center. Festivals like Diwali and Holi bring the community together. The guru can create community (ashram). Satsang (company of saints) elevates spiritually. Source ✤

"I take refuge in the Sangha." (Three Jewels) The Sangha (community) is one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism. Originally it referred to monks/nuns; expanded to include lay practitioners. Mutual support is essential in practice. "Kalyana mitta (spiritual friendship) is the whole holy life." The Sangha preserves and transmits the Dharma. Source ✤

"The family is the base; the village is an extension of the family; the state is an extension of the village." (Confucian tradition) Confucianism sees community in concentric circles: family, village, state, world. Ren (humanity/benevolence) is expressed in concrete relationships. The Five Relationships structure society. Social harmony is the supreme objective. Source ✤

"In the terreiro, everyone is family—brothers and sisters of saints." (Candomblé Tradition) The Candomblé or Umbanda terreiro is a microcosm of an ideal community. There is a respectful hierarchy (pai/mãe-de-santo, ebomis, iaôs), but everyone participates. Orixá festivals bring the community together in celebration. Ubuntu defines community: "I am because we are." The prosperity of one is celebrated by all; the suffering of one is shared by all. Excessive individualism violates the community principle. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, community is approached through relationships, responsibility, and mutual care. Guidance emphasizes listening, restoring trust, and choosing actions that protect community harmony. Support from others is seen as essential for lasting change. Source ✤

"The Sangat is where God resides." (Guru Granth Sahib) The Sikh Sangat is the congregation that meets at the Gurdwara. Pangat (sitting in rows to eat) and Langar (community kitchen) express radical equality. No one is superior—everyone eats together on the floor. Seva (service) to the community is a central practice. Source ✤

"Don't separate yourself from the community." (Hillel, Pirkei Avot 2:4) Judaism is a communal religion—minyan (10 adults) is required for certain prayers. Kahal (congregation) and kehillah (organized community) structure Jewish life. The Torah sefer is communal property. "Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh"—all Israelites are responsible for one another. Source ✤

"The well-being of humanity, its peace and security, are unattainable unless its unity is firmly established." (Bahaullah) The Bahai community is organized into Local and National Assemblies, without clergy. The Feast of the Nineteen Days combines devotion, consultation and socialization. Bahai consultation is a method of community decision-making. Diversity is celebrated within unity. Source ✤

"The Masonic lodge is a community of brotherly love." (Masonic Principle) Freemasonry provides a unique fraternal community—bonds based on shared values, ritual, and mutual support. The lodge is a space for learning, growth, and fellowship. Support between members extends to personal life and difficult times. Source ✤

"The Zoroastrian community preserves the sacred fire through the generations." (Zoroastrian tradition) The Parsi/Zoroastrian community is small but cohesive. Fire temples are community centers. Festivals like Navroz bring the community together. A tradition of charity (like the Tatas) demonstrates community responsibility. The community preserves identity among different majorities. Source ✤

"Egypt is the gift of the Nile—everyone depends on the floods." (Egyptian tradition) Egyptian society was highly organized—pharaoh, priests, scribes, artisans, peasants. Each one fulfilled their role in the functioning of the whole. Temples were economic and spiritual community centers. Maat demanded social harmony—disorder offended the gods. Source ✤

"The city-state is the creation of the gods; each has its divine protector." (Sumerian tradition) The Sumerian city-states (Ur, Uruk, Eridu) were communities with their own patron god. The ziggurat was a community center. Everyone contributed—through work, offerings, participation in festivals. Civilization (Sumerian term "ki-en-gi") was communal achievement. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, community is approached through relationships, responsibility, and mutual care. Guidance emphasizes listening, restoring trust, and choosing actions that protect community harmony. Support from others is seen as essential for lasting change. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, community is approached through relationships, responsibility, and mutual care. Guidance emphasizes listening, restoring trust, and choosing actions that protect community harmony. Support from others is seen as essential for lasting change. Source ✤