TGR carries my latest on developing a theology of “public” social spaces:

I propose that the special intimacy of the family and the shared religious commitments of the church bond their members in uniquely strong ways not found in other forms of social organization. These bonds are both especially disruptive (even traumatic) to form, and especially powerful once formed. To become part of a family (by birth, marriage, adoption, etc.) or to convert to a new religion involves a fundamental change in identity that is not involved in joining oneself to any other social institution.

It is these especially powerful bonds that cause the home and church to be non-public. I can change schools, employers, cities, sports teams, etc. without anything like the same level of transformative action. Even where other organizations create powerful forms of intimacy among members (e.g. military units, fraternal societies or artistic communes) or create especially sharp divisions with non-members (e.g. political parties, activist organizations or economic interest groups), they do not create such a profound spiritual division between their members and the rest of society as is created by church and family bonds.

Share your opinion and let me know what you think!