The eCrozier

In a recent study, researchers postulated that since we humans have lived as foragers for 95% of our species’ history, it would be significant to study modern day foraging societies to see how human culture progressed and succeeded. They analyzed living patterns among 32 of these foraging societies. They noticed two consistent patterns among them. First, there was mobility among both men and women that allowed them to remain with their group of origin or move to another unrelated group. Second, most individuals sharing the same residential group were genetically unrelated. The researchers suggest this is why humans have had such biological success compared to other species. As we’ve evolved we’ve learned to include others outside our genetic family and this has led predominantly to cooperative, large social networks.

Our historical success as a species appears to be related to our ability to share with and include others outside our genetic specific group. In other words, we’ve historically thrived when we have included and shared. Other species that did not learn to include outsiders and share did not thrive. This is a good reminder for the American version of our species as we struggle to decide how to spend our common tax purse as the real problem of our national debt grows. Governments collect taxes to provide for the common good at the various levels of our large social networks (local, state, and federal). When faced with such a challenge we humans can reach inward and just try to protect what is ours or at least our perceived share of the pie available. But as the above study suggests, this might not be in our best interests. If our historical pattern holds true, it seems we would do best if we reached out and shared the pie equitably, or if the pie needs to be smaller to reduce our debt, make sure that the smaller portion of the pie is shared equitably in order to enhance cooperation and inclusion.

The study suggests something that we Christians have always known from the Biblical witness. In his image of the Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12, St Paul contends that the “lesser” parts of the body should be shown greater honor in order for the whole body to function rightly and for bodily growth to thrive. When the body works together rather than as separate parts and when the body gives appropriate attention to the “lesser” members of the body rather than ignore them, then the body is in right order.

What questions would such a perspective raise? Well, for example, should we cut $8.5 billion for low-income housing, or $8.5 billion in mortgage tax deductions for vacation homes? Should we cut $11.2 billion in early childhood programs for poor kids, or $11.5 billion in tax cuts for millionaires’ estates? Should we cut $2.5 billion in home heating assistance in winter months, or $2.5 billion in tax breaks for oil companies while they earn record profits? And when General Electric pays no taxes and actually gets a tax rebate, something is out of order.

The challenges we face have moral, physical, and spiritual consequences. The thriving of our species may depend on how we meet these challenges.

+Scott