Salons

No, not hair salons, or even nail salons. I’m speaking of idea salons, the kind found in cities of great national power like Paris, Washington DC, New York and other cities scattered around the globe. Throughout history these salons held sway over current affairs and political decisions. I'm not sure if they still exist today.

The greatest thinkers were often found at these settings of privilege and power. They would sit in comfortable parlors in lush sofas and chairs, sipping wine, rare coffees and teas, as well as harder alcoholic beverages. These settings were conversation meet-ups where ideas were shared, problems were aired and defined. Possible solutions to those problems were formed and tweaked as well. These salons were the point-counterpoint dens of their time. Many good ideas emerged from these serious discussions.

Today, our thinking and conversations are of less consequence. The pace of life is quick and filled with noise from social media rather than serious discussion and learning. In the 1900’s college dorm bull sessions were common and instructive. Participants at least learned what was on the minds of other contemporaries, whether they agreed with them or not. The exposure, however, was good for all. From those encounters the scope and depth of issues were felt and learned. Good fodder for later thinking and idea formation.

Where is this function evidenced in our modern life? Surely not late-night television shows! Although I must admit comedic treatment of modern ills are comforting; just knowing others feel like I do about important issues brings relief to anxiety. But such programs are one-way and do not support engagement.

College and university campuses used to foment such social activities. They were initiations to serious academic study and discussion. Hopefully this activity is still going on at campuses. They sure aren’t happening where I live and toil. I wish they were.

Back in the 1960’s our church formed a contemporary issues discussion program called Nexus. There we gathered to talk over the largest issues of the day with experts and people of goodwill. Not all attendees were comfortable with the ideas shared, but we learned to accept and understand each other. In the process some minds were changed; mostly our minds were expanded.

Recently I attempted to start a Nexus program at our current church. I asked people of differing points of view and ideology to help run the program. Diversity is welcome to ensure respect for all ideas is present. Unfortunately, the diverse thinkers among us thought we were trying to change their minds. They refused our offer and claimed we were politicizing the church.

That was farthest from our intent! Instead, we were attempting to start a ‘salon’ setting in which people are comfortable talking about what concerns them the most. Talking about such issues often leads participants to action in other ways in their private lives. Learning more about the issues before taking action is a good thing. It leads to practical solutions rather than the current festering of malfeasance and inaction by elected officials at the highest levels.

We may still attempt to start a Nexus program at our church. It is a safe place in which to share weighty ideas and concerns. Who knows? We may even help discover solutions to share as well!

I’ll keep you posted on such developments if they occur.

Meantime, create your own salons for group pondering. It won’t hurt and might just help.

October 19, 2017