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The Ethics of Encounter: Christian Neighbor Love as a Practice of Solidarity
The Ethics of Encounter provides an ethical framework for the “culture of encounter” that Pope Francis calls us to build. This book serves as a creative and constructive proposal for what it would take to build a “culture of encounter” in an American context marked by rising individualism, racial tensions, class segregation, hyperpartisanship, and echo chambers online. The work of Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, provides a case study for overcoming fear, hatred, and trauma in order to practice Christian neighbor love that aspires for solidarity.
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2020
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June 19, 2020
"To encounter is to live" (p. xi). We are, in fact, products of our encounters. The nature of these encounters, which form us, have ethical content. Such is the view of ethicist Marcus Mescher, who invites us to embrace and embody Christian neighbor love. It is a calling rooted in our encounters with the God who has created us. As Mescher writes, "Because God is love (1 Jon 4:8), encounters have the potential to be an experience of love, an invitation to share in the divine life: a Trinitarian communion of love that is offered, received, and returned. When we encounter others, we encounter God." (p. xi).
Marcus Mescher has a Ph.D. in theology from Boston College and serves as an assistant professor of Christian ethics at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He draws inspiration from Pope Francis' call for a "culture of encounter," and he builds on a vision of community that is rooted in the parable of the Good Samaritan. That vision invites us to embrace solidarity with one another and with creation itself. He notes that in Catholic social teaching solidarity is understood to be a "moral principle rooted in human interdependence." (p. xix). This ethic of encounter is seen as "a practice of hope," which involves pursuing right relationships with God, with neighbor, and with creation.
This is a book that carries a vision of hope, but it is a realistic vision. Mescher begins his exposition of this ethic of encounter but laying bare "the divided state of America." Here he addresses the fraying of our social fabric, taking note of the various contributors to our divided state, from hyperpartisanship to white supremacy and Christian nationalism. In the course of the conversation, Mescher engages with other observers of our current situation, including Charles Taylor, who speaks of the buffered self in contrast to the networked self.
Having laid out the context for proposing this ethic of encounter, one that is polarized and self-absorbed, he begins by proposing a theology of neighbor that is rooted in scripture, which he notes continually "reveals that God is to be encountered in the world, to shatter expectations, and to usher in radical transformation" (p. 35). While taking note of the multitude of texts available to him, he focuses his attention on the Samaritan parable, which provides the biblical thread that connects the vision he lays out in the chapters to follow. He notes that "The Samaritan is not only an example of what it means to encounter God in the other but also what it means to reveal God'spresence and power for the other" (p. 37). This chapter is an extended exploration of the parable. which produces five observations: 1) "not only is 'neighbor' redefined, but love of neighbor now knows no boundaries." 2) "it is always and everywhere the duty to act as a neighbor." In other words, there are no loopholes. 3) Being a neighbor involves acting "with courage, mercy, generosity, humility, and fidelity." 4) Jesus both taught and modeled "rightly ordered love" so that his "disciples could partner in practicing it in the world." 5)Finally "Jesus aims to reorient disciples' vision away from lower limits and toward radical possibilities" (pp. 50-55).
The message of the Samaritan parable finally is to go and do likewise. This is the ethic of encounter. But, what does that mean? Are we to do exactly as the Samaritan or is their nuance? In chapter 3, Mescher unpacks that call to go and do likewise, suggesting, rightly I believe, that we should do so "in a way that suits their abilities and needs, given their specific context" (p. 65). What he offers in this chapter is a process of discernment, so one can know how to love neighbor in a way that is faithful and appropriate. He notes that "human finitude means that people have a limited among of time, energy, and resources." With that in mind, he seeks to provide a way to get to that "virtuous midpoint between deficient concern and its excess" (p. 69). Mescher proceeds to offer a helpful vision of how to get to true solidarity. Solidarity is, he suggests, "the mean between the vicious extremes of excessive individualism and coercive collectivism" (p. 101).
Having envisioned a process of encounter, he then invites us to begin "practicing the ethics of Encounter" (chapter 4). This involves drawing near to others, especially reaching across differences. This will involve five virtues that lead to solidarity: courage, mercy generosity, humility, and fidelity. To illustrate this vision of solidarity, Mescher brings in the story of Jesuit Greg Boyle who works with gangs in Los Angeles and was the founder of Homeboy industries. Central to Boyle's vision is that everyone is redeemable, even gang members. It is a relational vision that is rooted in God's very nature. Thus, as Mescher notes, "to be in relationship with God-who-is mercifying implies becoming people of boundless mercy" (p. 109). In a word that is prescient to the current situation in the United States, he addresses the need to overcome bias, especially implicit bias (which we all have). Boyle's Homeboy Industries serves as an example of what a "culture of belonging" looks like. Mescher writes that "Christians, then, should do more than keep God at the center of their lives; they should reflect in the world who God is: a compassion so vast that no one is left out." (p. 138). That is a transformative vision, one that Boyle has sought to engender through his ministry.
The final chapter draws this vision of an ethics of encounter together in service of moving into " a culture of belonging." This is the goal, developing a "habitus" that allows for the practice of the ethics of encounter that Mescher has presented in the course of the book. It is a vision he roots in scripture but also in Catholic social teaching, especially as enunciated by Pope Francis. He starts with the family, as the foundation for creating communities of belonging. He's not naive in thinking that all families can embody this vision, but Christianity has traditionally envisioned the family as the starting point where love is learned. From there he takes us into a variety of places, including the digital world, and ending with our relationship with creation itself.
As he notes in the conclusion, the goal here is moving from our current polarized nation, where we live out of our buffered, individualistic selves, toward a community of belonging. This is, in his mind, a vision of hope. As he states: "the ethics of encounter refuses to be complacent with a status quo marked by social separation and unjust inequalities. Instead, the ethics of encounter embraces hope not as fantasy or escapism, but rather as the virtuous midpoint between presumption and despair" (p. 185). That is a vision worth pursuing, and Mescher has provided us with significant guidance so we can move toward that goal that provides hope for the future. For that reason, this is an important book that should be read, especially by clergy. It's not an easy read because it takes us to deep places. One might not agree with every measure or point, but he is on to something worth encountering.
Marcus Mescher has a Ph.D. in theology from Boston College and serves as an assistant professor of Christian ethics at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He draws inspiration from Pope Francis' call for a "culture of encounter," and he builds on a vision of community that is rooted in the parable of the Good Samaritan. That vision invites us to embrace solidarity with one another and with creation itself. He notes that in Catholic social teaching solidarity is understood to be a "moral principle rooted in human interdependence." (p. xix). This ethic of encounter is seen as "a practice of hope," which involves pursuing right relationships with God, with neighbor, and with creation.
This is a book that carries a vision of hope, but it is a realistic vision. Mescher begins his exposition of this ethic of encounter but laying bare "the divided state of America." Here he addresses the fraying of our social fabric, taking note of the various contributors to our divided state, from hyperpartisanship to white supremacy and Christian nationalism. In the course of the conversation, Mescher engages with other observers of our current situation, including Charles Taylor, who speaks of the buffered self in contrast to the networked self.
Having laid out the context for proposing this ethic of encounter, one that is polarized and self-absorbed, he begins by proposing a theology of neighbor that is rooted in scripture, which he notes continually "reveals that God is to be encountered in the world, to shatter expectations, and to usher in radical transformation" (p. 35). While taking note of the multitude of texts available to him, he focuses his attention on the Samaritan parable, which provides the biblical thread that connects the vision he lays out in the chapters to follow. He notes that "The Samaritan is not only an example of what it means to encounter God in the other but also what it means to reveal God'spresence and power for the other" (p. 37). This chapter is an extended exploration of the parable. which produces five observations: 1) "not only is 'neighbor' redefined, but love of neighbor now knows no boundaries." 2) "it is always and everywhere the duty to act as a neighbor." In other words, there are no loopholes. 3) Being a neighbor involves acting "with courage, mercy, generosity, humility, and fidelity." 4) Jesus both taught and modeled "rightly ordered love" so that his "disciples could partner in practicing it in the world." 5)Finally "Jesus aims to reorient disciples' vision away from lower limits and toward radical possibilities" (pp. 50-55).
The message of the Samaritan parable finally is to go and do likewise. This is the ethic of encounter. But, what does that mean? Are we to do exactly as the Samaritan or is their nuance? In chapter 3, Mescher unpacks that call to go and do likewise, suggesting, rightly I believe, that we should do so "in a way that suits their abilities and needs, given their specific context" (p. 65). What he offers in this chapter is a process of discernment, so one can know how to love neighbor in a way that is faithful and appropriate. He notes that "human finitude means that people have a limited among of time, energy, and resources." With that in mind, he seeks to provide a way to get to that "virtuous midpoint between deficient concern and its excess" (p. 69). Mescher proceeds to offer a helpful vision of how to get to true solidarity. Solidarity is, he suggests, "the mean between the vicious extremes of excessive individualism and coercive collectivism" (p. 101).
Having envisioned a process of encounter, he then invites us to begin "practicing the ethics of Encounter" (chapter 4). This involves drawing near to others, especially reaching across differences. This will involve five virtues that lead to solidarity: courage, mercy generosity, humility, and fidelity. To illustrate this vision of solidarity, Mescher brings in the story of Jesuit Greg Boyle who works with gangs in Los Angeles and was the founder of Homeboy industries. Central to Boyle's vision is that everyone is redeemable, even gang members. It is a relational vision that is rooted in God's very nature. Thus, as Mescher notes, "to be in relationship with God-who-is mercifying implies becoming people of boundless mercy" (p. 109). In a word that is prescient to the current situation in the United States, he addresses the need to overcome bias, especially implicit bias (which we all have). Boyle's Homeboy Industries serves as an example of what a "culture of belonging" looks like. Mescher writes that "Christians, then, should do more than keep God at the center of their lives; they should reflect in the world who God is: a compassion so vast that no one is left out." (p. 138). That is a transformative vision, one that Boyle has sought to engender through his ministry.
The final chapter draws this vision of an ethics of encounter together in service of moving into " a culture of belonging." This is the goal, developing a "habitus" that allows for the practice of the ethics of encounter that Mescher has presented in the course of the book. It is a vision he roots in scripture but also in Catholic social teaching, especially as enunciated by Pope Francis. He starts with the family, as the foundation for creating communities of belonging. He's not naive in thinking that all families can embody this vision, but Christianity has traditionally envisioned the family as the starting point where love is learned. From there he takes us into a variety of places, including the digital world, and ending with our relationship with creation itself.
As he notes in the conclusion, the goal here is moving from our current polarized nation, where we live out of our buffered, individualistic selves, toward a community of belonging. This is, in his mind, a vision of hope. As he states: "the ethics of encounter refuses to be complacent with a status quo marked by social separation and unjust inequalities. Instead, the ethics of encounter embraces hope not as fantasy or escapism, but rather as the virtuous midpoint between presumption and despair" (p. 185). That is a vision worth pursuing, and Mescher has provided us with significant guidance so we can move toward that goal that provides hope for the future. For that reason, this is an important book that should be read, especially by clergy. It's not an easy read because it takes us to deep places. One might not agree with every measure or point, but he is on to something worth encountering.
May 8, 2020
A must read for anyone in need of hope.
In one book, Dr. Marcus Mescher answers so many important questions: 1) why do we need more experiences of compassionate encounter, 2) what does it mean to love as God loves, 3) what does it look like to be a neighbor, 4) how do we as individuals discern our unique role in creating a culture of solidarity, and 5) who, or even what, would be included in the definition of neighbor.
Mescher answers these and many more questions through his reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan, his use of Fr. Greg Boyle as a case study, and his research of many prophetic voices including Pope Francis, Gustavo Gutierrez, and Thomas Merton. Though he never downplays our desperate need of personal, social, and structural transformation, the theme of hope shines throughout the entire book.
I would recommend this book for all students of theology (those registered in school and those studying for their own personal growth), members of religious congregations and other faith communities, and for groups who are working to transform our world (ie. Nuns & Nones).
Warning: once you read this book, you will need to answer for yourself the following question: “To whom am I neighbor?”
In one book, Dr. Marcus Mescher answers so many important questions: 1) why do we need more experiences of compassionate encounter, 2) what does it mean to love as God loves, 3) what does it look like to be a neighbor, 4) how do we as individuals discern our unique role in creating a culture of solidarity, and 5) who, or even what, would be included in the definition of neighbor.
Mescher answers these and many more questions through his reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan, his use of Fr. Greg Boyle as a case study, and his research of many prophetic voices including Pope Francis, Gustavo Gutierrez, and Thomas Merton. Though he never downplays our desperate need of personal, social, and structural transformation, the theme of hope shines throughout the entire book.
I would recommend this book for all students of theology (those registered in school and those studying for their own personal growth), members of religious congregations and other faith communities, and for groups who are working to transform our world (ie. Nuns & Nones).
Warning: once you read this book, you will need to answer for yourself the following question: “To whom am I neighbor?”
October 16, 2021
Dr Marcus Mescher offers a synthesis of an ethical praxis predicated on imitating the Good Samaritan. He offers great insights from liberation theologians as well as a cross-section of experts in theology, sociology and psychology. This is a book both for the head and the heart, teaching us to encounter Christ in the marginalized and to be Christ for the marginalized. One of the greatest insights is the golden mean Mescher offers between Gustavo Guttierez’s call to radically leave all to serve with the poor versus support from the poor through charitable contributions from afar. Rather, Mescher upholds that we are called to solidarity and friendship with the poor that is conducive to one’s state in life, whether married, single, religious or clergy. This is a worthwhile book to be read in a parish faith formation series or a faith sharing book club. Even though I read this book once, there is much to gain for re-reading this book multiple times, particularly to gain a depending of the call to imitate the Good Samaritan. Readers of Pope Francis will find a lot of commonality with Fratelli Tutti and Let Us Dream, both of which were issued before this book.
August 3, 2020
To co-opt a term I am sure everyone is weary of hearing by now, "now more than ever," it is a crucial time to check out Dr. Marcus Mescher's Ethics of Encounter: Christian Neighbor Love as a Practice of Solidarity during these times of pandemic and hyper polarization in election season. Incorporating both personal experience and the parables of Jesus, Mescher guides us through the steps of what it means to be a good neighbor and take back a piece of our humanity in a time when it is sadly in short supply. These themes have a wide range of application that can easily be applied anywhere from building strong ecumenical communities to being good stewards of nature during our climate crisis (and on the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si', no less). I have spoken with Dr. Mescher on a variety of topics of varying complexity and can honestly say that he walks the talk and we would be wise to follow. Reading Ethics of Encounter is akin to lectio divina.
January 13, 2021
I wish I had this book when I was twenty and trying to figure out what my faith really taught about living a Christian life.
Mescher cuts through all the Bible commentary, papal encyclicals, and modern political opinions to present a comprehensive yet readable explanation of how Jesus wants us to love our neighbor. He builds from his personal experience of encountering people from his own hometown and from around the world. And he knows his theology.
A personable, caring, endearing speaker as well.
Mescher cuts through all the Bible commentary, papal encyclicals, and modern political opinions to present a comprehensive yet readable explanation of how Jesus wants us to love our neighbor. He builds from his personal experience of encountering people from his own hometown and from around the world. And he knows his theology.
A personable, caring, endearing speaker as well.
June 1, 2020
A work that is sorely needed today - explains how socially isolated we are becoming from forces outside our control (in the time of Covid no less). Watching an international explosion of social concerns - this book provides a pathway of steps one can use to face uncertainties from ‘fractured church congregations’ to a ‘broken social order’. A wonderful - yet strong teacher delivering a message of direction and responsibility to a seemingly lost generation.
March 29, 2021
I read this book for Lent, and found so much good stuff here. I have a feeling that this is a book I'll go back to over and over again.
July 8, 2020
In The Ethics of Encounter, Mescher engages our hearts and minds concerning the paramount importance that each encounter is for our own lives and the lives of others. Each encounter, regardless of its brevity offers the opportunity and hope of fostering a reality of true belonging. This is possible through the practice of neighbor love. Mescher builds his ethic of encounter from various sources: the parable of the Good Samaritan, the work of Charles Taylor, and the ministry of Gregory Boyle, to name just a few. Mescher has done a wonderful job of reminding us of the hope of solidarity that is possible when we see each encounter with another as an encounter with a neighbor we love as ourselves. May we be a people who “go and do likewise.”
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews