They define themselves by their associations. They know who they are by where they belong. They believe that their spirituality is best exemplified by painting the church basement, by serving tea and coffee and cakes, or by volunteering at the local hospice unit. When we formed a shepherding committee for the church, we talked about what membership meant to those who were called to this ministry. Boomers look for facilities and programs.
Busters look for spiritual value and meaning.
Xenophobia My second reason is xenophobia. That is a difficult task. Many persons of goodwill shun the exercise, or give up at a certain point in life. They may revert to stereotypes in order to get a handle on how the world works. If we invite the strangers to sit at table with us, truly or metaphorically, we have to grant them the freedom to exist fully among us.