An interesting affirmation of Henry Nelson Wieman (summary and response).

The report introduces the new term “authoriative communities.” The response suggests “connected communities” instead.” I’d prefer something like “orienting communities.” In any case, as a minimum, they have these characteristics:

1. include children and youth;
2. treat children as ends in themselves, not means to other ends;
3. are warm and nurturing;
4. set clear standards and limits;
5. are led by non-specialists;
6. are multi-generational;
7. are focused on the future;
8. transmit a shared vision of what it means to be a good person and live a good life;
9. foster moral, spiritual, and religious development; and
10. promote the ideals of equal dignity of persons and love of neighbor.

Even if it looks like it might have a conservative social bias buried in some of the recommendations, it seems mostly spot on. Are you part of an authoritative community?