How is it best to understand a group of people? Broadly, there are two ways in which the problem can be tackled: you can look at the way the community describes itself (an emic view); or you can consider the grouping entirely from the outside as a ‘neutral’ observer (the etic view).

It doesn’t take much thought to see that both views have their limitations, and ultimately a balance has to be found.

Anyway, if I were teaching the Faith Communities next year I would probably use this video to show how the activities of a group can often speak louder than their words:

Also, in true emic style I’ve rejoined Facebook. You can all line up to call me a hypocrite on Tuesday!