Taize spirituality is the eastern version of the western Christianity which greatly absorbed the ideas of community life, corporate worship and Christ centered theology. Ecumenical in character, inclusive in liturgy and simple in lifestyle. On the whole Taize is trying to reconstruct the whole European Christianity which was in a great search for peace after two cruel world wars through geopel centered “love doctrine”. Though it was started in 1940s after 1950s only people were attracted towards it,according to Taize website. Geographically it is an European movement strategically serve the needs of European countries and its people without any biases. Bro.Roger, the founder of this movement is an outstanding leader and who started and built this community to a larger extent. I think his own efforts to innovate an alternative movement on the basis of gospel values and the doctrine of love ended up in Taize community, however I am very happy that it did not emerge as an another institution at the beginning itself.
Brother Roger says “God is love and love alone” , the emphasis on love from a gang of men is amazing however I did not find any way for a women in this society of compassion and common living. Sometimes it reminds me of Puritans of Briton as well as the Pietist movement of Germany idealogically. However the liturgy uniquelly differentiate Taize from everyone, it’s a mixure of orthodox and catholic liturgy open to every traditions. Throughout my I stay I never come across an old Testament reading or bible meditation from Old testament, that challenged me a great extent and proved me living with gospel as well as the doctrine of Christ is possible though they never under estimated or ultimately subjugated Old testament as well as Old testament God.
I met vaiorus youths from throughout the Europe and their search for God is amazing. Youth involvement is remarkable in each and every area of this camp site starting from chapel to the wash room. The religious hierarchy is still on with Taize I feel, though it could be avoidable one. I could not understand Taize community too follow the same monotanous alter table hierarchy. Living away from money and power is really surprising but meanime the pertaining question is whats their ultimate contribution to the larger humanity?
They have their own art expressions and standardisation of symbols which established as a trade mark of Taize. Symbols are expressed though modern art rather than a classical painting. To conclude Taize community has all features to be a church but its not. And all brothers are looking and working like priest but they are not. Its an unique experimentaion how a simple life in the name Christ in this selfish and broken world is possible and a great extent this spirit of love and simplicity will spread throughout the humanity though the Taize visitors and volunteers. Taize will survive at least for a century since they are living in aloof. However , it would be wonderful if they reach out the larger world through love in action which Bro.Roger professed.
*Written after visiting the Taize community, France.
