The Ethics of Encounter

Reviewed by Madeline Rose McKissick
Franciscan Mission Service Development Associate

Creating a Culture of Encounter: A Book Review on The Ethics of Encounter by Marcus Mescher

In a world filled with technology and social media, we might assume that people are more connected than they’ve ever been. However, the instant gratification, information, and entertainment at the tips of our fingers leaves us feeling isolated. In our society filled with division and in today’s political climate, we’re too quick to focus on our differences. The constant “othering” that we witness and experience today prevents us from forming meaningful encounters with one another. Now more than ever, we need connection and long to be seen and understood, but how do we do this?

Marcus Mescher’s The Ethics of Encounter brings to light the importance of encountering our neighbor. In Christian circles, we use buzzwords like “encounter,” “solidarity,” and “neighbor,” and Mescher uses his book to concretely define these terms, share their importance, and discuss how we can apply them to our daily lives. With his extended analysis of The Good Samaritan narrative in Luke 10:27-35, Mescher presents us with a biblical model of how Jesus desires us to love our neighbor. This crucial story equips us to encounter those around us and stand in solidarity with them.

Mescher opens The Ethics of Encounter by describing the discrimination and inequalities that we face today. He illustrates issues like racism, sexism, and more to explain that our world is so divided that genuine encounters are few and far between. Like the lawyer in the Good Samaritan narrative, which Mescher discusses at length, we ask “Who is my neighbor?” The focus here is on who we are responsible for. Who are we obligated to serve? Who are we allowed to pass by? Instead, Jesus prompts us to be neighborly to everyone we meet. Our differences or similarities are not important and should not require us to show or withhold mercy from someone else. Remembering that we’re all members of the Body of Christ, we understand that everyone is our neighbor, and therefore, we’re responsible for loving and caring for all whom we encounter.

At the end of the Good Samaritan narrative, Jesus exhorts us to “go and do likewise.” He prompts us to love and serve recklessly by being attentive and responsive to those around us. Mescher examines the characteristics of the good Samaritan to give readers practical advice on how to practice solidarity. With the virtues of courage, mercy, generosity, humility, and fidelity, we can emulate the Good Samaritan and practice solidarity with our neighbors.  Mescher advises us to be proactive and responsible for fostering encounters. Furthermore, he encourages us to communicate and create dialogue rather than resort to conflict. With these practicals, Mescher’s The Ethics of Encounter gives us a guide to create a culture of encounter.

The Ethics of Encounter inspires us to view each and every person as a child of God and our brother or sister in Christ. Mescher prompts us to forsake attitudes of passive tolerance for love that knows no boundaries. After reading this book, readers will surely feel more inspired to recognize God present in each of us and encounter their neighbor wholeheartedly.