# The centre and the periphery
> "In general the problem of chaos is the problem of the margin. Whether we see the margin as an exciting potential by which we can further ourselves out into the world, or whether we see it as a dangerous threat to the things we care about."[^1]

The framework Pageau outlines for understanding the world in terms of the centre and the periphery is powerful. Within communities there is a notion of orthodoxy and heresy, those inside the community and those outside. Within a commuinty there is an origin or centre surrounded by a periphery beyond which is the realm of chaos. 

Pageau goes on to note that understanding the periphery is key to *"avoiding the worst"*.  For the margins are *"a manifestation of the liminal"* he points out. This makes sense. They are not yet part of the centre, but nor are they part of the forces of chaos that exist outside the community. There are the meeting point of two categories, currently in a state of transition from one point to another.

The challenge then for the centre is how to manage the blending of categories. For many this will be an existential threat. This should not be taken lightly. I recall my own discussions with some believers who were incredulous that I taught particular subjects at University. For these individuals such categories were not part of the centre but far beyond the periphery and residents of the realm of chaos. My drawing them into the periphery was not seen as a recognition of their importance to the community but as inviting chaos into the sacred space.

This calls into question my participation; am I even *of* the group any more? After all there are good reasons to keep the forces of chaos at bay. Chaos is an inevitable product of the *freedom to will*, which is why if a community exists at all it will have a periphery and a centre. So what rationale, or right do I claim, to disrupt business as usual?

I claim no special right to participate within the activity of the community, besides my membership within it. What I see as the rationale for giving due consideration to the importance of the periphery is the potential for growth. What if the monsters at the periphery are not a threat but necessary for it's survival[^2]? 

For how might anyone move from the periphery into the community without leaving the surrounding chaos? If a community is not to stagnate but to flourish what role does the periphery need to play to make this a possibility? Why is it that Jesus commits so much of his time to addressing those *of* the periphery? I am of the belief that I was rescued from the realm of chaos into the community for a purpose. I see my role as being to facilitate such experiences in others. The human being outlined the pattern and we are compelled to follow.

[^1]: Jonathan Pageau, [Symbolism in Guardians of the Galaxy v.2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMLxD2fKZjQ)
[^2]: One could argue that reformation is one such example, or the Pauline ministry to the gentiles.