A - What are the key themes and principles that were
communicated in the book?
The first part of the book addressed the
question “Do we need transformation?” The West was transformed by the
Reformation in the 16th Century, when the moral values of the Bible
became the foundation of many nations. From corruption and an uprooting of
these values that originally transformed societies, it is possible that the
West is slowly losing the moral ground that has helped them prosper in the last
half millennium. Rationality is discussed to be rooted in Christianity and the trigger
for the technological progress of the West. The value in humanity and the
freedom from menial labour that Christ’s death brought enabled humans to
advance societies. Instead of seeking spiritual enlightenment through
meditation, they sought to develop their minds and stretch their capabilities
to experience life abundantly. Societies where this has not happened still are
still spiritually oppressed and burdened by menial labour.
The family unit is highly valued in the
Bible and its importance in Western civilisation’s history enabled strong communities
to be built. The downfall of the family unit’s importance in more recent years
has been a trigger of the West’s recent collapse. Likewise, the idea that
humans are made equal in the image of God shaped much of the West’s previous
success. However, in societies where value is not given to all people, oppression,
poverty and death result.
The Kingdom of Heaven comes on Earth when we submit ourselves to God’s Word. Recognising the spiritual forces on the Earth, both good and evil, is necessary in order to combat the strongholds of the enemy, which hold communities in bondage, to bring freedom and life. Truth is the key to transformation and the ability for us as humans to cultivate our minds is a gift from God. Christians need to take an active role in education and teach people to know God. Jesus came to give us the knowledge of truth, for the truth will set us free. The Law that God gave us sets the way for community development to occur. When even one of the Ten Commandments is not upheld in a community, its downfall is inevitable. The consequences of our sin lead to poverty and pain. God’s law is a blessing that can revolutionise cultures and communities.
Following from this, the third part of the book addressed the question “How does the Gospel transform?” For a society to be reformed, it needs to be made aware of what is wrong, what is right and how it can change. This requires a spiritual awakening and mass movement. Evangelism is thus vital for proclaiming the truth that sets people free. This must include both that Jesus saves and that Jesus is Lord. This revelation can only come by the power of the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength to stand against the powers and principalities that are corrupt and evil. Through Him we are able to refuse to accept injustice, no matter the consequences.
The church has been given to nurture people into truth that encourages loving relationships. As a community of self-sacrificing love that it is intended to be, the church can stand against poverty. We need to stand up to empower the oppressed as Jesus did. Through His death, Jesus brought about restoration in our relationships with Him, each other and with creation. We can thus have hope, even in the midst of what circumstances that might seem hopeless, for in Jesus there is hope in spite of our human failures. God’s purpose was to restore man’s dominion over the earth and will not destroy it when He comes again, but will make it new and come to live with us on Earth forever (John 14:23, Rev 21:2-3). If we want to see God’s power bring deliverance, we need to act in faith and obedience to what he calls us to.
Finally, the fourth part of the book posed the question “How can I participate?” This section is an appendix to the main book and deals with three different topics: Corruption and the Culture of the Cross; From Worldview Programs to Kingdom Movement; and finally, Transform America: Retake Education.
B - How can you apply these themes and principles to both your personal life and as a community development practitioner?
B - How can you apply these themes and principles to both your personal life and as a community development practitioner?
In my personal life I have been thus challenged to look for every opportunity to bring the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, no matter where I am. I want to bring freedom for the captives, like Jesus did, and stand up against injustice, no matter the cost. As a community developer practitioner I one day hope to bring restoration in communities with each other, God and humankind, through teaching them God’s truths and a knowledge of Him. This will free them from the dominion of Satan and allow them to step into their purpose as people made in God’s image.
C - Is there anything in this book that you have more questions about or disagree with?
C - Is there anything in this book that you have more questions about or disagree with?
His focus and case studies often came from very different cultures from the ones in which I have grown up and thus I sometimes saw times where, while his application may apply in a European and Eastern society, it was not true for an African society. An example is his illustration of the ancient societies being able to build temples to their gods but not to liberate the menial labour of their people, keeping them in poverty. In Africa there has never been significant technological progress that was hindered by an incorrect worldview. Overall, however, I found the book to be a very interesting read, with a unique outlook that broadened my understanding of Community Development.
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