Can Christians really make a difference? A response to the call for change to make the world a better place
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Authors
Oliver, Erna
Tshabele, V
Baartman, F
Masooa, A
Laister, L
Issue Date
2017
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Change agency , Christianity , positive change , Change agency project , Change agents
Alternative Title
Abstract
Christianity changed the world for the better through the development of education, charity
organisations, art, music, law and medical care among others. However, not all changes
initiated by Christianity were positive. The Christian religion was also responsible for division,
death, destruction and war. Focusing on the positive changes, nearly 500 years after the
reformation though, it seems as if Christianity has lost its renewing and transformative powers.
It seems as if society, politics and the economy are pressurising Christianity to conform to the
world and not the other way round. Therefore, the research focuses on the question whether
Christians can bring about positive change and transformation to the current problems in
society. What can Christians do to provide a religious response to current persistent societal
problems? Change agents – people who drive positive change – are capable and competent,
make use of networks, are visible and contactable and are often also outsiders in the
communities they serve. Examples of the work done by change agents – Christians within their
local communities – through small-scale community projects are showcased here to suggest
possible ways forward for dealing with persistent problems from a Christian point of view
Description
Citation
Oliver, E., Tsabele, V., Baartman, F., Masooa, A. & Laister, L., 2017, ‘Can Christians really make a difference? A response to the call for change to make the world a better place’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 73(3), 4351.
Publisher
AOSIS