Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 361

Development which is based on justice is an important step toward repairing damaged relationships between individuals, classes and cultures which may harbor suspicion and ill-will toward one another. Development work seeks to engender right actions which lead to right relationships.

8.1 Development is rooted in a biblical understanding of God as Creator and Ruler of the universe which demands that all things be reconciled in him. Explanation God has delegated to humanity the responsibility to be stewards of his world. This understanding manifests itself in concern for three broad categories of relationship: relations with God, relations with others, and relations with the environment (See Elliston 1989, Transformation , 176). Although these relationships were broken by the entrance of sin in the world, God’s kingdom rule now demands their restoration. Development recognizes that until the fullness of the Kingdom of Christ is manifested, there will inevitably be poverty, exploitation, and misery caused by sin’s perversion of these three areas of relationship. This realization neither paralyzes nor discourages authentic Christian development. While understanding the nature of moral evil in the world, authentic development seeks to demonstrate models of justice and reconciliation which reflect the justice of Christ’s Kingdom. Implications • Development intends to move people toward right relationship with God. Authentic reconciliation between people is based on their mutual reconciliation with God. Although “common grace” and the “image of God” provide a ground for some degree of reconciliation between all people, it is ultimately in right relationship with God through Christ that the most profound and lasting form of reconciliation can occur. Therefore, development work is eager to assist in preparing people for hearing the Gospel by witnessing to its truth and living out its implications. • Reconciliation between individuals, classes, and cultures is a key value. Development will inevitably involve new ways of power-sharing, using resources, making decisions, enforcing policy, and relating to others. There is a need to innovate rather than simply imitate existing models. It is extremely important that the viewpoints of peoples from different classes and cultures be represented in the planning of any development project.