Practical ways for Christian persons and organizations to respond to the challenges of poverty in the 21st century will be explored. The student will engage both theology and social sciences to understand how Christians may act in a relevant and transforming way in situations of great economic disparity. Students will engage in analytical class discussions, research papers, and class presentations.
Global economic reality demonstrates a great disparity between the rich and the poor. The reasons for this disparity must be examined theologically and through the social sciences. The student ministering in today’s world must be able to answer questions on the relationship between faith and economics and practically explain a theology of possessions and poverty. This course will not only prepare the student to thoughtfully address the realities of rich and poor, but also will equip him/her with the skills to meaningfully engage in the ministry of love and mercy so that the poor and the less privileged would be served.
This course will help students understand God’s purpose behind the wealth of some and the poverty of others in society and how He expects the poor to acts towards the rich and the rich towards the poor, and ultimately how He expects all Christians, whether rich or poor, to act for his glory. The course will furthermore equip the student to practically implement ministry in contexts of economic disparity.
This course will be based on a biblical worldview and will build on texts such as James 1:27, which point to the practical and compassionate side of Christian life and ministry.
The course will prepare students to become compassionate missional leaders in their respective communities, whether rich or poor. They will understand God’s mission for man and be willing to avail themselves as His instruments for change and transformation, especially in communities of great economic need.
Students will be able to apply the various principles of community theology into their respective contexts so that they can practically serve their communities thereby meeting the unique needs of the people they have been called to serve.
This course will help students understand God as a supra-cultural God and how the principles of community theology could be applied in different cultures without robbing any of their cultural distinctive.
This course will give students the practical tools and insights that they would need to engage their communities towards social reform for God’s glory.
This course will not only focus on the ideas and concepts that are taught, but will also give students the opportunity to apply them and live them out in their respective communities. They will be able to volunteer with Christian non-profits, churches, etc. so as to gain hands-on experience about Christian social engagement for community transformation and for the glory of God.
