As a member of a denomination that has placed enormous emphasis on the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) as a way of reaching out to our brothers and sisters in the “third world,” I have wondered if the economic benefit of past such programs has been adequately understood or researched by our church leaders.
A theological question I have relates to our biblical understanding of the Great Commission. In particular cases I have heard or read of bishops equating such worthy intention behind the MDG’s with evangelism itself. It is not to deny the sacred significance of Jesus’ exhortation that the church care for “the least of these” also to point out that the ministry of Matthew chapter 25 is complimentary to the Great Commission of Matthew 28 and not identical. One does not substitute for the other.
I have just read two essays in Christian magazines on a provocative commentary by Matthew Parris in the London Times Online. Appearing just before the end of the last calendar year, Parris’ article made news because as an avowed atheist and someone who grew up in Africa (Malawi), he believes that the greatest contribution the west can make to the continent is take them the Good News. Huh? Here is a quotation from the commentary:
“Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.”