I came across a very interesting article on the Times Online website today.(See full article HERE)
I say interesting because its a very unique suggestion by an athiest about how to solve Africa's Biggest problems. His Answer: God!
He (Matthew Parris) says:
"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. I used to avoid this truth by applauding - as you can - the practical work of mission churches in Africa. It's a pity, I would say, that salvation is part of the package, but Christians black and white, working in Africa, do heal the sick, do teach people to read and write; and only the severest kind of secularist could see a mission hospital or school and say the world would be better without it. I would allow that if faith was needed to motivate missionaries to help, then, fine: but what counted was the help, not the faith. But this doesn't fit the facts. Faith does more than support the missionary; it is also transferred to his flock. This is the effect that matters so immensely, and which I cannot help observing."
Very Strange! He shows that removing religion from Africa won't solve its problems, as most Athiests hold, but rather suggests that it would worsen them. He seems to put this positive change down to the individualistic nature of Christianity (I and Thou) which give people more worth then the traditional collectivist culture. However there are many cultures where this individual world view is true and yet there is still fear and oppression. Even in Britain there is fear; maybe not of Demons and witch Doctors as is so present in African Cultures but rather of debt, violence and lonliness, to name but a few. This change he accounts for is far beyond a social construct and a world view.
He says it himself:
"In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good."
Praise God,
May he enlighten our hearts and bring that "rebirth", not just in Africa but to all people.
Till next time
