Man in a Changing Society
Contents
Sub-Theme 1: Living in a Changing Society
A.
(i) Present Situation
Change is a fact of life. Examples of change: going to school: changes in knowledge and technology; urbanization; rural development; social, political and economic changes; religious changes. Reactions to change.
(ii) Church History with Emphasis on Africa
The Gospel requires change. Christianity has brought changes to Africa. African Christianity e.g. Apolo Kivebulaya and Adrian Atiman. Change in evangelism and worship.
B. Bible
Old Testament:
Change is part of our lives as persons moving to fulfillment (Genesis 1 and 2). In the significant events of their lives, the Israelites recognize God and each other. Exodus 20: 1-17: the Decalogue, expressing the spirit of the covenant, guides their efforts to live in good relationships with God and each other. Joshua 24: 1-28: amid changing circumstances, the covenant with God is the foundation and inspiration of the Israelites community. Amos 5:7-15, 21-27, 6:1-7; the prophets continually urge their people to be faithful to the basic covenant values.
New Testament:
Matthew 11:2-6: Jesus preaches the Kingdom (God's power at work effecting change in men's hearts). Matthew 13:1-9, 13-14, 24-33, 44-51: the kingdom is described in parables. Luke 10:25-37: men are called to respond with love that is universal. Matthew 25:31-46: a love that is active in loving service of others. John 13:34-35: a love that is complete. Ephesians 2:11-22: in Christ all men are reconciled with God and with each other. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26: sharing the life of the Risen Lord and strengthened by the spirit, Christians are called to be agents of change and continuity in the wider community.
C. Synthesis
The African has a need for a "place to feel at home." Christianity can provide both meaningful continuity and meaningful discontinuity between traditional African values and development, but to the full humanization of man based on Christian love. Churches have the obligation to make provision both in towns and rural areas to facilitate this integration.
Sub-Theme 2: Working in a Changing Society
A.
(i) Present Situation
Working is part of living: interdependence in community-building: new patterns of work: salaried employment. Young people are anxious about the future: factors influencing the choice of career. Selfish aims in work disrupt the community.
(ii) African Tradition
Everyone was a worker. Incentives to work.
(iii) Church History with Emphasis on Africa
Work in the early centuries of Christianity in Africa. A look at the Middle Ages and the Industrial Age as a background and link for the churches and work in modern Africa. Developments since independence.
B. Bible
Old Testament
Genesis 1:26-31: through work man shares in God's creative activity. Exodus 1:8-14; 5:7-19: the Israelites experience oppression in work under Pharaoh. Exodus 20:8-11: the Sabbath rest recalls their deliverance from oppression and helps them to have a proper outlook on work. Deuteronomy 24:5-22: laws are formulated to protect the worker. Jeremiah 22:13-17: the prophets expose the exploitation of the poor by the rich. Ezra 3: Old Testament ideals in work are co-operation and interdependence on God, technology at the service of human needs, and respect for the individual worker.
New Testament
Jesus teaches the values which should be evident in our work. Matthew 25:14-30: each person is called to develop the talents entrusted to him. Matthew 25:31-46: through work we can express our love for God and our neighbors. Mark 6:30-34: we are invited to share in the work of establishing the Kingdom. Romans 8:18-25: in difficulties we are encouraged by knowing that we are helping to transform ourselves and all creation as we move toward the fulfillment of God's kingdom.
C. Synthesis
Man needs to find meaning and joy in employment. Society needs to be creative in providing opportunities for school-leavers to find employment in their home villages. We must develop a sense of service and desire to improve the world, in the manner of Christ, according to the gifts we have received.
Sub-Theme 3: Leisure in a Changing Society
A.
(i) Present Situation
New forms of leisure and new choices. Personal development and integration of work and leisure. Commercialization of leisure activities. New rhythm of leisure: new problems.
(ii) African Tradition
Social and recreational uses of leisure. Development of personal talents. Traditional forms of leisure. People meet each other just to be together.
(iii) Church History with Emphasis on Africa
Attitudes of Christians in the past about enjoying oneself and spending one's leisure time. Influences of missionaries in Africa: positive and negative. Need to balance work and leisure.
B. Bible
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 5:12-15: the Sabbath is a day for remembering God, thanking and praising him for his goodness. It is time to rest from work and strengthen fellowship. Psalm 23: in the struggle and tensions of life, true peace is experienced through trust in God.
New Testament
Mark 2:23-28: Jesus clarifies the true purpose of the Sabbath: to enable men to grow in freedom and fellowship as sons of God and brothers of each other. Matthew 6:25-34: he called men to develop a strong trust in God, their loving Father. John 6:25-27: true worship is the celebration of our lives and strengthens us in our efforts to live in fellowship. Revelation 21:1-4: amid the sorrows and suffering of life, we look forward to the peace and joy which will be ours in the Kingdom of the Father.
C. Synthesis
To be truly human, man's life must be made up of both work and leisure. Growth to maturity in Christ demands opportunities for reflection. It is important to develop a healthy attitude towards leisure, involving creative activities. Enjoyment in community ways needs to be experienced. The world is the Lord's and all that is therein.
