Theologians tackle global poverty

World-renowned theologian Bishop NT Wright and Micah Challenge International Director the Joel Edwards have joined Australia’s Dr John Dickson and Tim Costello to inspire Christians in Australia to tackle global poverty.

These and other high profile social reformers, theologians and practitioners are united by the belief that every follower of Jesus has the capacity to put their faith into action to make a genuine difference in the world.

“God is on the move, doing stuff, transforming the world, healing the world and we get to be part of it,” said Bishop Wright, Professor of New Testament at University of St Andrews (Scotland).

The consistent message throughout The Faith Effect — a new church resource created by World Vision Australia — is that the Church is best positioned to break the cycle of poverty, with the capacity to see every person as made in the image of God, no matter their class, caste or colour.

Tim Costello, CEO World Vision Australia, said The Faith Effect would help Australian Christians understand God’s perspective on global poverty and the importance of centering lives on Jesus to see an impact of faith on society. “When we get our Christology right, we see the differences. John Wesley got it: he said, ‘If I die with £10 to my name the world can call me a thief’.

“So when I visit places like India, Sudan and Cambodia I see poverty and pain. And I think that if God hasn’t given up on this earth, then as a Christian I can’t give up.”

Another contributor to The Faith Effect, Dr John Dickson, Director Centre for Public Christianity, admitted he had been wrong to once preach that every dollar given to the poor is a dollar less for evangelism.

Through his own journey of exploring the biblical basis for social engagement, he has come to recognise that, “Jesus was insistent on the humble service of the world”. Hundreds of churches across every denomination are expected to engage with The Faith Effect, a five-week interactive bible study series which also includes contributions from Danny Guglielmucci, Senior Minister Edge Church International, and Steve Chong, Lead Pastor Kirkplace Presbyterian.

The Faith Effect is designed to help participants understand God’s concern for the poor as revealed in the bible. The study explores how Christians have been tackling global poverty throughout history and today, and encourages participants to put their faith into action locally and globally.

For more information and to register study groups, visit the website.