From the Times of London Columnist Matthew Parris
. . . . 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. . . . .
He goes on to recognize the crushing conformity brought on by the tribal culture and other factors and his observation that only Christians exhibit the individuality necessary to stand up against oppressive leaders and systems.
We would willingly have concord, but no man seeks after the medium of concord, which is charity.
We seek riches, but no man seeks after the right means how to be rich, namely, through God’s blessing.
We all desire to be saved, but the world refuses the means how to be saved—the Mediator Christ.
~Martin Luther
This was a very interesting article to share. It seemed very unbiased and strictly observational. Thanks Karl!
You all might want to check out the recent article by Nicholas Kristoff in the New York Times where he looks at the giving and time contribution patterns of liberals and conservatives and discovers that there is a difference: Bleeding Heart Tightwads
Not a big surprise other than the fact that someone who leans left actually recognized it.