what i'm learning (part one)

I learn best when I write about what I'm learning. Right now a lot of my learning is on the subject of transformational development. Below is a reflective summary of what I've taken away from my reading on that topic lately (part one).

Both the poor and the non-poor have an ontological problem—a “marred identity”, in the words of Bryant Myers. The poor’s sense of identity has been marred by the lack of value they perceive that they have in the eyes of the world and, in turn, their Creator. The non-poor’s identity has been marred by an accumulation of wealth and power that has developed within them an internalized belief in their right to behave as gods themselves. So, even when the non-poor try to address the problems facing the poor, there is a significant danger that the manner in which these problems are addressed will actually cause further damage (for both parties).

Because the poor are so used to being ignored, belittled, or oppressed, if they are not actively encouraged to use their knowledge and skills to contribute to solving community problems, they may never recognize their inherent value as fellow stewards of the earth, called to be fruitful in God’s economy. Simultaneously, if the non-poor’s methods of “helping the poor” involve dictating to them how they should address various issues in their community, creating the infrastructure, pouring assets into the community, etc., the non-poor will perpetuate the damaging effects of their power and privilege on the poor, as well as further ingrain the non-poor’s own assumptions of the superiority of their wisdom and methodology.

This cycle cannot be broken as long as the poor and the non-poor’s stories do not intersect or overlap in any way, for without shared stories there is no opportunity for relationship. And relationship is the key to transformation. The Biblical narrative reveals that God’s relationship with us, our relationship with one another, creation, and ourselves, while all created beautifully, have been broken over the course of time, and are in need of redemption. These relationships can all be restored as we (both the poor and the non-poor) locate ourselves in God’s wider story, and embrace our common need for Him and each other. More on this tomorrow.