
I keep bumping into people who keep mentioning to me Mathew Parris' article in the Times newspaper back at the beginning of this month. I notice that Jason Clark had posted his words too. Though, of course, he is much more on the ball than old slow coach here. The columnist argues for the place of Christian faith in Africa if it is going to have a real chance of really moving forward in strength. Yet, what makes his words profound is the fact that he, er, well, doesn't believe in God.
"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."
I suspect Dr Dawkins might take quite a different viewpoint.
ASD
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