Exploring Local Church Praxis of Public Theology

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-96
Author(s):  
Darren Cronshaw
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Local Church ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Theology ◽  
Local Churches ◽  
The Public ◽  
Church Mission ◽  
Environmental Care

Abstract The Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV) encourages local churches to give priority to contributing to the well-being of their local neighbourhoods through community engagement and advocacy. This commitment to holistic mission and local community development is an integral part of the public theology of local churches, given Elaine Graham’s argument that ‘practical care and service constitutes the essential praxis of public theology’. But to what extent does the reality of BUV local church mission match this rhetoric? The 2016 National Church Life Survey (NCLS) helps identify what community service BUV churches and their members are involved in. This article discusses the statistical state-wide responses of Victorian Baptists from NCLS 2016, together with interview responses from church leaders. It explores aspects of community development most valued by attenders, where church members are volunteering, and how and where churches are providing social services, prophetic advocacy and environmental care. This denominational case study illustrates that churches offering social services and fostering advocacy and creation care are functioning as the local praxis of public theology.

What Makes a Good City? Reflections on Urban Life and Faith

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Graham
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Empowerment ◽  
Urban Life ◽  
Theological Method ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Public Theology ◽  
Urban Church ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis article is a case study in public theology, drawing on the author's experience as a member of the Church of England's Commission on Urban Life and Faith (CULF). Following in the footsteps of the seminal Archbishops' Commission on Urban Priority Areas (ACUPA) report, Faith in the City (1985), CULF aimed to evaluate the future of the urban church and its role in the local community, arguing that the impact of faith-based organizations constituted a major contribution to local community empowerment and well-being. CULF coined the term 'faithful capital' (after Robert Putnam's concept of 'social capital') to express the added value that people of faith contribute to their local communities, and called for wider debate around the question 'what makes a good city?' This article also scrutinizes the Commission's theological method, and in particular its attempt to model a form of 'theology from below'; and in the light of the Commission's findings, poses questions for the future of public theology.

13. Treatment of the Aged

2019 ◽  
pp. 440-461
Author(s):  
G. T. Laurie ◽  
S. H. E. Harmon ◽  
E. S. Dove
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
The Public ◽  
Regulatory Changes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Ethical And Legal Issues ◽  
Public Bodies

This chapter discusses some of the ethical and legal issues associated with the very difficult practice of treating the elderly, grounding the discussion in the tension between autonomy and paternalism. It is emphasised that this complex and fragmented field is still undergoing significant regulatory changes as a result of the Care Act 2014, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014. It also covers the elder incapax and dying from old age.

“Really present to bless”: The sacrament of creation and a practical ethic of environmental care for the local church

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-344
Author(s):  
Joshua Paul Smith
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Local Church ◽  
Environmental Crisis ◽  
Local Churches ◽  
Environmental Care ◽  
Creation Theology ◽  
Real Presence ◽  
Sacramental Imagination ◽  
Practical Ethic ◽  
Do So

Anthropogenic climate change poses the greatest existential threat humans have ever faced as a species. Churches must find creative ways to confront this frightening new reality, but how are we to do so faithfully? The first half of the article explores the suggestion that a harmful modern worldview of “disenchantment” is partly to blame for our current environmental crisis, and that this perspective fails to account adequately for God’s real presence “in, with, and under” creation. The article then offers a short theological “sketch” that considers how a more robust sacramental imagination might challenge pastors and congregations to think differently about the interlocking relationships between God, humanity, and creation. Finally, the second half of the article recommends three small, practical steps that serve as “living signs” of this sacramental creation theology when put into practice by local churches, beginning with our dinner tables.

scholarly journals SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A DETERMINANT FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: EXPERIENCE OF POLISH AND UKRAINIAN REGIONS

2019 ◽  
pp. 132-138
Author(s):  
Anna Waligora ◽  
Alona Revko
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Main Task ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range

Urgency of the research. Social entrepreneurship covers a wide range of tasks from area of social policy that should ensure the normal living conditions of the local community. From this point of view, the main task of social entrepreneurship is to improve the well-being of local community and meet its needs by the implementation of social infrastructure services. Target setting. In the paper the hypothesis is formulated that Ukraine has worse conditions for the formation and development of social entrepreneurship than Poland. The study is proved that development of social entrepreneurship in Poland in the light of EU regional policy consists in the support of social enterprises by the state in accordance with the National Program for Social Economy Development, the European Union. Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. Some aspects of social entrepreneurship and community development are covered by the studies of such scientists as J. Defourny, J. Hausner, Jan-U. Sandal, A. Nicholls, G. Keohane, J. Kerlin, O. Pankiv and others. Uninvestigated parts of general matters defining. It should be admitted that there is a problem of state support for social enterprises at the appropriate level in Ukraine. This only deepens the differences between the social enterprises in Ukraine and Poland. It is worth noting that as a consequence of this, social entrepreneurship of Ukraine is more business-oriented than in Poland. The research objective. The study on the social entrepreneurship and its impact on the local community development undertaken at national and regional levels, i.e. on statistical material concerning 22 regions of Ukraine and 16 voivodships of Poland. The study used a comparative method of developing social entrepreneurship in Poland and Ukraine. In addition, the study carried out in the paper was enriched with drawings made on the basis of graphic and cartographic data presentation methods. The statement of basic materials. As part of the research, the concept of social entrepreneurship (prosocial business) was defined, the features of the social entrepreneurship in Poland and Ukraine were analysed, and the ways of the social entrepreneurship development in Ukraine were presented. Conclusions. Based on the results obtained, recommendations were presented to strengthen and develop social entrepreneurship in Ukraine.

Against the Grain: Responsible Public Theology in a Global Era

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
James R. Cochrane
Keyword(s):  
Public Sphere ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Theology ◽  
International Economy ◽  
Global Order ◽  
The Public ◽  
Global Era ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
The Public Sphere ◽  
Critical Theology

In commenting on William Storrar’s distinction between theologies of public anger (liberation theologies) and theologies that reflect public spirit, the latter being for him more properly understood as public theologies, this article considers the roots of critical theology in South Africa. The former are neither homogeneous nor as distinct from post-apartheid public theologies as Storrar’s formulation might suggest. Thus this article argues for rethinking what seems too narrow a view on what constitutes public theology, an argument against the grain starting from theologies against the grain. To make the argument clear, the article considers the global order within which the liberated state now sits, and proposes that three key issues place the greatest demands on a responsible contemporary public theology today: a revised view of human being; the ordering of society in the polis; and the management of the well-being of the (global) household, that is, the international economy—all in relation to the contemporary erosion of the public sphere proper.

scholarly journals ANALISIS IMPLEMENTASI COORPORATE SOSIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) BERDASARKAN PRINSIP GOOD COORPORATE GOVERNANCE DI PT. BIO NUSANTARA TEKNOLOGI

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evi Lorita
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Program ◽  
Good Corporate Governance ◽  
The Social ◽  
Corporate Social

This research aims to investigate the implementation and factors that impede the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which is based on the principle of Good Corporate Governance Good Corporate Governance (GSG) in PT. Bio Nusantara Teknologi. This research uses a descriptive method of analysis with a qualitative approach and data collection performed by the method of instrumental case studies, documentary studies, and natural observation (observation depth). The results show that six areas of activity that the CSR programs have been implemented by PT. BNT to improve well being communities are Education, Social Affairs / Religion, Health, Infrastructure, Economic and Environmental Affairs. Second, funds budgeted in the implementation of CSR programs at the PT. BNT were fit with the intelligence of UUPM No.25 Tahun 2007 in the amount of 1-5% of the company's profit after tax. Third, the social sector undertaken by PT.BNT to the CSR programs simply touch the community, where it is seen from the social program / religion that has been done, the areas of health and education.As for the program of environment and the economy has not been so touching peoples. Fourth, CSR applied by PT. BNT based GCG show that the implementation is not visible transparent principles, accountability, responsibility and fairness. Fifth, the existence of CSR programs in the form of community development that has been carried out by PT.BNT still lacks of impacts and benefits to improve the welfare of the local community, because of lack of fulfilling wishes of local communities, especially in the fields of economics, education and infrastructure development.And sixth, the implementation of CSR programs in the form of community development in the PT.BNT reap many obstacles and challenges, such as lack of budget funds and the scope and location of the village area around the company, so that distribution is not equitable relief. Keywords: implementation analysis, corporate social responsibility, good corporate governance

scholarly journals Creative Community Development. From urban design studio to international collaborative workshop

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Jarunee Pimonsathean
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Urban Regeneration ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Sustainable Living ◽  
International Programme

<p>Creative Community Development Workshop is a collaborative programme initiated from the two tiers of academic endeavours to achieve people’s involvement to foster cities in sustainable manner.  The first tier is a regular programme from a studio subject in Urban Design and Development International Programme, Faculty of Architecture and Planning at Thammasat University, UD326 Urban Regeneration.  The second tier is an annual international academic consortium event, established since 2009 upon the initiative of the Yokohama City University (YCU) called, “the International Academic Consortium for Sustainable Cities (IACSC)”.  Focusing on urban planning, public health and environment as the major components of cities, the consortium endeavours to develop cooperation, foster dialogues and discussions, encourage sharing of information and resources and promote networking mainly in Asia on research and collaborative activities between academic and research institutions, and establish and strengthen the linkage between universities and the cities where they belong towards capacity building for a sustainable society.<br />The workshop in 2017 on Creative Community Development was an activity under the 8<sup>th</sup> IACSC Symposium on “Well-being of Sustainable Living in Aging Population Era” which was hosted by Thammasat University at Rangsit Campus.  The workshop was hosted by Urban Design and Development International Programme (UDDI) between 5-11 September 2017 at the Faculty of Architecture and Planning and on-site study area in Suan Yai Bang Kwang, Bang Kho Laem District, Bangkok, and conducted in a week session on the preliminary stage of community development study and regeneration proposal of the Urban Regeneration studio.<br />The workshop participants included students, instructors and research assistants from four leading universities in Asia i.e. Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.  The aims of the workshop are to promote a mutual understanding among the international students, to enhance the students’ ability to propose planning scheme proposal in communicable manner, and, and to give an opportunity for students to work with and contribute to the local community the community development ideas towards livability and sustainability.<br />The workshop was directed into three sections throughout 7 days, from the workshop commencement, field visit and survey, to group discussion and developing proposals to report to the consortium.  Towards the students’ proposals on the study area regeneration, the final product of the work was presented at the workshop final event and debriefing, and at the poster session at the 8<sup>th</sup> IACSC General Assembly and Symposium in the end of the programme.<br />The final proposals introducing urban regeneration into Suan Yai Bang Khwang ranged from enhancing mobility and accessibility, community betterment, housing development, and disaster prevention, connecting the residents and the main canal, boosting the local economy, improving the community development, tidying spaces and creating green space, to creating local street markets into the area.</p>

Social Development

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mizanur R. Miah
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Social Development ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Development Strategy ◽  
Free Market ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Literacy Campaign ◽  
British Rule ◽  
The People

Social development is an all-inclusive concept connoting the well-being of the people, the community, and the society. The term gained popularity in the 1920s when it began as a mass literacy campaign under British rule in Africa; it was later called community development. In 1954, the British government officially adopted the term social development to include community development and remedial social services. With the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the United Nations assumed the role of promoting social development globally. Social development strategies have been classified as enterprise, communitarian, and statist (Midgley, 1995; Lowe, 1995) based on their ideological orientations. An institutional approach to social development provides a pragmatic synthesis of these and emphasizes a balanced social development strategy. The current microcredit and microenterprise initiatives constitute a movement in the direction in which free market, private initiatives, and government support play key roles in social development, poverty alleviation, and promoting world peace.

scholarly journals Understanding Complex Relationships between Human Well-Being and Land Use Change in Mozambique Using a Multi-Scale Participatory Scenario Planning Process

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 13030
Author(s):  
Pedro Zorrilla-Miras ◽  
Estrella López-Moya ◽  
Marc J. Metzger ◽  
Genevieve Patenaude ◽  
Almeida Sitoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Rural Population ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Scenario Planning ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Effective Application

The path for bringing millions of people out of poverty in Africa is likely to coincide with important changes in land use and land cover (LULC). Envisioning the different possible pathways for agricultural, economic and social development, and their implications for changes in LULC, ecosystem services and society well-being, will improve policy-making. This paper presents a case that uses a multi-scale participatory scenario planning method to facilitate the understanding of the complex interactions between LULC change and the wellbeing of the rural population and their possible future evolution in Mozambique up to 2035. Key drivers of change were identified: the empowerment of civil society, the effective application of legislation and changes in rural technologies (e.g., information and communications technologies and renewable energy sources). Three scenarios were constructed: one characterized by the government promoting large investments; a second scenario characterized by the increase in local community power and public policies to promote small and medium enterprises; and a third, intermediate scenario. All three scenarios highlight qualitative large LULC changes, either driven by large companies or by small and medium scale farmers. The scenarios have different impact in wellbeing and equity, the first one implying a higher rural to urban area migration. The results also show that the effective application of the law can produce different results, from assuring large international investments to assuring the improvement of social services like education, health care and extension services. Successful application of these policies, both for biodiversity and ecosystem services protection, and for the social services needed to improve the well-being of the Mozambican rural population, will have to overcome significant barriers.

scholarly journals 461 - Social services for neurodegenerative patients and their families

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 182-182
Author(s):  
Nuria del Álamo-Gómez ◽  
Estrella Montes-López ◽  
Eva María Picado-Valverde ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Public ◽  
Community Interaction ◽  
Castilla Y Leon ◽  
The Family

Introduction:Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are the most important cause of dependency in the world. The care of these patients is mostly assumed by their families. As a result, their family quality of life (FQoL) may be affected, decreasing their well-being, and modifying their habits and normal functioning. FQoL is a multidimensional concept, composed of different aspects that determine the life situation of each family, being these components both objective and subjective. Thus, the FQoL will depend on being able to access to support services that respond to the individual needs of all members and that this is adequate to adapt the environment and lifestyle to the demands of the disease. Public administrations are responsible for covering the socio-health support needs of people with ND and their families.Objective:The objective of this research is to analyse whether the currently available social services are in accordance with the Family Life Quality model.Method:A descriptive analysis of the support offered by the public services of the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León (Spain) to people with ND and their families has been carried out, analysing its correspondence with the dimensions of the Quality of Family Life Survey of Brown and collaborators (2006): health of the family, financial well-being, family relationships, informal support, support from care services, the influence of values, leisure and community interaction.Results:The research results suggest that 1) most public services are aimed exclusively at the care of the person with ND; 2) these supports address the needs of the financial well-being, family relations and community interaction dimensions; 3) these are mainly aimed at supporting the situation when the illness worsens; 4) the limited specific services for families support them in the enjoyment of leisure and financial well-being.Conclusion:The public welfare system of Castilla y León does not consider the family of people with ND as the target of its support services, but the person with ND declared as a dependent. Thus, it does not offer support services aimed at satisfying some needs linked to the dimensions of the FQoL model.

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