In an era where history’s wounds continue to fester, acknowledging the painful past and the role it plays in shaping the present is pivotal. Through the lens of these Christian perspectives, this article seeks to understand the multi-dimensional importance of recognizing the past to foster healing and unity as we collectively move forward.
How the UK Government, Portland, and wider society resolve this issue will serve as a testament to our collective capacity for empathy, understanding, and respect for human dignity.
The decision of Robert Jenrick, Minister for Immigration, when he ordered the removal of murals featuring popular cartoon characters from the walls of child refugee detention centres has sparked a wave of controversy.
Second place, second chance, second choice, waves crashing, bombs blasting, guns shooting, cars hitting, questions asked, answers given, people meeting, nice face smiling, children laughing, light shining and rain hitting the ground. All in a second.
Christian metaphysics delves into the fundamental nature of reality and the relationships between God, humanity, and the world. Within Christian thought, two distinct theological perspectives—Radical Orthodox Christianity and Liberation Theology—offer unique insights and perspectives on Christian metaphysics.
Radical orthodox and Liberation theologians emphasize the imperative of reevaluating economic systems in light of the interdependence between human beings, the environment, and Christian metaphysics. They call for a shift away from the relentless pursuit of profit and economic growth that disregards ecological sustainability and social justice. These theological perspectives advocate for alternative approaches that prioritize the well-being of both humanity and the natural world.
Neoliberalism has emerged as a dominant economic and political ideology, emphasizing the market as the primary mechanism for organizing society and allocating resources. The critique of neoliberalism by some theologians, who argue that it elevates the market and economic efficiency as ultimate values, bordering on idolatry, reveals concerns about the broader implications of prioritizing the market over moral and ethical considerations.
Both Radical Orthodox Christianity and Liberation Theology offer insightful parallels in their critique of the marginalization of the vulnerable within the context of neoliberalism. They address the social and economic consequences of neoliberal policies, which perpetuate structural inequalities and prioritize deregulation, privatization, and market competition.
I have attempted to highlight several parallels between the critique of individualism and consumerism within the context of neoliberalism and the principles of Radical Orthodox and Liberation Theology.
The critique of reductionism, the advocacy for a broader understanding of human flourishing, the emphasis on moral and ethical considerations, and the value placed on community and relationships by radical orthodox theologians and Liberation Theology, which coalesce to present a powerful vision for a more just and flourishing society.