Church for the World

A Church for the World: The Church's Role in Fostering Democracy and Sustainable Development challenges theologians and lay readers alike to think about the role of the church vis-a-vis its responsibility to the world. How may the church contribute to democracy and foster sustainable development? Contributors from mostly non-Western theological communities offer historical, developmental, ecclesiastical, and theological perspectives on the church-world relationship, challenging misconceptions and practices that prevent the church from living up to its transformational vocation as salt and light in the world (Matt. 5:13-16). The driving force behind the questions and perspectives discussed here is Gustavo Gutierrez's axiom in A Theology of Liberation: A theology which fails to address the most urgent needs of ordinary people is not worthy of the word "e;theology."e; Proceeding from this insight, this book creates awareness about the relationship between religion, democracy, and development, and aims to strengthen the self-understanding of the church with regard to its responsibilities in the world.