This semester has been rocking my world already. It has been hard, challenging, and thought invoking. I am taking Intro to Islam and Islamic Theology, Intro to International Development, Theology 1, New Testament, and Art Appreciation. My two ICS classes have been a huge work load, but so worth it!
So far in my development class we have talked about what it means to live an abundant life, what defines development, different development theories (modernization, dependency, and marxist theory), capitalism and the effects on thirds world countries, what defines poverty, imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, nationalism, world powers, etc. It has been so interesting! A lot of the things that we have been talking about I have never really thought about in my life- in all honesty. The class is mostly seniors and graduate students, so I am kind of out of place... but its challenging in a good way. So often I do take my modern ideas, along with my "capitalistic" outlook and then look at countries and what they need. Its interesting learning about applied anthropology and how that plays into it and what it means to be a christian in development. Its also hard not to be cynical in this class while looking at things that are happening around the world. My teacher is an anthropologist who graduated from george town university with her undergrad in foreign service and got her Masters from American University in Anthropology. She has worked for numerous government organizations but has done most of her field work in South Africa working along side women. She has focused on how women do community banking. Ah- she is so interesting! She is going to Thailand to research and start up some development projects hopefully for fish farmers. I think one of the things that I love about her is her passion and love for people. She loves people because Christ loved her first. She really cares about people living an abundant life (John 10:10). What does an abundant life even mean? Maybe living without need, living fully, promoting independence- being able to survive independently, contentment, joy, enabling a life for a purpose, returning of things- a way of life that seeks God, etc. Maybe all this leads to living a life the way that God intended. I LOVE how we talk about transformational development. I just love the idea of people's needs being met physically, socially, and spiritually. Before we got into the depth of issues I thought this sounded all dandy and wonderful. As the class went on I realized how hard it has to be a development worker/anthropologist and how important anthropology plays into it. If you want to read a good book read, "Promises Never Kept" by Isbister. So good! The second chapter I believer or maybe third gives five accounts of people whose promises were broken usually due to independence or some form of capitalism. Anyways, that was a huge rant on development. I could go on for hours... it kind of consumes my mind these days. I love studying something that I will use!
This semester has been so great so far in regards to spiritual growth. God has been so so so good! I feel so blessed to get an education. I really do believe everyone should be educated or educate themselves in some way or another because furthering knowledge is such a powerful thing that can further your work in God's kingdom. My NT and theology class are teaching me so many things I have never thought about or questions I have never asked. I love it. My intro to islamic studies and theology has really challenged me to pray for other nations. My prof for that class is such a great example of a man who loves Jesus with all his heart, loves muslims people, and genuinely wants to give God all the glory. Before class starts everyday we pray for a different muslim nation.
An ongoing theme... to glorify Jesus in all things. He is so worthy of all praise! So loving and so good to us. Ah- I am complete awe of Him and his love for us. Its a beautiful thing.
