Asking Tough Questions About Transformational Development

Abstract

The disaffection of young adults from traditional religious beliefs and institutions challenges Christian relief, development, and advocacy agencies to re-evaluate long-held assumptions on at least three topics: how the Christian faith informs development work, how it interprets the dominant political-economic model, and how it structures partnerships with other development actors. The essay underscores the importance of making conversation on consequential issues across generational, gender, racial, socioeconomic, religious, and political differences. Three sets of “tough questions” are offered to facilitate open and respectful dialogue, potentially leading to more inclusive and collaborative models of faith-inspired community development work.