Challenging the Root Causes of Hunger and Poverty: Christian Action in the Field of Development

Using the Appreciative Inquiry approach, my capstone paper reflects on the thoughts and actions of Christians who are challenging the roots of oppression. I addressed the question: What sustainable actions have Christian leaders taken to challenge the root causes of hunger and poverty and how might these actions provide a framework for a faith + action toolkit that young adult Christians can utilize? This framework evolved through brainstorming, reflecting, and dialoguing. As I started brainstorming, my mind was filled with scattered ideas guided by passion. With direction from my capstone advisor and co-workers, I narrowed down my focus. Reflection on various works of literature influenced this path greatly. After dialogue through three interviews and one focus group, a solid framework for a faith + action toolkit was envisioned. The toolkit transformed greatly from the time I began the proposal to the time I completed the focus group discussion. A more balanced compilation of ideas surfaced with five main chapters on spiritual grounding, cultural awareness, community, life decisions and knowledge/connections. This final list balanced passion with knowledge, social action with spiritual grounding, and personal awareness with community involvement. In the end, I saw that the possibility of a sustainable faith + action toolkit was possible. The research process gave me hope and personal transformation as well. I realized that my capstone paper is one step of a long journey of challenging myself and other Christians to take Jesus’ radical teachings seriously