Transformation.

The concept of nationhood and national transformation can be traced back to the creation story. Genesis 2 describes the practical steps God took to create the world, delving into natural resources such as vegetation, rivers and minerals (Genesis 2:8-14). God planted the Garden of Eden, and then created and placed man in the garden to ‘cultivate’ and ‘take care’ of it. He created them in His image and likeness with a mandate to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it and have dominion over it (Genesis 1:26-27). In effect, God empowered humans to exploit and “cultivate” the world sustainably, starting with Eden, the nation where He had placed them. In doing this, they were to reflect God’s image (righteousness) as they exhibited his likeness (creative-abilities).

Unfortunately, when Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation by the evil one, they distorted God’s plan. The result was death and degradation of the earth. It was, henceforth, function sub-optimally, with production limited to thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18). This state of fallenness of the earth would continue, until Christ came onto the scene to redeem and restore the world. His followers, born of God, now became agents of transformation.

Throughout the Bible, God sets up and displaces nations. They rise as they obey His statutes, and fall as they slip into sinfulness, as typified by the destruction of Northern Israel by Assyria in BC 722 (2 Kings 17) and the fall (586) and restoration of Judah in 538 (2 Kings 25 and 2 Chronicles 36). Similarly, God used people like Moses, Deborah and Joseph to transform the world around them from where they were. It is clear, therefore, that God expects His people to participate actively in the work of national transformation.

Driven by the question: where is the Christian voice in Africa’s transformation debates and action, the third SCS-Africa conference brings together African Christian scholars and friends from all over the world to reflect on their complex transformational mission through the lenses of their Christian faith and mission and their academic disciplines. The conference seeks to facilitate debate but also to stimulate action. Program 500, through rigorous training and deep biblical reflection, extends the work of building a cadre of committed scholars to advance this mission in Africa.