Navigate Together: Against the Current, Towards New Horizons

James Henry Padilla DeBorst ()
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James Henry Padilla DeBorst: University Aurel Vlaicu of Arad, Romania

RAIS Conference Proceedings 2022-2024 from Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies

Abstract: This article critiques the dominant "development" paradigm, which perpetuates colonial structures, ecological degradation, and socio-economic inequalities. The essay introduces an alternative vision called "levelment," rooted in biblical principles of justice, sufficiency, and interdependence. Four critical movements for achieving levelment are outlined: transitioning from growth to rest and care for creation, embracing downward self-giving to redistribute privilege, practicing debt forgiveness to challenge predatory systems, and fostering polyvision to counter monocultural perspectives. Drawing on scriptural themes, we envision a collective effort by diverse communities to restore balance and pursue shalom. This paradigm challenges the current development narrative, offering a pathway toward sustainability, equity, and reconciliation in a world gripped by poly-crisis. This framework provides a foundation for reimagining global justice, calling for shared responsibility and collective transformation grounded in theological and ethical principles.

Keywords: development; justice; shalom; sustainability; downward mobility; debt forgiveness; biblical ethics; economic discipleship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 5 pages
Date: 2024-08
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Published in Proceedings of the 38th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, November 21-22, 2024, pages 264-269

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:smo:raiswp:0482

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