Faith Based Approaches to Local Economic Development

"Faith Based" approaches divide into two large subgroups, which are often difficult to distinguish as they often overlap: institutionalized faith and "heart-felt" faith. Of course, there are a multitude of "faith groups" based on the underlying Religious outlook as well as the sub-groups within each of these larger faith groups. But the two divisions spoken of here cut across all those lines.

When the term "faith based" community economic development is used, for example on the Internet, one needs to be alert to each use of the term "faith based, because the term can be used to refer to both subgroups. I find when I am reading I tend to assume they mean institutionalized religion until proven otherwise.

Many religious groups have tried to help their people make such a distinction, but perhaps the Presbyterian way of framing it is the most helpful:

As it was explained to me, the Presbyterians have a concept of the "visible" and the "invisible" Church. The invisible Church is known only to God. Only He knows just who is in true relationship with Himself, and who is just displaying the outward forms of such a relationship (for whatever reason). Sometimes, they feel, such an invisible Church breaks out into the open and can be seen by others. For example, such a relationship with God might show up in an improved quality of life in a workplace dispute, a domestic situation, or a difficult relationship. That is the "visible" church. Sometimes, they say, the "visible" Church even shows up as improved quality of life in what we know as the "Institutional Church" (and some wish that it would show up there a little more!).

Within the Protestant Christian Church, of which I am most familiar, a second aspect is helpful to keep in mind, regarding economic development conducted by "faith based groups". That is the aspect of the two major denominational groupings outlined elsewhere in the "angle diagram". Being aware of where "faith based groups" locate themselves on that diagram, and where they say they are heading, can help to understand their priorities, interests, philosophy, approach, blindsides, hopes, aspirations, and so on.

Where a faith-based group is situated in relationship to the philosophies of Orthodox neo classical economic theory or political economy outlook is also very helpful. The outline of those two schools of thought are outlined elsewhere. A way of viewing Christianity as separate from either of those two is outlined in the tree model although few faith-based groups will be out from under the sway of one of the two dominant schools of economic thought. Most people bring their economic philosophy with them to church, more or less unchanged.

A final way of viewing the faith based groups helps to narrow down the sub-cultural outlook of the particular front-line organization within its larger denominational outlook, if it is part of such an association. It is outlined in a spin-off of the gifts model and uses the vocabulary from that model.

The links below are to sites related to faith-based approaches to community based economic development.

Links To Further Resources

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