International Relations (IR): A Biblical Perspective (Week in Review)
This week we had the privilege of having Emmanuel Entee, who is from Ghana, and living in England teaching us on an introductory level to this very broad topic of International Relations (IR).
He started out with giving us a definition and an overview of the concept while giving examples in history and today's politics of how IR can play out. And setting the biblical standard for the way it should be, for the ideal, the hopes and goals for International Relations done well.
He used powerful historical art, to ask probing questions, and we even watched a movie, with Emmanuel asking questions and engaging in debate to engage us with our own worldviews and values throughout the film.
He took us "back to the beginning" of the Biblical perspective, Genesis chapters 1-3. and how this is the foundation for IR.
Along with other IR information, he gave us some key theories about IR, and 4 types of relations that are found within IR.
3 Highlights from the week for me were;
What is International Relations?
1. Making an effort to understand.
What it says is this;
“I’m intentionally making you central, in order to validate who you are, because you have a voice.”
“You are not invisible in my eyes.”
Understanding allows nations to embody, incarnate each other, prioritize each other. Mutuality. To feel that we are on the same platform.
2. Connection
What it says is this;
"I am selflessly pursuing a relationship of us."
The opposite of this is;
Protectionism- protecting, validating, serving my best interest
"I am/we are centric to our society, and we don’t care about what others think.
How do we as YWAM transform a nation?
We need biblically informed strategies
Truth transforms but with the application of truth, comes wisdom.
How do we posture, position ourselves in a way that allows us to actively engage.
Holiness is moving towards darkness .
The Concept of "UBUNTU"
UBUNTU - describes the Hebrew word/concept of SHALOM really well.
Ubuntu says "I am because you are.” The essence of our humanity.
Your essence is connected to my essence. I see you.
‘We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, Tied in a single garment of destiny, Whatever affects one directly, Affects all indirectly’ - Martin Luther King Jr.
And Emmanuel also goes onto say where Ubuntu, or where we do not recognize we are "in this together", there is darkness.
80% of broken communities are because of broken stewardship, lack of it, corruption.
Selfless devotion for the best interest of society is what will transform our societies, and is the direct opposite of 'protectionism'.
For me there was so much that was impacting. But it's hard to put it in concrete writing. He posed so many questions that would get us thinking. But one thing for sure that impacted me was that even though "selfless devotion for the best interest of society seems impossible, or at the very least daunting and un-realistic, it's very possible. I came away from the week with a hope for politics, and conviction that I have a role to play, we all have a role to play, even if we are not going to become 'politicians' ourselves. And we all, I, have the ability to impact politics, IR, and make a difference in the policies and in shaping the future.
In conclusion, I look at the story of South Africa, and the great evil and injustices that have taken place, and the great good that has revolutionized and brought transformation for good to her, through brave, courageous heroes like Nelson Mandela, and Bishop Desmund Tutu. If they didn't engage as they did, imagine where South Africa would be today. As Christians, the biblical standard for IR is high. We are all made in God's image, and therefore how I treat, the thoughts I think, and the actions I take/don't take, have serious consequences. All peoples, need to be treated with respect, reached out to in connection and understanding sought.
