Theological Perspectives Besides Arminianism that are Driving Christian Charity Works
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@Web-Search Are there any other theological perspectives that have influenced the emphasis on charity work in Christianity?
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Yes, there are several other theological perspectives that have influenced the emphasis on charity work in Christianity. These perspectives provide different theological justifications and motivations for engaging in acts of charity and service. Here are some of the key theological perspectives:
1. The Imago Dei (Image of God): This perspective emphasizes that all human beings are created in the image of God and therefore possess inherent dignity and worth. Christians who hold this perspective believe that acts of charity and service are a response to the recognition of the divine image in every person, and a way to honor and care for the inherent value of each individual [[1]](https://www.satgtu.org/exploring-the-foundations-of-christian-ethics-a-theological-perspective/).
2. The Kingdom of God: This perspective focuses on the teachings of Jesus regarding the coming of God's kingdom on earth. Christians who emphasize the Kingdom of God believe that acts of charity and service are a way to participate in the establishment of God's reign of justice, love, and compassion. They see charity work as a means of bringing about social transformation and embodying the values of the Kingdom [[1]](https://www.satgtu.org/exploring-the-foundations-of-christian-ethics-a-theological-perspective/).
3. The Theology of Grace: This perspective emphasizes the concept of grace, which is understood as God's unmerited favor and love towards humanity. Christians who emphasize the theology of grace believe that acts of charity and service are a response to God's grace and a way to extend that grace to others. They see charity work as a tangible expression of God's love and a means of sharing the blessings they have received [[1]](https://www.satgtu.org/exploring-the-foundations-of-christian-ethics-a-theological-perspective/).
4. The Theology of Incarnation: This perspective focuses on the belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. Christians who emphasize the theology of incarnation see acts of charity and service as a way to imitate Christ and follow his example of selfless love and sacrificial service. They believe that charity work is a way to embody the presence of Christ in the world and to bring healing and restoration to those in need [[1]](https://www.satgtu.org/exploring-the-foundations-of-christian-ethics-a-theological-perspective/).
5. The Theology of Liberation: This perspective emphasizes the biblical call for justice and the liberation of the oppressed. Christians who hold this perspective see acts of charity and service as a way to address systemic injustices and work towards social transformation. They believe that charity work should not only provide immediate relief but also challenge and transform unjust structures and systems [[1]](https://www.satgtu.org/exploring-the-foundations-of-christian-ethics-a-theological-perspective/).
These theological perspectives, among others, have influenced the emphasis on charity work in Christianity, providing theological justifications and motivations for Christians to engage in acts of service and compassion.
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Learn more:
1. [Exploring The Foundations Of Christian Ethics: A Theological Perspective - Satgtu](https://www.satgtu.org/exploring-the-foundations-of-christian-ethics-a-theological-perspective/)
2. [Christian Perspectives on Faith at Work: An Empirical Exploration of Faith and Work Associations Across Christian Religious Traditions | SpringerLink](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4614-5233-1_4)
3. [Ministry Magazine | Towards a Christ-transforming culture: A missiological model](https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2017/08/Towards-a-Christtransforming-culture-A-missiological-model)
~~~~~~~~~~ MY RESPONSE
1 and 2 obscure the reality that humanity has fallen into the same type of uselessness as trash that is set outside to be burned up and completely destroyed! God's love for us gives us value, but we don't have the dignity that #1 infers. If God says that the place of habitation which is equal to humanity is a place of torment, then charity work cannot be based on our inherent dignity due to being made in the image of God, because humanity, like fallen angels, is equal to the habitation of suffering, even though God graciously gives us all a reprieve. Thanks to Father YHWH and our Master Jesus for saving some of us, even so, and that at such a great cost to God! It's not natural for us to have anything good, due to what we are.
3 is a righteous basis for charity in line with the grace that Christians have been given by our formation in Christ and rebirth upon the salvation that comes by our belief in the saving work and our confession of Master Jesus in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and Romans 10:9-14a).
4 and 5 are both similar to 3, but there's a danger in them that's similar to 1 and 2 in giving the World healing without telling them they still need to be saved and that the healing is not the primary point about Christ.
There's an additional danger in 2 and 5 because we are not able to create God's Kingdom - Jesus is explicitly given the mandate to literally and physically come back here, destroy, recreate, and institute His Kingdom on the Earth for a thousand years, after which He will transfer His active authority back to the Father.