Pastores generosos, igrejas que promovem justiça na comunidade: a formação teológica e a justiça social na perspectiva bíblica

Abstract

There is a high probability of having faith communities in our day as the one described in Acts of the Apostles, in which there was no need. What do we lack? Examining the leaders of the early church as well as the life and example of Jesus, generosity was something striking and decisive to determine their actions. But where did this come from? The Old Testament makes it abundantly clear that from the beginning the Creator and God of Israel had in mind a society of justice. These measures and provisions are found in innumerous passages of the Pentateuch, they are praised in the books of wisdom, and the prophets proclaim them fearlessly taking away any doubts as to the origin of the social movement that swept the first community of faith. By examining the curricula of a selection of our schools of theology, however, we don t find this understanding of the importance of generosity in the leadership of our communities of faith. Theological training in Brazil is reaching an increasingly more elaborate, scientific plateau - which is very good, but the need to cultivate solidary sensitivity is obvious. For that purpose it must be exemplified, lived out, passed on. And if the process did not start at home, it must have its beginning in the church. Zacchaeus, after the moment of grace with the Master, knew very well what to do with his possessions - because he knew the Scriptures. We propose a curriculum that places generosity as the brand of the graduates - a challenge that will require unity in the institution, a faculty that is cohesive, capable and flexible, and the dedication of the students in the classroom, in the projects, in their relationships, family, in the community. It will also become obvious that neoliberalism, individualism and consumerism will eventually be unmasked in the process of forming a new generation of pastors.