Njeru Munyi is a friend from Korogocho slums I have known for a long time. On April 8, Njeru posted on his facebook wall a request: “Some one help me know the verse either in the Holy Bible or Quran that speaks about people who feast on widows and orphan properties, what does it say about them”
Several other people requested the same. I posted two verses from the Bible:
Jeremiah 22:3: “This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”
James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Njeru was not done yet. He requested further some recommendations from the Bible and sought enlightenment. I followed the request with the following opinion:
“The Bible, and indeed many other holy books, is only a guide to transform oneself and society. Particular references should be applied to specific cultures and experiences. A lot of Bible quoting and references do not help much if they are not guided by reason. An encyclical by the Blessed Pope John Paul II titled Faith and Reason might help us to understand more on the need for the logical application of the Bible and faith. You can read it here: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_15101998_fides-et-ratio_en.html
Njeru was grateful. He suggested for a facebook page to share to follow up the discussion. Coincidentally, on Friday, 27th April, 2012, colleagues attending an MA course on Advocacy for social justice at the Institute of Social Ministry, Tangaza college, suggested various ways of sharing ideas and networking in the pursuit for social transformation.
This site is one of the efforts to fulfill our collective endeavours. It is for all of us seeking to transform self and society.
Social Transformation Forum 