ABSTRACT
One of the most important pieces to consider within theology and development is the use of power. Power is not a neutral concept. It infuses daily life and can be used for good or ill: to dominate or to empower. We enact power in relation with others. Within Christian theology, many people consider God to be all-powerful and all good. Why doesn’t God use God’s power to prevent evil? A common definition of power emphasizes “power over” as strength and dominance even with God’s power, assuming God will use power over others for their good. Instead, I argue that because God is good, God does not use power to dominate; rather, God empowers creation to act. This chapter argues, from examples of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, that a Christian use of power is empowerment: power to, power with, and power within, not power over. Such use of power will shift Christian development practice, as later chapters explore.
