According to the United Nations, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. Cities are expected to continue their exponential growth: by 2050, almost 70% of the global population will live in urban centers.
Given the affordability crises, environmental problems and inadequate infrastructure in many modern cities, it’s tempting to highlight negative attributes. But it is also true that cities are hubs of creativity where diverse groups of people do meaningful work together. Young adults are still willing to pack up their hopes and dreams to move to big cities on a quest for self-discovery and professional success.
In the Bible, cities are sometimes described as sinful, hedonistic places. Think of Nineveh, Babel and, to some extent, Corinth. But biblical cities are also places of human flourishing, spiritual and political refuge, and divine blessing, such as Jerusalem and the six cities of refuge on the east and west side of the Jordan River (Numbers 35, Joshua 20).
Wherever we lead congregations, we need to know something about how city life influences the way people live, think, relate to others and imagine their futures. It’s not just that people shape cities: cities shape people. The more we understand this dynamic interplay between geography and formation, the more faithfully we can proclaim good news.
Resources
M.A.R.C.H. promotes racial unity between Dallas Church of Christ congregations
After the murder of Botham Jean, Dallas ministers created an organization that brings Black and white congregations together to build relationships and work for justice.
By Courtney Thomas
What does community require of us?
Throughout her life, the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray’s writing, teaching and preaching made clear that true community demands the work of radical social transformation.
By Angela Thorpe Mason
Cities are a gift from God. We ought to care for them as such.
The director of housing and homeless services for the city of Fresno speaks on what faith has taught him about urban development work.
Q&A with H Spees
Market or people? Cities have a choice.
Cities should be places where creation flourishes. And that happens more in ‘people cities’ than in ‘market cities,’ says a sociologist and urban studies expert.
Q&A with Michael O. Emerson
Before you go
I grew up in the suburbs of a major city in the South and spent a fair amount of time moving back and forth between the city and suburbs. I enjoyed using public transportation to commute downtown to simply walk around, taking in the sights and sounds of urban life. The challenges in the city were obvious. Unhoused people slept under bridges. Buildings sat vacant for years. Despite the blight, the beauty of the city was unmistakable: I saw the creative ways people dressed, listened to performers on the street and roamed through used bookstores.
The longer I have served as a pastor, the more I have felt called to the problems and possibilities of the city. The book of Revelation promises a holy city, a new Jerusalem, shining within the glory of God.
It goes without saying that people in modern cities face enormous obstacles. But with my hope anchored firmly in Jesus Christ, I wonder what it means for his disciples to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” as we reach beyond the four walls of the church and seek the welfare of the city. What do you think the gospel’s message is to urban dwellers in our time?
Do you have feedback on this week’s issue or ideas you want to share? You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!
Prince R. Rivers
Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity