by CB Samuel.
When we deal with our neighbours, families and the world around us, what helps us to decide the right things to do and say? Here are some imaginary situations which all of us might face. Read through these case studies - if possible talk about them and discuss them in groups - and decide what action you would take.
Take time to think through how you would deal with each of these issues. If you have done this in groups, talk over the decisions you have reached and how you have reached them.
- Which of the case studies was the easiest to deal with?
- Which was the hardest to come to a definite decision about - maybe you still cannot decide?
Try and talk about these issues before you turn the page and read further about the case studies.
Case Study One
A huge dam is planned which will provide water for a large city. Water reserves are already low and the water is desperately needed. The people in the hills and valleys behind the dam will have to be moved away because their land will be flooded. The Government plans to rehabilitate them nearer the city and will provide land and compensation. However, the people do not want to leave their traditional lands and village groups for an unknown future and uncertain land. Apparently they have no choice.
You have been working alongside the people, encouraging rural development. You have built up a good relationship with the villagers. What should you do?
A Go along with the Government proposals and work with the plans for the rehabilitation scheme? You may lose the support of the villagers if you do this.
B Support the villagers and campaign with them to change the plans for the dam to prevent them from losing land which has belonged to them for many generations?
Case Study Two
You are a respected member of a large city church. Land owned by the church has recently been sold. There are reports in the press that the Bishop has been involved in corruption over the land sale. Money has gone missing and it seems there have been various dubious deals. You also suspect that the press are right in their allegations. What action should you take? The church is very badly affected and some action is needed.
A Come out in public with the leaders of the church to denounce the deals which the Bishop has made and encourage legal action to be taken?
B Use the structures of the church to deal with the problem and take any discipline necessary - including the removal of the Bishop if this seems right?
C Call the church to prayer and let matters take their course?
Case Study Three
Mousa is a non-Christian friend, a married man with a young family, and a successful business executive. You are a respected member of a church with an important post in the church. Mousa comes to you one day asking for your advice as a friend. He says that he has recently got to know a beautiful young woman in his office and finds himself very tempted to begin a relationship with her. What advice do you give to him?