University Essay: Comparing Views on Changing the World (Christianity)

This essay analyzes two contrasting perspectives on the possibility of changing the world. It begins by summarizing Andy Crouch's pessimistic view, as presented in his book "Culture Making," which argues that individuals often fail to uphold their commitments and that even religious beliefs can hinder societal change. The essay then contrasts this with Alvin J. Schmidt's viewpoint, which emphasizes the role of innovation, particularly through Christianity, in driving cultural and societal transformation. Schmidt believes that the vision and beliefs of Christianity have enabled the creation of a cross-cultural society. The essay highlights the historical significance of Christianity in initiating cross-cultural practices and concludes that Schmidt's perspective is more practical. The essay is supported by references to both authors' works.

Running head: WHY WE CAN’T CHANGE THE WORLD
Why We Can’t Change The World
Name of the University:
Name of the Student:
Author Note:

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Why We Can’t Change The World
Crouch’s position on Why We Can’t Change the World. Schmidt’s position on
Christianity in Culture.
In his book, Culture Making, the author, Andy Crouch has made a quite pessimist point
of view. In the chapter twelve, he had mentioned that although we want to or to desire to bring
about a change around us, and within our cultural system, we cannot successfully do that. He
was of the opinion that people can change even their daily lives. He mentioned that even people
make promises to themselves, yet they break those promises on an everyday basis, and he had
exemplified the same by giving small, relatable examples1. He said that people talk about
quitting bad habits and fighting their addictions, and not being judgmental towards people, and
practicing the act of acceptance having an open mind, but they negate their thoughts and
promises every day. Moreover, he has mentioned that the beliefs and practices upheld by the
church and the beliefs of Christianity do not allow people to change the world and make them to
cling on to their beliefs and grudges2.
However, on that note, it is important to mention the name of A.J. Schmidt. Schmidt said
that the driving force of initiating a change within the society and culture is the system of
innovation and the innovation of technology. He believes that an idea and a proper vision is
enough to change the world. Therefore, he stated that it is the beliefs and ideas of Christianity
that enables one to have a vison and initiate a change. He mentioned, that it was Christianity,
who had the idea to make the world a cross- cultural society, and it has been successful in that
orientation3.
1 LeBaron, Curtis D. "Joseph L. Badaracco Jr. Questions of Character: Illuminating the Heart of Leadership Through
Literature. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 2006, 221 pages." Human Resource Management: Published in
Cooperation with the School of Business Administration, The University of Michigan and in alliance with the
Society of Human Resources Management 48.2 (2009): 335-337.
2 Crouch, Andy. Culture making: Recovering our creative calling. ReadHowYouWant. com, 2009.
3 Schmidt, Alvin J. How Christianity changed the world. Zondervan, 2004.

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Why We Can’t Change The World
I believe that there is a remarkable difference between these two philosophers and the
latter is more practical and empirical in his orientation. It is indeed true, that to initiate a change
one only needs a vision and a belief that change can be initiated. Today we live in a cross-
cultural world where people come together and work and study and explore conjointly, and
Christianity has a great role in that, as it is the first religion that had initiated a cross- cultural
practice. Though they had started off with converting the whole world to follow the pathway of
Christianity, but it is this religion that had practiced the cross- cultural system at the first place.
Therefore, it can be said that Christianity had always been one of the driving forces of initiating a
change within the society and the culture.
Bibliography:
Crouch, Andy. Culture making: Recovering our creative calling. ReadHowYouWant. com,
2009.

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Why We Can’t Change The World
LeBaron, Curtis D. "Joseph L. Badaracco Jr. Questions of Character: Illuminating the Heart of
Leadership Through Literature. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 2006, 221
pages." Human Resource Management: Published in Cooperation with the School of Business
Administration, The University of Michigan and in alliance with the Society of Human
Resources Management 48.2 (2009): 335-337.
Schmidt, Alvin J. How Christianity changed the world. Zondervan, 2004.