Love in Action: Archbishop Joseph D’souza Mission for Justice and Freedom, Pt. 1

What does true transformation look like in a world scarred by systemic oppression? In this powerful dialogue between Pastor Derwin and Archbishop Joseph, we discover how India's ancient caste system reveals the devastating impact of theological frameworks that dehumanize God's image-bearers. Archbishop Joseph shares his remarkable journey of awakening when 500 million "untouchables" sought liberation through Christ, forcing him to radically reimagine how the Gospel speaks to those crushed by generational oppression. Rather than focusing on traditional Western evangelistic approaches emphasizing sin and the afterlife, he found that these communities needed to hear first about a loving Creator who made them in His image. This fresh perspective on the Gospel demonstrates how God's kingdom breaks down walls of prejudice and creates new communities of dignity and belonging. Through their conversation, we see how Jesus' message of grace dismantles both American racism and Indian casteism, calling the Church to embody Revelation 5:9's vision of every nation, tribe, and tongue united in Christ. Their urgent challenge to us: Will we allow the Gospel to transform not just individual lives, but entire social systems that deny human dignity?

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

• Caste System in India: The episode delves into the caste system in India, explaining its origins and how it functions. It highlights the hierarchy within the caste system, from the Brahmins at the top to the untouchables or Dalits at the bottom.
• Impact of Theology on Social Structures: The discussion emphasizes how theological beliefs, particularly the doctrine of karma, underpin and perpetuate the caste system, leading to systemic oppression and dehumanization.
• Gospel's Role in Social Justice: Bishop d' Souza shares how the Gospel motivates efforts to address and dismantle the caste system. The Gospel is presented as a message of dignity and value for all people, emphasizing that all humans are created in the image of God.
• Reframing the Gospel Message: The episode discusses the need to reframe the Gospel message for the Dalits, focusing on God's love and presence in the present life rather than solely on the afterlife.
• Community and the Church: The importance of creating a casteless, inclusive church community is highlighted as a demonstration of the Gospel's power to break down social barriers.
• Transformation through the Gospel: The conversation underscores that the Gospel not only forgives sins but also creates a diverse family united in Christ, challenging racism and casteism as demonic forces.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.