The 3 R's Philosophy: John M. Perkins' Holistic Approach to Community Development

"Relocation, Redistribution, Reconciliation" (The 3 R's) is a philosophy created by John M. Perkins, a prominent civil rights activist and Christian minister. The philosophy aims to address issues of racial and economic inequality by promoting a holistic approach to community development.

The first "R" in the philosophy is relocation, which refers to the idea of moving into and becoming a part of marginalized communities. This is not a short-term mission trip or charity work, but rather a long-term commitment to living and working alongside community members. By doing so, those who relocate gain a better understanding of the community's needs and are better equipped to work towards solutions.

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The second "R" is redistribution, which seeks to address issues of economic inequality by sharing resources and power. This involves creating systems that promote fair distribution of resources, such as affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and education. Perkins sees redistribution as a way of empowering marginalized communities and giving them the tools they need to thrive.

 

The final "R" is reconciliation, which seeks to address issues of racial and cultural division. This involves recognizing and addressing historical injustices, as well as working towards healing and unity. Perkins sees reconciliation as essential for true community development and believes that it requires acknowledging the pain and suffering of the past in order to move towards a more just future.

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Overall, The 3 R's philosophy is a call to action for Christians and community developers to actively engage in the work of justice and reconciliation. It challenges individuals to move beyond charity work and towards a deeper understanding of the root causes of poverty and inequality.