Navigate Together: Against the Current, Towards New Horizons

ABSTRACT. This article critiques the dominant "development" paradigm, which perpetuates colonial structures, ecological degradation, and socio-economic inequalities. The essay introduces an alternative vision called "levelment," rooted in biblical principles of justice, sufficiency, and interdependence. Four critical movements for achieving levelment are outlined: transitioning from growth to rest and care for creation, embracing downward self-giving to redistribute privilege, practicing debt forgiveness to challenge predatory systems, and fostering polyvision to counter monocultural perspectives. Drawing on scriptural themes, we envision a collective effort by diverse communities to restore balance and pursue shalom. This paradigm challenges the current development narrative, offering a pathway toward sustainability, equity, and reconciliation in a world gripped by poly-crisis. This framework provides a foundation for reimagining global justice, calling for shared responsibility and collective transformation grounded in theological and ethical principles. KEYWORDS: development, justice, shalom, sustainability, downward mobility, debt forgiveness, biblical ethics, economic discipleship