Beginning Urban Spirituality: An Excerpt from Dr. Viv Grigg

By Dr. Viv Grigg

The following is an except from a post entitled “Pre-Urban Spirituality” which Dr. Viv Grigg authored on April 12, 2021. In it he shares some of his spiritual journey living among the poor. We hope it encourages you.

Beginning Urban Spirituality

Following the God who chooses to Care for the neediest in Incarnation, following Jesus among the poor, the third motif of mission (the first being apostolic mobility, the second, proclamation of good news) became a mark of my work. The call for good seed to go and die among the poor. Many have and suffered and much fruit of transformation of many tens of thousands have resulted. I read St Francis of Asissi so in the Manila slums drafted an outline of the Lifestyle and Values of Servants, which became the basis for a number of apostolic orders among the poor. His promise is revelation of himself as we do that. In this I have found him.

God’s engagement in the Struggle against the Powers: Entering the slum lead to demonic conflict. Preparation for wider citywide demonic conflict in Kolkata. The scriptures speak of the cosmic battle, and the eventual culmination around Jerusalem, likely in our lifetime. And Harry Potter tries to make it like a game. But at every point finding some of those who walked with me deeply flawed and continuing to walk with others today in battles in Kolkata and other cities. Many tried to coopt me.

Such spirituality leads to engagement in confrontations with injustice. Prayer works. Prophetic opposition works, Community Organization works. Political activism works. Social analysis is critical. Academics gives authority. He is the God of Justice. To know him is to do Justice, to confront the Powers, to create alternative realities.

To read more about Dr. Viv Griggs spiritual journey and how The Spirit led him to live among the poor, click here.