1.3 Christian traditions of social thought
In different times and places the biblical examples and teachings toward the agenda of what is now described as "development" have been interpreted and applied in different ways, and to a greater or lesser extent. The reasons for this variation include the level of faithfulness of the churches to the tradition they have inherited, and the ways in which the church has interacted with local culture. Christians have also differed in their understanding of the relationship of spiritual and material, with some taking an other-worldly approach to faith. The social status and political context of Christians has also been a factor in how they engage socially- and politically and whether they focus on individual and family well-being, or on wider social issues.