Abstract

The dissertation begins by listing a set of thoroughly interlocked problems which exist and call the very sustainability of our civilization into question. Since these challenges arise from human actions, the crisis is properly seen to be moral. The diagnosis offered is that this moral debilitation has resulted from a slavish adherence to the life-destroying metaphysics of materialistic scientism, the implication being that only a reformulation of metaphysical thought is capable of yielding the necessary moral regeneration. A broad theory which assists in the task of metaphysical reconstruction and allows for the open identification and honest assessment of the normative element of organizational practices is developed. Using this overarching framework for inquiry, the non-profit housing organization Habitat for Humanity is studied. In only two decades this globally transformative organization has spread to every continent becoming the largest home builder in the world. The principle factors explaining Habitat's remarkable expansion are unearthed. Paramount is the organization's Christian identity and purpose. The deep reality uncovered reveals God at the center of the movement. Next is the sheer moral correctness of what Habitat does. Habitat's approach to enacting its moral vision of eliminating poverty housing emphasizes partnership and participation. Using donated capital Habitat volunteers work with a needy family to build a modest house for them. The family contributes their own sweat equity and buys the house from the affiliate at cost on a no-interest mortgage. The money they pay back is used to build more houses. The spiritual unity provided by the Christian worldview allows love to be the organizing principle of the effort. The study yields a number of important insights to a civilization ravaged at its metaphysical roots. Habitat begins with a comprehensive picture of the world and acts out of that understanding to rebuild the basic structures of society thus demonstrating the importance of solid metaphysical foundations and healthy persons, families, and communities, shows that it is possible to relegate money to its rightful place as a means, stresses the benefits of proceeding with a worthwhile superordinate goal, displays the outworkings of the distinctive Christian virtue of agape love