Browsing by Author "Medard, Rugyendo"

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    “The Poor will always be with you”: Ethical Implications for the Church and Development in Africa
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS), 2022) Medard, Rugyendo
    We live in the world and Africa in particular where the Church that promotes the love of God and neighbor but also harbours the poor as well. However, in the gospels Jesus in Matthew 26:11 echoed the words of Deuteronomy 15: 11 that the “poor will always be with you” when a woman poured expensive oil on him preparing him for his death. To most people, it is believed that he meant that poverty is unstoppable, unbreakable, unavoidable and predetermined by God yet it is created by human beings when they disobey God and neglect their neighbor. Christians ought to help each other and witness justice through sharing, clothing and providing shelter for the poor. This paper seeks to delve into the meaning of Jesus’ words and propose ethical implications for Christians. What’s the role of Christians in fighting poverty amongst themselves? Is poverty unavoidable? Is it predetermined by God? Through biblical search and other thinkers, the meaning and implications will be drawn.
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    Practicing a Christian Environmental Ethic through Stewardship
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS), 2022) Medard, Rugyendo
    This article defines the human’s moral and ethical obligations toward environment and development but based on Genesis 2:15 where ‘the LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden” to work it and take care of it. This implied that he was to think, plan, cultivate and improve on the same garden he had been placed other than living a contemplative life. The article portrays that God’s people are stewards but he retains ownership of all His creation through a careful study of God's Word as illuminated by a number of historical and recent authors. Then the article proposes the Christian’s practical implications as caretakers or managers of nature that will lead to the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The bible will be at the centre but other relevant sources that are extra- biblical will also be consulted as well.