Generosity and Solidarity -A Biblical Contribution and Perspective in Response to Poverty in Africa.

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2024

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Kabale University

Abstract

Poverty has always existed but the Holy Bible isn’t silent about it speaks about the poor and needy but at the same time commands the faithful to give generously to those that are less fortunate in society (( Deut. 24:17-22, 2 Cor. 8 & 9). The Word of God confirms that people who don’t lack what they need as a consequence of the Fall that brought sin into the world (Gen.3). That is, sin lies behind all the economic, social, political, environmental, and psychological factors that result in poverty (Andria, 2006). In addition, the Christian shouldn’t only give generously but must be a voice for the voiceless in this respect. Christians in Africa and elsewhere shouldn’t just give in times of calamities and emergencies but should empower people who receive help to help others (2 Cor. 1:4). But all the said forms of response need to be effected in the promotion of solidarity that goes hand in hand with generosity as inspired by the Word of God (Acts 4:32-35) and as a way to deal with poverty. After all, 'a person is a person because of other people’, or ‘I am, because you are” which is a proverb and a spirit of Ubuntu. The central objectives include: How does the Word of God guide us on solidarity and generosity? In what ways do other extra-biblical guides promote these two virtues of solidarity and generosity? Thus this is a bible- based article on two cultural values that could contribute towards reducing poverty but with other sources beyond the holy bible. That is, the Word of the Lord needs to guide African generosity and solidarity so as to make them better tools for the growth and development of Africa in this 21st Century.

Description

Keywords

Poverty, Generosity, Solidarity, Christian Teachings

Citation

Rugyendo, M. (2024). Generosity and Solidarity -A Biblical Contribution and Perspective in Response to Poverty in Africa. Kabale: Kabale University.