Reflections on the Ten Principles of Catholic Social Teaching as a Biblical Guide to a Stewardship Ethos for Sustainable Development in Kenya

Résumé

Biblical theology offers nations foundational moral and ethical principles for guiding the strategy formulation and attainment of sustainable development goals. This paper seeks to discuss various Bible passages as they relate to the different Catholic social principles which are included in the Kenyan version of Vision 2030. The paper is based on the preliminary findings of an ethnographic study done on five organizations based in the Central and Western parts of Kenya, that won local or international awards for excellence in sustainable development, practiced over at least ten years. The study sought to understand how Biblical teachings inculcated in the organizations motivate sustainable development practices among them. It utilized semi-structured interview protocols administered to thirty-one individual respondents. Respondents consisted of staff members, beneficiaries, and directors. Data was transcribed and analyzed using NVIVO 12.4. The key findings were that the Bible provides teachings and resultant wisdom for development practices in a way that growing disciples of Christ can use to disciple others in their communities and marketplaces. Some critical principles and corresponding Biblical texts discussed are those concerning human dignity (Gen.1; Ps. 147; Is. 46; Rom. 11:33), respect for human life (Eccl. 11:5; Dan. 5:23), freedom of association (Acts 2), participation, care for the poor and vulnerable (Deut. 15:11; James 2:5; Ezek. 22), solidarity (Gen. 4:9-12), stewardship (Gen. 1:29), subsidiarity (Matt. 25:1430), human equality (Deut.7; Gen.15:6), and the principle of the common good (Eph. 4). Marketplace theology is not the preserve of theological institutions but the responsibility of every Christian leader and every citizen for the establishment of truly sustainable development. When stewardship is used as a foundational organizing principle, individuals can be encouraged to develop themselves as powerful actors in society, to the benefit of all.