| Summary: | The aim of this study is to map a contextual theology of sustainable development for Tanzania, underlining its relationship to contemporary state of economy in the continent, and through this, to perceive ways in which theology can enter into a dialectical relationship with African economic realities. In achieving this noble goal, the overriding thesis states that; "for Africans, development means both sustainability and transformation. Inherent in both is belief in God's providence. God and economics in African culture(s) go together, which necessitates the theology of sustainable development that can appeal effectively to the needs of African people." When development assumes transformative role the goals of that development should be sought from within a particular society. Value systems and worldviews of the people are to be accounted for if development has to hold any meaning. Given that culture's understanding of the meaning of life and death, of time and eternity, and of how human beings should relate to the forces of the cosmos, certain ideal images of the good life and good society emerge. Although modern ideas, behavior, and technology are not repudiated on principle, they must be judged critically to determine whether or not they contribute to the sound development of individuals and communities as defined by the traditional value system. Since each developmental approach arises from within a specific socio-cultural context, and since God reveals truth within all cultures through common grace, all societies and systems, including all development approaches, contain elements of value, as well as distortions and evil. Due to possible weaknesses spelled out in the above "developmentalism" approach, an alternative route to authentic development had to be sought. This study attempts to provide that avenue for Tanzanians in realizing kind of development that assures them both sustainability and transformation through theology.
The study is divided into eight chapters. Chapter one introduces the study itself by clarifying the problem, scope and its limitations. Chapter two focuses on African theology as it faces paradigmatic trends of globalization in Africa today. Chapter three analyzes the economy of Tanzania before the fourth chapter introduces the Tanzanian church as it grapples with complex challenges brought by the global economy. The constructive work starts on chapter five by evaluating salient features of African conceptions on the concept of "development." These conceptions explicate parameters for theology of sustainable development in chapter six. Chapter seven underscores the importance and practicality of transformation and sustainability in the theology of sustainable development. Chapter eight summarizes the study by drawing conclusion. This chapter critically and constructively proposes actions by which the church in Tanzania can implement in making this theology a practical tool for liberation and transformation in Tanzania.
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