A Theological-ethical Framework for Economic Development: the Case of Zambia

The notion of scarcity as a point of departure in economics has not fully embraced social, moral and environmental imperatives. To illustrate this fact, the author discusses the case of Zambia . In the light of the inadequacy of scarcity, this study argues that Christian theology needs to develop a new point of departure and model for economic development founded on stewardship. In the author?s view, this framework of meaning should be considered if the human family is to move towards the attainment of adequate economic development which affects the whole gamut of life-affirming change for individual human persons, their social communities and the physical environments which sustain their very beings and livelihoods. The author challenges social scientists, social ethicists, economists, theologians, academicians, development experts, social activists, church leaders, policy makers, leaders of business and industry and political leaders to decisively, vigorously and urgently contribute to the creative and constructive re-orientation of the development economics agenda to social and environmental responsibility.