Christian Reflections on Development

Development is an epithet that is often used when referring to the progress of countries that are economically dis­ advantaged. It presupposes a world in which disparity exists and where the right of disadvantaged countries to remedy their condition is recognized by those who have it in their power to help. It would include creating the conditions and structures for growth, advancement in culture and learning, a higher stan­ dard of living, being self-reliant and providing more than merely subsistence level resources for citizens in the developing coun­ tries. This article seeks to explore some humane and Christian perspectives that enable development to be fulfilling and, there­ fore, humanizing. We begin by asking about the meaning of development. The author concludes the article by asserting that the true practice of religion encourages accountability to at least three constituencies: the nations that are being developed, the nations that are participating in the development process and God who, as source and goal of humankind, is experienced in the different religions in the world