Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Religion & Culture / Religious Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Not applicable

Advisor Role

Not applicable

Abstract

Throughout their history, human societies have been faced with many issues. In this study, the focus will be upon the issue of hunger in less developed countries that has presently reached a critical stage that threatens human existence. Church and world leaders have all voiced concern over this issue but to date no generally effective policies have been developed that would enable the almost 600 million people who are hungry at present to enjoy a basic level of nutritional food consumption.

In this study, we will provide one framework by which an accurate diagnosis can be made of the problem that will result in appropriate prescriptions for policy to overcome this dilemma. The three existing economic strategies, which are observed as the Neo-Malthusian, Green Revolution, and New Economic Order policies, will be analysed in the light of a concept of human fulfillment that recognizes the three essential needs for identity, growth and transcendence.

From a Christian perception of life, the Kingdom of God provides the subsoil from which human fulfillment arises. Where the there essential needs of human existence (identity, growth, and transcendence) are each addressed in such a way that fosters a balanced level of development among them, then human fulfillment occurs. Insofar as human fulfillment is promoted, the Kingdom of God is enhanced within history.

This study will show that presently the essential human needs of identity and growth are being addressed by Neo-Malthusian and Green Revolution policies. However, the need for transcendence is not currently receiving the necessary attention as evidenced by the growing level of alienation among people of the less developed countries. To the extent the Neo-Malthusian and Green Revolution policies are pursued with the same popularity, they will in fact serve only to increase the need for transcendence and further increase the level of alienation.

Therefore, in the name of human fulfillment, economic policies of the New Economic Order type which focus on the alleviation of alienation should now receive greater support by decision makers within and outside the Church.

Convocation Year

1979

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