The Participation of the Church in Wealth Creation in Ghana: A Reflection on the Role of Public Theology

Abstract

The study is an examination of the place of Public Theology in the church’s participation in wealth creation. The article argues that wealth creation that serves the common good must be motivated by perspectives informed by Public Theology. The study admitted that wealth creation is a major strategy for reducing poverty and it is a central concern for many churches, governments, organizations, and individuals. It discovered that selfishness, pride, abuse of others, and irresponsible consumption are easily associated with wealth if its sole purpose of creation is for consumption and self-glorification. In the instance where people accumulate wealth at the expense of the poor and innocent in society, the creation of such wealth becomes unacceptable according to biblical perspectives and does not serve the common good. The study concluded that the motivation for the church’s participation in wealth creation must be adequately informed by Public Theology. It recommended that Public Theology must shape the values, attitudes, and practices of churches, individuals, institutions, and society as a whole in wealth creation. It placed emphasis on social responsibility, human dignity, justice, and the common good in the efforts towards wealth creation. Public theologians must facilitate the promotion of a more holistic and sustainable approach to wealth creation that takes into account the well-being of all members of society and not just the wealthy few. The approach involves advocating for policies and practices that promote economic growth, while also addressing issues of inequality, poverty, and corruption.

Keywords

• public theology
• african christianity
• wealth creation