Which Way to Shalom? A Theological Exploration of the Yoruba and Western Foundations for Ethics and Development

Abstract

The biblical concept of shalom is a state worthy of pursuit. This article is a theological exploration of the Yoruba and the Western (humanist) ethical foundations for development. The research uses a comparative technique to examine the parallels and differences between the biblical idea of shalom and the Yoruba and Western views on ethics and well-being. Yoruba proverbs and popular sayings are used as crucial components to elicit traditional ideas on morality and well- being. To identify the Western view on ethics and well- being, the study investigates the initiatives and objectives of transnational organizations. The study finds that the Yoruba idea of àlàáfíà (peace), which is also a pursuit of morality and well-being, is more closely aligned with the biblical concept of shalom than the Western view.

Keywords

• ethics
• development
• shalom
• humanism
• yoruba