Modelling the Jewish Tzedakah Concept for Poverty Alleviation and Socio-economic Development in Africa: A Neo-Pentecostal Perspective

Abstract

As the Jewish highest level of charity, Tzedakah remains a socio-economic system reputed for development in history. In African Christianity, charity is mostly practised at lower levels. This could be one of the reasons for prevailing poverty, beggary, and increased unemployment in Africa. Using the Maimonides highest principle of Tzedakah as the underlying philosophy, this article examines the Tzedakah concept and recommends its applicability in African Neo-Pentecostal churches for the socio-economic development of adherents and surrounding communities. The article posits that Tzedakah’s contemporary practice can be a great model and strategy for the African Neo-Pentecostals to address poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment in Africa.