Abstract
Economically sub-Saharan Africa seems to be in a hopeless state. There are many reasons for this situation. The thesis of this article is that one important factor contributing to this state of affairs is the basic philosophical presuppositions of the traditional African world view. This world view includes inter alia the following aspects: the idea of the limited good (which discourages initiative because those who prosper expose themselves to suspicions of having appropriated more than their due portion of the good), belief in magic (which makes it difficult for people to see the real connection between input and result), ancestor veneration (which perpetuates traditionalism and resistance to family planning), and the remoteness of God (which gives rise to a humanistic ethic). This article indicates how in every case the Gospel provides an avenue of escape from the chains which bind Africa to this fate, especially where it can inculcate a Puritan work ethic. The conclusion is that, even apart from considerations of eternal salvation, it is very important that there will be a genuine revival of biblical Christian faith in Africa, if in the short term this continent is to make economic progress.
Highlights
A friend of mine reports after a recent visit to a central African country: “Roads, telephones, hospitals, schools and other public services are collapsing
The same disheartening picture presents itself in most African countries
In Nigeria, one of the richer African countries, “government services have grounded to a halt
Summary
A friend of mine reports after a recent visit to a central African country: “Roads, telephones, hospitals, schools and other public services are collapsing. They should seek to be informed about the facts of loans and international aid, and indicate ways which are more in conformity with the gospel Another important reason is the population explosion, which even in relatively affluent African countries such as South Africa makes it more difficult every year to provide jobs and essential educational, health and social services for the masses. In order to be able to cope in modern society, people need adaptability, a spirit of initiative and innovation, whether individual or communal, dogged perseverance in pursuing goals set, responsible, conservation-minded exploitation of resources, punctuality and an appreciation of the value of time, integrity of government, responsible family planning under the looming threat of the population explosion None of these vital requirements for success or even survival in modern society has a place in the traditional African world view, rather, all of them stand in direct contrast to it. This is due to leave the people of Africa seething with dissatisfaction and frustration, resigned to the apathy of hopelesness, or ready for crime, violence and constant destructive revolution, caught up in a vicious circle of self-perpetuation poverty
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