The contribution of preaching for the betterment of the standard of living of the poor in the district of Fandriana- Madagascar.

Abstract

This study investigates on the contribution of preaching to the betterment of the socio economic lives of the poor in the district of Fandriana-Madagascar. Bevans’ anthropological and praxis models of contextual theology, semi-overt participant observation were conducted. Our analysis shows a close relation between divine and human actions, and between the rich and the poor in society. Preaching should be the proclamation of Jesus and about Jesus as good news to the poor. Malagasy wisdom, recorded in the Malagasy proverbs, are the seeds already in the ground allowing a good understanding of a preaching for the betterment of the socio-economic conditions of the poor. We conclude that the call for the possibility of an earthly social justice, the proclamation of God’s Words and action for a human behaviour change that which attenuate the system of exploitation within the society as initiation of the positive social change, and a call for diaconal works within the holistic mission of the church are and should be the contribution of preaching in the improvement of the standard of living of poor in Fandriana. It is worth noticing that social justice, positive social change and diakonia need actions per se to complete the positive transformation process of the society.