Trapped in Economic Vulnerability? Pastoral Theological Reflections on Poverty

Abstract

Poverty is a reality worldwide, impacting individuals, communities, and systems. However, poverty is by no means a simplistic concept and its complexity therefore needs to be highlighted as it varies from continent to continent. The Church and pastoral theology can contribute to constructively addressing poverty and the need to develop a theological understanding of poverty. In endeavoring to engage with this reality, this contribution attempts to argue that constructive dialogue creates opportunities for pastoral theology and the Church to change the conditions of the poor. It will also indicate how the Dialogical Intergenerational Pastoral Process (DIPP) as a pastoral approach to poverty, vulnerability, and vulnerance can be relevant to addressing poverty. The aim is further that this contribution will create opportunities for the poor to change pastoral theology and the Church.