A study of concepts of poverty in Old and New Testaments and their relevance for comtemporary expressions of poverty in Nairobi (Ph.D. Thesis)

In most Third World cities poverty is most evident in the prevalence of slums and beggars. A sociological study of 401 beggars in Nairobi, Kenya, aged ten years and above, revealed that landlessness, lack of education, unemployment, disease, and inadequate assistance contributed significantly to the presence of beggars. Programs initiated by the Government, NGOs and individuals/groups were found to be insufficient. While the Old Testament demands that justice be the foundation for alleviating poverty, the New Testament states that love and compassion be extended to the poor. The deprivation of the poor in Nairobi might be mitigated through evangelism and social action, both of which put Christ's love and compassion into action.