Dr. Koenig holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree in Educational Leadership and spent 20 years as an administrator and professor in higher education; 14 in secondary education; and eight as a business executive. Dr. Koenig was raised the eldest of seven children in Effingham, Illinois by devoted parents of meager means. He administered programs and services for children and adults with special needs. Dr. Koenig is a retired administrator and associate professor at Indiana University and is currently a business and education consultant. Fr. Kamwendo, Th.D. holds a Doctorate in Practical Theology and Missiology (Th.D.) Degree and was raised by loving and caring parents in a poor rural area of Lindi, Tanzania. He worked with the poor and special needs children in Tanzania and the United States. Fr. Kamwendo is Associate Pastor of St. Michael and St. Peter Catholic Parishes in Brookville, Indiana, USA.
Serving Others
A Sociological, Ethical and Theological Reflection on Poverty, Diakonia, and Transformational Development
by John E. Koenig, Ph.D. and Fr. John Francis Kamwendo, D.Th.
Serving Others
A Sociological, Ethical and Theological Reflection on Poverty, Diakonia, and Transformational Development
by John E. Koenig, Ph.D. and Fr. John Francis Kamwendo, D.Th.
Published Feb 28, 2017
527 Pages
Genre: RELIGION / Ethics
Book Details
Selfless Acts of Serving Others and Transformational Development
The thoughts, discussions, and research presented in this book are principally focused on the responsibility mankind and the Church in its mandated diaconal role, are obligated to carry out in serving others, particularly the poor, and addresses poverty through selfless acts of διακονία (diakonia) or service. In doing so, the authors discuss the importance and significance of incorporating transformational development in the decision making process by including those most directly affected by poverty and other harsh realities of life. A case study, based on Fr. Kamwendo’s doctoral dissertation, with editorial and professorial assistance from Dr. Koenig, concerning diakonia and transformational development conducted in four parishes in the Diocese of Lindi in Southern Tanzania is included. The study was principally interested in assessing the question of whether mankind, the Church and the Diocese of Lindi leadership is providing philanthropic diakonia (διακονία) and implementing transformational development processes to its parishioners and others in the region, particularly the poor. The research also focused on the extent to which they are engaged in empowering others to: “develop their own capacity and skills so that they may become competent decision makers with the confidence to act on their choices.” (Roy and Hartigan) Every effort was made to study poverty from the experiences of the poor. The case study was conducted in the Diocese of Lindi, Tanzania where Fr. Kamwendo was born and raised. This book is a thoughtful reminder that all things do work together for the good of those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.