Theological Interpretation of Advancing Sustainable Development Through Innovation and Inclusivity

Abstract

Sustainable development (SD) has become a defining global aspiration, articulated through the Brundtland Report (1987), the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015–2030, and national transformation frameworks such as Kenya Vision 2030. However, limited attention has been given to the biblical and theological interpretations necessary to frame this agenda, particularly in contexts where religion significantly shapes public and community life. In Sub-Saharan Africa, and Kenya in particular, Christianity has considerable institutional reach and public influence, yet theological engagement with sustainable development remains largely reactive, pastoral, or fragmented. Consequently, secular concepts such as innovation and inclusivity are often adopted uncritically or dismissed as foreign development terminology. This paper offers a theological interpretation of sustainable development through the twin lenses of innovation and inclusivity, arguing that both concepts are rooted in biblical revelation. Through exegetical analysis of Genesis 1–2 and Luke 4, the study explores biblical themes of stewardship (shamar/abad), human dignity (imago Dei), and covenant justice (mishpat/zedakah) as ethical foundations for sustainable development. Innovation is interpreted as an expression of humanity's God-given creative mandate, while inclusivity is grounded in the biblical affirmation of human dignity and the kingdom of God ethic. The study adopts a qualitative approach combining biblical exegesis and theological hermeneutics to examine existing concepts, theories, and scholarship on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development. It proposes textual exegesis and hermeneutical interpretation as methodological tools for integrating theological perspectives into development discourse. The paper contributes to interdisciplinary dialogue between theology and development studies by providing a theological framework for sustainable development and offering practical insights for churches, faith-based institutions, universities, and government agencies. It particularly highlights the potential of theological interpretation to support the localization of sustainable development in Kenya and across Africa.