Dr.  Salomon Kalarikkal offers an excellent treatise on the theology of development in which he explores the possibility of re-imagining church as a catalyst for development in a world marked by marginalization and discrimination. An ordained minister of the Mar Thoma Church and a renowned theologian of this era, Dr. Salomon has succeeded in his effort in formulating a profound theology of human development and the mission strategy of the church founded on the kingdom values of justice, equality and fraternity. It is a significant document of the history of social theories and developmental activities in the global scenario and at the same offers an insight into the contemporary political theology of justice, peace and integrity of creation.

                                                                            Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction

1. Mar Thoma Church: A Brief Profile
2. The Major Events that Prompted the Church to Participate in Development Activities
3. The Concept and Meaning of Development
4. Previous Studies
5. Data Analysis and Interpretation
6. Focus Group Discussions and Personal Interviews
7. Findings, Suggestions and Conclusion

List of Abbreviations
Bibliography

Rev. Dr. Salomon Kalarikkal is an ordained priest in the Mar Thoma Church. He is an accomplished Theologian and social scientist. He has completed Bachelor of Divinity (B Div.) from the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam. He achieved multiple post-graduate degrees - Masters in Social Work and Sociology (MSW) from the University of Kerala, Masters in applied psychology (MA) from Annamalai University. He secured a Doctorate in Social Work (Ph.D.) from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.

His pastoral ministry in the Mar Thoma church for the last 23 years includes serving in many parishes in India and abroad. He is a proven leader who has initiated successful development projects under the Development Department (Community Development) and other social service initiatives of the church. He is a voracious reader and keen observer of societal trends, social developments starting at grass root to international level from the perspective of a student of theology and sociology.