The Churches And The Development Debate

This book newly addresses the question about the Christian churches? participation in development. The innovative element of this reflection is the way in which the author finds meaning and significance, particularly in the concept of a fourth generation approach to strategic development engagement. The book?s essential argument is that a fourth generation strategy ? an approach that makes the contemporary social or people?s movements the primary subjects of its development action and theory ? holds the greatest prospect for authentic participation by the Christian churches in development.

Annotation Discusses the principles and practicalities of a partnership, covering a broad range of development topics.

There is a growing realization that religion plays a major role in development, particularly in the Global South. Whereas theories of secularization assumed that religion would disappear, the reality is that religion has demonstrated its tenacity. In the specific case of Zimbabwe, religion has remained a positive social force and has made a significant contribution to development, particularly through the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. This has been through political activism, contribution to health, education, women’s emancipation, and ethical reconstruction. This volume analyzes the contribution of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches to development in the country.

ÿ ?[It] reflects original research and contributes to new developments in the field of theology and religion with regard to its developmental role within a transformation context. The book may easily stand out in future as seminal in the way that it promoted the social development debate of the church and its organisational structures from an interdisciplinary focus.? ? Prof Antoinette Lombard Department of Social Work and Criminology University of Pretoria

What is the glue of society? Which forms of sociability help to overcome social needs and poverty? The role of religion and religious institutions are often expected to be relevant to questions like these. But until today, these issues were seldom raised from a theological perspective. This volume opens the discourses on social cohesion, social capital formation, and social development for the theological debate, presenting theoretical reflections and empirical research by scholars from different religion-related disciplines. (Series: Studies on Religion and Culture / Studien zu Religion und Kultur - Vol. 4)

The Mission of Development interrogates the complex relationships between Christian mission and international development in Asia from the 19th to the 21st century. Through detailed case studies the chapters break new ground in the study of religion, techno-politics and development.

"What is development? Who defines that one community/ country is "developed", while another community/ country is "under-developed"? What is the relationship between religion and development? Does religion contribute to development or underdevelopment in Africa? These and related questions elicit quite charged reactions in African studies, development studies, political science and related fields. Africa's own history, including the memory of marginalisation, slavery and exploitation by global powers ensures that virtually every discussion on development is characterised by a lot of emotions and conflicting views. In this volume scholars from various African countries and many different religions and denominations contribute to this debate."--