Christianity and Politics in Doe's Liberia
Christianity and Politics in Doe's Liberia
This study examines the role of Christianity in Liberia under the corrupt rule of Samuel K. Doe (1980–90). Paul Gifford illustrates the relationship between mainline, evangelical, new Pentecostal and independent churches, and notes the strengths and weaknesses of each. He shows that, in general, Liberian Christianity - far from being a force for justice and human advancement - diverted attention from the causes of Liberia's ills, left change to God's miraculous intervention, encouraged obedience and acceptance of the status quo, and thus served to entrench Doe's power. In so doing, this Christianity, devised in the USA and promoted largely by American missionaries, helped to further the regional economic and political objectives of the US government which was committed to supporting Doe. The Lberian example is used to illustrate the difference between the kinds of Christianity to be found in Africa and in Latin America.
- The first in-depth study of the relations between Christianity and politics in a modern African state, which has disturbing implications for what is happening in the whole of Africa
- Gifford is the leading authority on Church and state in its West African context
- Advances a controversial position which is sure to attract attention and spark controversy
Reviews & endorsements
"...a must for all interested in African Christianty and politics and their interplay wth American Christianity and politics. Not only is this a representative case study but also a very wide-ranging one....To Paul Gifford and Cambridge University Press, a thousand thanks." Jan H. Boer, Calvin Theological Journal
"...a chilling but vivid analysis of the role of the Christian church in Liberia....Overall this is an absorbing book, based on personal experience and a wide range of sources. It is, also, to say the least, contentious, particularly with regard to the strictures on American evangelists, past and present. Undoubtedly, this book is certainly bound to generate spirited debate in some circles." Felix K. Ekechi, African Studies Review
"...a welcome addition to the literature on Liberia." D. Elwood Dunn, Journal of Church and State
"It is well written, clearly argued, and provides a very useful case study of African Christianity since the Pentecostal explosion." - American Historical Review
Product details
May 2002Paperback
9780521520102
368 pages
218 × 140 × 24 mm
0.558kg
1 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. The historical context
- 2. The mainline churches
- 3. The evangelical churches
- 4. The faith gospel of health and wealth
- 5. The independent churches
- 6. The geopolitical context
- 7. Conclusion.
