Christianity and Politics in Doe's Liberia
Christianity and Politics in Doe's Liberia
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This study examines the role of Christianity in Liberia under the corrupt regime of Samuel K. Doe (1980-1990). Paul Gifford shows that, in general, Liberian Christianity--far from being a force for justice and human advancement--diverted attention from the cause 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. This Christianity, devised in and controlled from the United States, thus furthered regional American economic and political objectives, which were designed to support Doe's rule.
- 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
- Published: April 1993
- Format: Hardback
- ISBN: 9780521420297
- Length: 368 pages
- Dimensions: 222 × 143 × 25 mm
- Weight: 0.559kg
- Contains: 1 b/w illus.
- Availability: 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.
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