Christianity, Development and Modernity in Africa
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2016
Language: eng
Number of pages: 198
ISBN-13: 9780190495732
Subjects: Economic development, social aspects; Africa, social conditions; Africa, politics and government; Africa, economic conditions
Description: There is an important if largely unremarked diversity within African Christianity; on the one hand, an enchanted Christianity that views the world as pervaded by spiritual forces, and on the other a disenchanted Christianity that discounts such forces. An enchanted Christian sees his glorious destiny threatened by witches, marine spirits, spirit spouses, and ancestral curses. Churches catering for this worldview lay bare the workings of this spirit world, deliver those suffering from spirit attacks, and equip members to combat these forces. This enchanted imagination, along with the prosperity gospel, and emphasis on the pastor's 'anointing', are the principal characteristics of much African Pentecostalism. Gifford argues that the enchanted religious imagination militates against development by encouraging fear and distrust.