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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | A spirituality of resistance and hope: African Instituted Churches' response to poverty |
Author: | Mwaura, Philomena Njeri |
Year: | 2005 |
Periodical: | Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies |
Volume: | 37 |
Issue: | 1-2 |
Pages: | 65-83 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Kenya |
Subjects: | African Independent Churches poverty |
Abstract: | One of the challenges in Africa is poverty and how to rescue individuals as well as the community from its devastating consequences. This paper examines African Instituted Churches (AICs) in Kenya - which are basically churches of the poor - and how they respond to poverty. Their poverty is caused by both internal and external factors. Their general lack of skills and resources and an ethic that spiritualizes evil and disdains material possessions exacerbates their experiences of poverty. Nevertheless, they have developed coping mechanisms of thrift, social and spiritual support for one another, and this enables them to acquire hope in the midst of dehumanizing situations. This is a spirituality of resistance and hope and not a form of escapism. With God on their side, they have managed to transcend their marginal conditions. Ref., sum. [Journal abstract] |