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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:On a long neglected player: the religious factor in poverty alleviation: the example of the so-called 'Prosperity Gospel' in Africa
Author:Schliesser, Christine
Year:2014
Periodical:Exchange: Journal of Contemporary Christianities in Context (ISSN 0166-2740)
Volume:43
Issue:4
Pages:339-359
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:poverty
poverty reduction
Pentecostalism
Christian theology
African religions
External link:https://doi.org/10.1163/1572543X-12341336
Abstract:Much of poverty alleviation theory and practice fails to sufficiently consider the following crucial factor: the religious dimension. This paper elaborates this thesis by focusing on the African context and the valuable resources African religious communities and movements can provide in the struggle against poverty. One particularly influential streak of present-time African religiousness serves as a case study: the so-called 'Prosperity Gospel' as part of Pentecostal Christianity. The author first argues for the continuing formative influence of religion on African conceptions of self, other, and world. Secondly, she provides a critical assessment of the impact of Pentecostalism and the 'Prosperity Gospel' on poverty alleviation. In comparison with secular NGOs, Pentecostal churches emerge as the more effective agents of change. A third part situates the insights gained into a wider perspective, seeking ways to integrate the religious factor into a more holistic conception of and engagement against poverty. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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