A theology of international development / Thia Cooper.

Author
Cooper, Thia [Browse]
Format
Book
Language
English
Published/​Created
  • Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2020.
  • ©2020
Description
127 pages ; 23 cm.

Details

Subject(s)
Series
Routledge research in religion and development [More in this series]
Summary note
"Religion and development have been intertwined since development's beginnings, yet faith-based aid and development agencies consistently fail to consider how their theology and practice intersect. This book offers a Christian theology of development, with practical solutions to bridge the gap and return to truly faith-based policies and practices. Development aims to raise the living standard of the world's poor, mainly through small-scale projects that increase economic growth. A theology of liberation provided a critique to development practice, but a specific theology of development is still lacking, and many faith-based aid agencies have failed to adapt their practice. In applying theological thinking to development, the author argues that aid agencies need to address the entrenchment of unequal power relations, and embrace a holistic notion of development, defined by the needs of those most marginalized, instead of by a focus on economic growth. Development organisations need to consider the distinction between charity and justice, and to empower people in the Global South, paying particular attention to the intersections of race, class, sexuality, religion and the environment. Overall this book is a powerful call to upend development practice as it currently exists, and to return faith-based organizations to following Christian practices. It will be an important read for religion and development researchers, practitioners, and students"-- Provided by publisher.
Bibliographic references
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents
  • Introduction
  • Part 1 Theology Empowerment
  • Justice
  • Being with the marginalized
  • Part 2 Practice
  • Empowerment in practice
  • Justice in practice: economics
  • Justice at the intersections
  • Conclusion.
ISBN
  • 9780367332013 (hardcover)
  • 0367332019 (hardcover)
LCCN
2019054013
OCLC
1128885130
Statement on language in description
Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...
Other views
Staff view

Supplementary Information