1st Edition

Themes in Religion and Human Security in Africa

Edited By Joram Tarusarira, Ezra Chitando Copyright 2021
    288 Pages
    by Routledge

    288 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book reflects on major themes present at the interface between religion and human security in Africa. It probes the extent to which religion is both a threat to and a resource for human security in Africa by examining specific issues occurring across the continent.

    A team of contributors from across Africa provide valuable reflections on the conceptualisation and applicability of the concept of human security in the context of religion in Africa. Chapters highlight how themes such as knowledge systems, youth, education, race, development, sacred texts, the media, sexual diversity, health and others have implications for individual and group security. In order to bring these themes into perspective, chapters in the first section reflect on the conceptual, historical and contextual factors at play. The chapters that follow demonstrate the theories put forward by means of case studies from countries such as Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana and Ghana that look at African religion, Islam and Christianity.

    This is a detailed and informative volume that provides new insights into the discourse on religion and human security. As such, it will be of significant use to any scholar of Religion and Violence, Religion in Africa and Religious Studies, as well as African and Security Studies more generally.

    Introduction: Themes in Religion and Human Security in Africa

    Joram Tarusarira and Ezra Chitando

    1 Religion and the Critique of Human Security

    Joram Tarusarira

    2 Religion and Human Security in Africa

    Chammah J. Kaunda and Sokfa F. John

    3 The Political Economy of Religious Violence in Africa

    Asonzeh Ukah

    4 African Traditional Religion and Human Security in Ghana

    Samuel Awuah-Nyamkye

    5 Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Ubuntu/Hunhu and the Preservation of Ecosystems in Zimbabwe: Implications for Human Security

    Alfred Madanhi

    6 Race, Schooling and Religious Conflict at the Bulawayo Indian School, Southern Rhodesia, 1935-1950 Barbara Mahamba

    7 Religious Tribalism, Local Morality and Violence in Christian Kenya

    Yonatan Gez, Yvan Droz and Hervé Maupeu

    8 Terrorism in Africa: Explaining the Need for Good Governance in order to Promote Human Security

    Darlington Mutanga

    9 Development as a Factor in the Religion and Human Security Nexus in Africa

    Molly Manyonganise

    10 Is Islam the Problem or the victim of violence? Selective Interpretation of Sacred Texts and the Threat to Living Together in Africa

    Hassan J. Ndzovu

    11 Communicating Religious Extremism in West Africa

    Innocent Chiluwa, Lily Chimuanya and esther Ajiboye

    12 The ambivalence of the immanent: human security and the development response to HIV and AIDS in Uganda Brenda E. Bartelink

    13 Engaging Youth for a Sustainable Culture of Peace and Security in Kenya: The Role of Faith Based/Inspired Organizations and Other Non-State Actors

    Damaris Pasitau and Godwin Murunga

    14 The Church in Botswana: An Ally or an Enemy of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Community?

    Pauline Elizabeth Motswapong

    15 From faith through hospital to faith: Value Prisms of health seeking in Ghana

    Simon Kofi Appiah

    16 Teaching Religion and Human Security in Africa

    Ezra Chitando and Joram Tarusarira

    Biography

    Joram Tarusarira is an Assistant Professor of Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding and the Director of the Centre for Religion, Conflict and Globalisation at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. He has expertise in Religion, Conflict, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation; Religion and Politics; Community Development; Civil Society and Social Movements. He has published widely in these areas. One of his latest publications (co-edited with E. Chitando) is, Religion and Human Security in Africa (2019).

    Ezra Chitando currently serves as Professor of History and Phenomenology of Religion at the University of Zimbabwe and as Theology Consultant on HIV and AIDS for the World Council of Churches. He has expertise in Religion and: Security, Development, HIV/AIDS, Gender, Climate Change and others. He has published widely in these areas. One of is his latest publications (co-edited with J. Tarusarira) is, Religion and Human Security in Africa (2019).