Christianity and Politics in Doe's Liberia

by Paul Gifford

Overview

This study examines the role of Christianity in Liberia under the corrupt regime of Samuel K. Doe (1980-1990). Paul Gifford shows that, in general, Liberian Christianity—far from being a force for justice and human advancement—diverted attention from the cause of Liberia's ills, left change to God's miraculous intervention, encouraged obedience and acceptance of the status quo, and thus served to entrench Doe's power. This Christianity, devised in and controlled from the United States, thus furthered regional American economic and political objectives, which were designed to support Doe's rule.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521420297
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/08/1993
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Ideology and Religion , #2
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	5.63(w) x 8.74(h) x 0.98(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. The historical context; 2. The mainline churches; 3. The evangelical churches; 4. The faith gospel of health and wealth; 5. The independent churches; 6. The geopolitical context; 7. Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"...a must for all interested in African Christianty and politics and their interplay wth American Christianity and politics. Not only is this a representative case study but also a very wide-ranging one....To Paul Gifford and Cambridge University Press, a thousand thanks." Jan H. Boer, Calvin Theological Journal

"...a chilling but vivid analysis of the role of the Christian church in Liberia....Overall this is an absorbing book, based on personal experience and a wide range of sources. It is, also, to say the least, contentious, particularly with regard to the strictures on American evangelists, past and present. Undoubtedly, this book is certainly bound to generate spirited debate in some circles." Felix K. Ekechi, African Studies Review

"...a welcome addition to the literature on Liberia." D. Elwood Dunn, Journal of Church and State

"It is well written, clearly argued, and provides a very useful case study of African Christianity since the Pentecostal explosion." - American Historical Review

From the Publisher