More Information
ISBN: 9781839736452
Imprint: Langham Academic
Format: Paperback
Dimensions (mm): 229 x 152 x 11
Publication Date: 31/07/2023
Pages: 226
Series: Studies in Public Theology
Language: English

Development as Peace

A Contextual Political Theology of Development from Yoruba Culture

£20.99

The colonial definition of development has not served Africa well. While Western assessments have generally revolved around a nation’s GDP, infrastructure, and the like, African cultures, and the Yoruba people in particular, have traditionally measured development in relation to the amount of peace experienced in a society and the wellbeing of its people.

In this study, Dr. Wole Adegbile examines the political, theological, and cultural contexts of contemporary development activity in Africa, including the impact of modernization theory on African nation-states. He then draws on traditional Yoruba political thoughts and practices, including the similarities between the Yoruba conception of a thriving community and the biblical principle of shalom, to formulate a contextual political theology of development that would holistically address cultural identity and spiritual restoration. Rooted in the intersection of Scripture and traditional African values, this book suggests a way forward for African society, its political leaders, and the church.

Author Bios

Wole Adegbile
(By)

WOLE ADEGBILE has a PhD in Theology and Development from Africa International University, Kenya. He previously served as a pastor with Grace Baptist Church Merian, Lagos, Nigeria, and Jesus Glory Centre Ministries, Togotho, Kenya. He is currently director of quality assurance at Africa College of Theology, Rwanda, and also lectures at Africa International University, Kenya.

Endorsements

This book is an interesting integration of biblical revelation, Yoruba culture, politics, and development. This approach to formulate contextual theology is daring, exciting, fresh, and most welcoming. There is much to commend in the methodology, analysis, and application of global principles of theological enterprises to a particular culture – transformation, the holistic development of individual persons and society at large is the goal of the gospel.

Emiola Nihinlola, PhD
Professor of Christian Theological Studies and President,
Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso


Development as Peace explores a contextual political theology of development using Yoruba traditional culture. The work is well researched and it makes a seminal contribution to the quest for development that is rooted in the African heritage, and one that is relevant and meets the aspirations of Africans. I recommend the book for all development practitioners, students of development, development agencies engaged in community and government institutions, and policy makers on national development programmes, who want to do development that transforms communities.

James Nkansah-Obrempong, PhD
Dean, Nairobi Evangelical School of Theology,
Africa International University, Kenya

Table of Contents

  1. Preface
  2. Chapter 1
    Introduction
  3. Chapter 2
    The Contextual Political Theology of Development
  4. Chapter 3
    Àlàáfíà Lójù: Yoruba Traditional Developmental-Political Thoughts
  5. Chapter 4
    Kábíyèsí, Aláṣẹ Èkejì Òrìṣà: Yoruba Traditional Developmental-Political Practices
  6. Chapter 5
    Modernization Theory of Development and its Implications for African Nation-State Politics
  7. Chapter 6
    Politics that Fosters Development: Lessons from Yoruba Traditional Developmental-Political Thoughts and Practices
  8. Chapter 7
    Way Forward
  9. Bibliography
  10. Glossary of Yoruba Terms Used
  11. Appendix
    Some Yoruba Cities in the Middle Ages
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