Development as Peace: A Contextual Political Theology of Development from Yoruba Culture

by Wole Adegbile

Publisher:

Langham

, 2023

Overview

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.

Key Features

• Draws on traditional Yoruba political thoughts and practices
• Examines the political, theological, and cultural contexts of contemporary development activity in Africa

Contents

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

Praise for Development as Peace

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

Product Details

• Title: Development as Peace: A Contextual Political Theology of Development from Yoruba Culture
• Author: Wole Adegbile
• Publisher: Langham
• Print Publication Date: 2023
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 207
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Africa; Africa Politics and government; Economic development; Economic development Africa; Economic development Religious aspects; Peace; Peace Economic aspects; Politics and government; Yoruba (African people)
• ISBNs: 9781839736452, 9781839738845, 9781839738852, 1839736453, 1839738847, 1839738855
• Resource ID: LLS:DVLPMNTSYRBCLTR
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-30T17:25:23Z

About Wole Adegbile

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.