Description
Religious belief is a common human characteristic with eighty percent of the world's population professing religious faith. Observable in all societies, religious belief is pervasive, profound, persuasive and persistent. The premise of this book is that despite this, religion has long been ignored within mainstream development paradigms and by development practitioners (both locally and at the international level) resulting in sub-optimal development outcomes. Matthew Clarke argues that each religion offers useful insights into various issues concerning development that should be considered by donors, NGOs, and others seeking to improve the lives of the poor.
Undergraduates and postgraduate students of development studies, religious studies and theology will gratefully welcome this highly regarded book.
Contents: Foreword by Katherine Marshall; Preface; 1. The Religion - Development Nexus; 2. Hinduism - Dharma and Active Citizenship; 3. Buddhism - A Middle Way for Development; 4. Judaism - A Cry for Justice; 5. Christianity - Development as an Option for the Poor; 6. Islam: Equality and Action; 7. Conclusion; References; Index
About the Author
Matthew Clarke, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Researcher Development and Alfred Deakin Professor, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
Reviews
'This is a book I have been waiting for. . . While religion may still reside outside the mainstream of development thinking, this book makes an important and significant contribution to addressing this weakness. It enables the reader to engage in this complex field with much greater understanding and insight.' -- Rick James, Development in Practice
Book Information
ISBN 9781848445840
Author Matthew Clarke
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd