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Ghana's New Christianity Paul Gifford

Ghana's New Christianity By Paul Gifford

Ghana's New Christianity by Paul Gifford


£16,50
Condition - Very Good
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Ghana's New Christianity Summary

Ghana's New Christianity: Pentecostalism in a Globalising African Economy by Paul Gifford

In sub-Saharan Africa over the last two decades there has been an explosion of Christianity. This book sets out to identify its particular character, focusing on a particular place: Greater Accra, the capital of Ghana. Paul Gifford examines a wide range of Accra's new churches, giving priority to mega-churches. Every dimension -- discourse, theological vision, worship, rituals, music, media involvement, use of the Bible, conventions, finances, clientele -- is analysed. Gifford argues that this Christianity is not otherworldly: its emphasis is on success, achievement, wealth here and now. Yet within this general orientation there is diversity. At one end of the spectrum are churches that, building on the traditional religious imagination, see demonic forces everywhere blocking personal success. In the churches the key factor is the special 'man of God' who is understood to have the 'anointing' to conquer these forces, to 'reverse the curse' that is holding the believer back. At the other end is a strain of this new Christianity that discounts spiritual forces and sees victory resulting from the believer's own education and skills, and from transforming culture. The book also joins the debate over the role of this Christianity in modernizing economic and political structures. It sets the scene by describing Ghana's political and economic situation in the decades when these churches were proliferating, and outlines the current debate on the reasons for Africa's economic plight. It is argued that although focusing on success and wealth can provide motivation in circumstances where it is so easy to despair, the pervasive emphasis on miracles militates against any natural fostering of a new work ethic. As for their political role, some churches are easily co-opted; others challenge the government, but for 'spiritual' reasons that provide little incentive to grapple with issues of governance; by contrast, Gifford finds one important church encouraging change of the entire political culture. No other book has set forth the complex nature of Africa's new Christianity with such clarity, or offered such a searching analysis of its power to tackle Africa's predicament.

Ghana's New Christianity Reviews

"'...Ghana's New Christianity discusses every major topic that one might reasonably expect to be comprehended under that title -- the politics, the economics, the social issues.... Gifford knows his subject totally, has vast and wide-ranging sympathy for his subjects (though without being uncritical), and explores these themes with admirable intelligence. This book is simply the best thing out there. It should set a standard for future writing in the field. Gifford is such a good scholar: I'm lost in jealousy. I hope this book gets the exposure it so richly deserves. (Philip Jenkins, Pennsylvania State University)"

About Paul Gifford

Paul Gifford teaches in the Department for the Study of Religions at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London and is the author of African Christianity: Its Public Role (Hurst, 1998).

Additional information

GOR004915815
9781850657194
185065719X
Ghana's New Christianity: Pentecostalism in a Globalising African Economy by Paul Gifford
Used - Very Good
Paperback
C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
2004-05-27
230
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Ghana's New Christianity