Ethico-Phenomenological Appraisal of Religion and Development in Africa

Abstract

Empirical studies linking contemporary discussions on human transformation indicate that development faces a number of interrelated challenges, foremost being the neglected importance of religion as a determinant for development. Even though religion poses the capacity of serving as a strong force in boosting societal development and its importance is continuously increasing since the beginning of the new millennium, a number of hypotheses still fail to connect religion to development. Drawing upon an extensive contemporary research on religion and development literature, this study examines the relationship between religion and development in Africa. With an insight provided into understanding the independent layers of religious development nexus in Africa, a criterion on what should constitute an appropriate approach toward societal development is thus supplied. Findings reveal that religion remains one clear option of inspiration and motivation for welfare and humanitarian engagement. This study has significant implication for cumulative research on African religiosity and development.