Overview

Political, economic and military powers have woefully failed in their attempts to transform societies around the world, particularly in the African context. As poverty, corruption, and bad leadership continue to pervade nations and undermine human flourishing, the global community needs to respond with creativity, innovation and collaboration. Drawing on empirical research and utilizing an interdisciplinary approach that engages both development and theology, this study explores the church's role - both spiritual and pragmatic - in facilitating societal transformation in African countries, specifically Nigeria. The power of religion is often overlooked within development frameworks, but is a profoundly significant resource. Highlighting the importance of ecclesiastical leadership in mobilizing religious communities to partner with sociopolitical and economic institutions, Dr. Obaji Agbiji argues for a development framework that recognizes religious practitioners as indispensable partners in the quest for societal transformation. Offering insight for both scholars and practitioners, this sustainable transformative approach to development bridges the gap between theory and practice and challenges church and civil leadership to take concrete steps to combat societal ills and see nations transformed for the better.

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9781839737923

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Obaji Agbiji's book fills a yawning gap in the practice and literature on Christianity in Nigeria. It addresses how the Nigerian church can contribute more meaningfully to the sociopolitical and economic transformation of its society. Following an analysis that is set within an empirical-theological methodology, this book displays brilliance not only in social ethics but also in development studies. Agbiji performs the analytical, descriptive and historical tasks of this book with panache, perspicacity and profundity of knowledge. Nimi Wariboko, PhD Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics Boston University, Massachusetts, USA This book places the importance of a conscious, development-oriented ecclesiastical leadership at the centre of its consideration of the institutional church's authentic role in development in contemporary Nigeria. Although this contribution steers towards the contemporary Nigerian context, the book offers theoretical insight and perspective that are undoubtedly relevant to a wider theology and development scholarship concerned with other African contexts and beyond. Ignatius Swart, PhD Professor and Head of Department, Religion and Theology, University of the Western Cape, South Africa Obaji Agbiji's thorough and concise research in Religion, Leadership and Development represents a critical front in scholarship aimed at constructing robust theological reflection for the express purpose of a flourishing creation. Sadly, some theological reflection is too myopic to tackle the stuff of real existence. But that is not the case here. The author has set the table for a reimagined vision for the flourishing of all of creation with God at its centre and it is a project I can get behind. A. J. Swoboda, PhD Associate Professor of Bible, Theology and World Christianity, Bushnell University, Oregon, USA

Author Information

OBAJI AGBIJI has a PhD in practical theology from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and a master's degree in public policy and administration from Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA. He is the founder and CEO of several organisations, including the World Arise Initiative, Reda Consulting, and Koinonia Ministries, where he currently serves. He is also a Mason Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School and a research fellow at the University of South Africa, where he explores religion and socio-economic and political transformation.

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