Religion in development

By Séverine Deneulin

Book Description

In a world where spiritual beliefs profoundly shape billions of lives, development theory has surprisingly overlooked religion's central role in human progress. Séverine Deneulin addresses this critical gap by examining how faith traditions influence development outcomes in communities across the globe.

This insightful exploration reveals how development studies has been dominated by secular assumptions that fail to capture the lived realities of people in developing nations. Deneulin challenges readers to reconsider these foundational premises, arguing that authentic development work must acknowledge and engage with the religious dimensions of human experience.

The book presents religions not as static doctrines, but as dynamic traditions that continuously evolve through reinterpretation within changing social, political, and historical contexts. This nuanced understanding opens new pathways for development practitioners to work more effectively with faith-based communities.

Drawing from Christian and Islamic traditions, Deneulin provides concrete examples that illuminate how spiritual beliefs shape economic choices, social structures, and community development initiatives. Her work bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application, offering both conceptual frameworks and real-world insights.

For anyone seeking to understand how spirituality intersects with social change, this book offers essential perspectives on integrating faith wisdom into development practice. It invites readers to explore how honoring religious traditions can create more meaningful and sustainable approaches to human flourishing.