Routledge Themes in Religion and Human Security in Africa (Routledge Studies in Religion)

This book reflects on major themes present at the interface between religion and human security in Africa. It probes the extent to which religion is both a threat to and a resource for human security in Africa by examining specific issues occurring across the continent. A team of contributors from across Africa provide valuable reflections on the conceptualisation and applicability of the concept of human security in the context of religion in Africa. Chapters highlight how themes such as knowledge systems, youth, education, race, development, sacred texts, the media, sexual diversity, health and others have implications for individual and group security. In order to bring these themes into perspective, chapters in the first section reflect on the conceptual, historical and contextual factors at play. The chapters that follow demonstrate the theories put forward by means of case studies from countries such as Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana and Ghana that look at African religion, Islam and Christianity. This is a detailed and informative volume that provides new insights into the discourse on religion and human security. As such, it will be of significant use to any scholar of Religion and Violence, Religion in Africa and Religious Studies, as well as African and Security Studies more generally. About the Author Joram Tarusarira is an Assistant Professor of Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding and the Director of the Centre for Religion, Conflict and Globalisation at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. He has expertise in Religion, Conflict, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation; Religion and Politics; Community Development; Civil Society and Social Movements. He has published widely in these areas. One of his latest publications (co-edited with E. Chitando) is, Religion and Human Security in Africa (2019). Ezra Chitando currently serves as Professor of History and Phenomenology of Religion at the University of Zimbabwe and as Theology Consultant on HIV and AIDS for the World Council of Churches. He has expertise in Religion and: Security, Development, HIV/AIDS, Gender, Climate Change and others. He has published widely in these areas. One of is his latest publications (co-edited with J. Tarusarira) is, Religion and Human Security in Africa (2019).