Themes in Religion and Human Security in Africa

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.

Introduction: Themes in Religion and Human Security in Africa Joram Tarusarira and Ezra Chitando 1 Religion and the Critique of Human Security Joram Tarusarira 2 Religion and Human Security in Africa Chammah J. Kaunda and Sokfa F. John 3 The Political Economy of Religious Violence in Africa Asonzeh Ukah 4 African Traditional Religion and Human Security in Ghana Samuel Awuah-Nyamkye 5 Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Ubuntu/Hunhu and the Preservation of Ecosystems in Zimbabwe: Implications for Human Security Alfred Madanhi 6 Race, Schooling and Religious Conflict at the Bulawayo Indian School, Southern Rhodesia, 1935-1950 Barbara Mahamba 7 Religious Tribalism, Local Morality and Violence in Christian Kenya Yonatan Gez, Yvan Droz and Hervé Maupeu 8 Terrorism in Africa: Explaining the Need for Good Governance in order to Promote Human Security Darlington Mutanga 9 Development as a Factor in the Religion and Human Security Nexus in Africa Molly Manyonganise 10 Is Islam the Problem or the victim of violence? Selective Interpretation of Sacred Texts and the Threat to Living Together in Africa Hassan J. Ndzovu 11 Communicating Religious Extremism in West Africa Innocent Chiluwa, Lily Chimuanya and esther Ajiboye 12 The ambivalence of the immanent: human security and the development response to HIV and AIDS in Uganda Brenda E. Bartelink 13 Engaging Youth for a Sustainable Culture of Peace and Security in Kenya: The Role of Faith Based/Inspired Organizations and Other Non-State Actors Damaris Pasitau and Godwin Murunga 14 The Church in Botswana: An Ally or an Enemy of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Community? Pauline Elizabeth Motswapong 15 From faith through hospital to faith: Value Prisms of health seeking in Ghana Simon Kofi Appiah 16 Teaching Religion and Human Security in Africa Ezra Chitando and Joram Tarusarira

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).