Religion, Poverty, and Development

Abstract

This article serves two purposes. First, it introduces the forum that follows in this issue on religion and development. Second, it serves as a review of the small but quickly growing literature on how religion interacts with efforts by (often religious) people and organizations to ameliorate poverty worldwide. We address the need to define both “religion” and “development” with clarity and precision. We also call for further research in this area by sociologists, particularly at a time when the landscape of development practice is shifting, from changes in funding sources and priorities to competition between religious and secular organizations.

Insights Into the Tensions Facing Western Christians Working Overseas in an Educational Faith-Based Organisation: A Case Study

“…The individual experiences come across as more nuanced, reflected and perhaps more wise than what is portrayed in much of the research literature. I therefore agree with Offutt et al’s (2016: 2) statement that, ‘arguments about whether religion is inherently good or bad for particular development outcomes such as economic growth are ultimately futile’ and that many studies lead to contradictory claims. I would add to their conclusion that the contradictory claims are perhaps not only due to research design, but exist because there are inherent paradoxes and tensions in the Christian faith and its application to development.…”

Nonprofit Church Leaders’ Perceptions and Lived Experiences Involving Innovation Competency and Change Management: A Phenomenological Study

“…As much as religion might be useful for society, Offutt et al's (2016) argued that faith and the doctrine of Christian churches could limit innovation use by the leaders to better the lives of members. Religious leaders play a vital position in terms of social welfare provisions.…”

“…Most church leaders approach to managing change for effective organizational performance is limited with innovation abilities due to faith, spirituality and doctrines (Joakim & White, 2015;Hong, 2012). Without deploying effective innovation, other competencies failed to manage uncertainties or deliver effective organizational performance that benefits followers (Offutt et al, 2016;Probasco, 2016). Globally, nonprofit church leaders face radical changes.…”

Religion and the Quality of Life in Urban Communities

“…Some findings lead to the conclusion that most religions with the exception of Romano-Catholicism had negative influences on economic growth while other had found that some religions like Islam and Confucianism had more positive influence than Romano-Catholicism. Some studies identified a negative influence of religion in Islam-dominated countries, other a positive one (Offutt, Probasco & Vaidyanathan, 2016: 3).…”