Non-Governmental Public Action

'The editors of this volume pose major challenges to the research community: to re-evaluate the concepts, assumptions and methods that may veil rather than illuminate contemporary African societies and to develop a better understanding of the relationships between religion, politics, development and modernity. The authors of the individual chapters make a valuable contribution to this research agenda by examining aspects of the place of religion in public spaces; how religions function and shape people's lives, communities and organizations; and the role of religion in the sphere of health.' - Carole Rakodi, Director of the Religion and Development Research Programme, International Development Department, University of Birmingham, UK

'This groundbreaking volume makes a significant contribution to an emerging field in Development Studies. Drawing from a variety of disciplines, its wide-ranging and original set of essays demonstrates the centrality of religious ideas and practices - Traditional, Christian and Islamic - to contemporary African popular culture and their capacity to shape public life and politics. Focusing on the beliefs and passions of ordinary religious adherents, the essays make a compelling case for a holistic human centred model of development and highlight the inadequacy of hitherto dominant western secular models. The collection is required reading for policy makers, practitioners and researchers working in development.'- David Maxwell, Professor of African History, Keele University, UK