Christianity and Social Change in Contemporary Africa

The Nagel Institute proposes two grant making programs that will inaugurate more concerted JTF work in the region. One grants program will feature African theologians and the other will focus on the continent’s social sciences. Instead of taking a problems approach, this program’s researchers will ask why, in spite of so many problems, do so many Africans flourish
and make progress?

1. The grants for theologians will address how African modes of spirituality shape African Christianity today and how African values and virtues are embedded within a Christian context.
2. The program for social scientists addresses contemporary African Christianity as a social force, focusing on its innovative and competitive character. Many social scientists still ignore or discount religion’s social impact, and many Christian theologians regret African Christians’ diversification and competitiveness. This program will ask, to the contrary, how might religious innovation and competition in Africa be contributing to social and theological renewal?