Christianity and Politics in Doe's Liberia [Paperback]

This study examines the role of Christianity in Liberia under the corrupt rule of Samuel K. Doe (198090).This study examines the role of Christianity in Liberia under the corrupt rule of Samuel K. Doe (198090). Paul Gifford argues that the Church encouraged obedience and acceptance of the status quo and thus served to entrench Doe's power and promote US objectives in the region.This study examines the role of Christianity in Liberia under the corrupt rule of Samuel K. Doe (198090). Paul Gifford argues that the Church encouraged obedience and acceptance of the status quo and thus served to entrench Doe's power and promote US objectives in the region.This study examines the role of Christianity in Liberia under the corrupt regime of Samuel K. Doe (1980-1990). Paul Gifford shows that, in general, Liberian Christianity--far from being a force for justice and human advancement--diverted attention from the cause of Liberia's ills, left change to God's miraculous intervention, encouraged obedience and acceptance of the status quo, and thus served to entrench Doe's power. This Christianity, devised in and controlled from the United States, thus furthered regional American economic and political objectives, which were designed to support Doe's rule.Introduction; 1. The historical context; 2. The mainline churches; 3. The evangelical churches; 4. The faith gospel of health and wealth; 5. The independent churches; 6. The geopolitical context; 7. Conclusion. ...a must for all interested in African Christianty and politics and their interplay wth American Christianity and politics. Not only is this a representative case study but also a very wide-ranging one....To Paul Gifford and Cambridge University Press, a thousand thanks. Jan H. Boer, Calvin Theological Journal ...a chilling but vivid analysis of the role of the Christian church in Liberia....Overall this is an absorbing book, based on personal experience and a wide range of sources. It is, also, to say the least, cló#