Synopses & Reviews
Liberal philosophy came to Africa through colonialism: it was taught in schools, preached and supported by the churches, and maintained and encouraged by an economic system characterized by competition and maximizing profit—capitalism. Thirty years after independence, liberal philosophy continues to erode traditional values in Africa. To redirect Africans to symbols of common life and respect for persons, nationalist leaders have tried other philosophies: negritude, African socialism, and humanism. This book shows the limitations of these philosophies, and the failure of African philosophy and theology to offer a paradigm for social change. The author proposes a new paradigm for transformation, one rooted in traditional thought, found in the concepts of moyo (life) and umunthu (personhood).
Review
A scholarly analysis of the current crisis of the values in Africa, of the past contributions of Christian missions in their formation, and of the Christians today in their reconstructions.Missiology
Review
Africa's Agenda: The Legacy of Liberalism and Colonialism in hte Crisis of African Values raises questions on a critically important subject.Journal of Third World Studies
Synopsis
The author challenges the liberal philosophy of development that has been thrust upon Africa, and calls upon Africans to rethink their values and support a new development process that places people first, rather than the physical infrastructure.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [233]-251) and index.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
Africa's Biography
Liberalism and African Culture
The Struggle for Authenticity
African Socialism
African Concepts of the World, Life and Person
Christianity and African Values
Community of Life: A Framework for Transformation
Christianity and Social Change
Bibliography
Index