Africa's Agenda: The Legacy of Liberalism and Colonialism in the Crisis of African Values (Contributions in Afro-American and African Studies: Contemporary Black Poets) [Hardcover]

Harvey J. Sindima (Author)

Book Description

Series: Contributions in Afro-American and African Studies: Contemporary Black Poets | Publication Date: October 20, 1995

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).

Editorial Reviews

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

Book Description

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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Praeger (October 20, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313294798
• ISBN-13: 978-0313294792
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,942,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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