This timely new book expertly explores the treatment of religion in the evolution of development thought. The book argues that development theory and practice needs to rewrite its dominant script regarding its treatment of religion, a script which has so far been heavily inscribed in the secular tradition. In addition to providing a conceptual framework for analyzing the role of religion in development, the book provides numerous empirical examples drawn from the Christian and Islamic religious traditions. This comprehensive new guide to this key issue is essential for students, development thinkers and practitioners who wish to understand better the role that religion plays in development processes and outcomes.

Introduction 1. Addressing the Taboos Is religion relevant? - Can it be controlled? - How it operates? - Is dialogue possible? - Can it be a menu of choice? 2. Religion in Development Thought Modernization and economic growth - Basic human needs - Religious freedom - Multi-dimensional poverty - The human development approach 3. Religion in Debate The secularization thesis - Religion defined - Fundamentalism and violence 4. Religion in Development Practice The Christian mission - Evangelism and evangelicalism - Charity and political engagement - Da'wa ('God's call') - Zakat and waqf - Islam and political engagement 5. Conflicts Between Traditions Women's reproductive rights - Education - Democracy - Epistemology 6. Dialoguing Traditions Vatican II - Liberation theology - Capitalism and Islam - Itjihad - Engagement and dialogue - Dialogue and translation Bibliography