Religion influences human life in many different aspects, starting from social life up to political and economic aspects. The correlation between religion and development was a case for academic study for a long time. Theorists like Max Weber predicted that religion will fail to survive in a new industrial world where secularization became a main principle of governance . Providing support to this theory, many developed Western states witnessed declines in religious affiliation, a weakening of religious and faith-based organizations.
However, since Weber’s period, developed states had a tendency towards less religious adherence, while many parts of the developing world had reflected the tendency in an increase of religious and finding new …show more content…
The concept of religion is considered intangible since measuring the level of religion by counting the percentage of the population which identify themselves with one or another religion- religious affiliation- can be unreliable. Therefore, such indicator must be backed up with analysis of religious institution’s strength and role within the state. Thus, this research will not measure religion and development in their relationship as abstract concepts, but via a thorough analysis of interactions between two key – the state and religious institutions. The strength of religious groups/organizations can be measured by level to which it is able to effect on government institutions and policies. Therefore, in order to identify whether religion effect on development needed thoroughly analyze how historically religion was able to influence on development on African state and how religious organizations have played a role in the development of state which will be the focus of chapter II.
Organizations, groups and individuals will be analyzed to measure the impact of religion on development. While such development indicators as Human Development Index (HDI) which is a comparative measure of life expectancy, health, education and standards of living will be used only for the statistical purpose to illustrate the overall level of development in Senegal and Nigeria. However, including HDI statistics is important to define long-term development process and most importantly religious groups/institution can influence independently and/or in cooperation with state
However, since Weber’s period, developed states had a tendency towards less religious adherence, while many parts of the developing world had reflected the tendency in an increase of religious and finding new …show more content…
The concept of religion is considered intangible since measuring the level of religion by counting the percentage of the population which identify themselves with one or another religion- religious affiliation- can be unreliable. Therefore, such indicator must be backed up with analysis of religious institution’s strength and role within the state. Thus, this research will not measure religion and development in their relationship as abstract concepts, but via a thorough analysis of interactions between two key – the state and religious institutions. The strength of religious groups/organizations can be measured by level to which it is able to effect on government institutions and policies. Therefore, in order to identify whether religion effect on development needed thoroughly analyze how historically religion was able to influence on development on African state and how religious organizations have played a role in the development of state which will be the focus of chapter II.
Organizations, groups and individuals will be analyzed to measure the impact of religion on development. While such development indicators as Human Development Index (HDI) which is a comparative measure of life expectancy, health, education and standards of living will be used only for the statistical purpose to illustrate the overall level of development in Senegal and Nigeria. However, including HDI statistics is important to define long-term development process and most importantly religious groups/institution can influence independently and/or in cooperation with state