Questions to Help Understand Religion and Development in Vanuatu

Authors

  • Matthew Clarke

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-id432

Keywords:

Christianity, development, Vanuatu, Pacific Islands

Abstract

Across the Pacific, Christianity features prominently in both the modern history as well as the contemporary social-political experiences of these countries. In Vanuatu, self-professed Christian religious belief approaches one hundred per cent of the population. It is clear that religion in Vanuatu has important effects on development processes, social services, institutions, and social networks. Yet, despite this self-evident close integration, much more research is required to better understand the entanglements of Christianity and development. Drawing on previous research in Vanuatu, this article identifies seven key questions that require further research. These questions cover issues associated with gender, participation, leadership, theology, partnerships, and dynamics of religious change. It is proposed that these seven questions also have relevancy across the Pacific region. Holding greater knowledge of the intersection between religion and development will lead to more authentic engagement with religion and religious organisations and potentially better development outcomes for local communities.

Author Biography

Matthew Clarke

Alfred Deakin Professor Matthew Clarke is Head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin University (Australia). Matthew's research includes aid effectiveness, development in the Pacific, and religion and development.

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Published

03-05-2019

How to Cite

Clarke, M. (2019). Questions to Help Understand Religion and Development in Vanuatu. Sites: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-id432

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Section

Articles