Chosen Peoples: Christianity and Political Imagination in South Sudan

South Sudan's Christian leaders claimed that the country's independence from Sudan was foretold in the Book of Isaiah. However, new conflicts emerged along ethnic lines within South Sudan, contradicting the liberation theology that had supposedly reached its climax with independence. In Chosen Peoples, Christopher Tounsel investigates the centrality of Christian worldviews to the ideological construction of South Sudan and the inability of shared religion to prevent conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 07 May 2021
Publisher: Duke University Press

South Sudan, a country with a rich Christian heritage, celebrated its independence on July 9, 2011, as the world's newest nation. Christian leaders believed that this momentous event was foretold in the Book of Isaiah, providing a foundation for the South Sudanese to differentiate themselves from their Arab and Muslim counterparts in Sudan to the north and establish themselves as a spiritual community free from oppression. However, less than three years later, new conflicts emerged along ethnic lines within South Sudan, challenging the notion that liberation theology had reached its ultimate conclusion with independence.

In his book "Chosen Peoples," Christopher Tounsel delves into the central role of Christian worldviews in shaping South Sudan's ideological construction and the limitations of shared religion in preventing conflict. Tounsel explores various aspects of this complex relationship, including the establishment of a colonial-era mission school to counter the spread of Islam up the Nile, the use of biblical language in South Sudanese propaganda during the Second Civil War (1983-2005), and the post-independence transformations of religious thought in the face of ethnic warfare.

Through his meticulous research, Tounsel highlights the potential and limitations of deploying race and Christian theology to unify South Sudan. He questions the extent to which these ideologies can bridge the deep divisions that have plagued the country since its independence and explores the challenges faced by South Sudanese leaders in reconciling their religious beliefs with the demands of national unity and social cohesion.

One of the key themes in "Chosen Peoples" is the role of colonialism in shaping South Sudan's religious landscape. Tounsel argues that the legacy of colonialism, which divided the country along ethnic lines and imposed Christian missions on the indigenous populations, continues to influence South Sudanese politics and society. The use of biblical language in propaganda during the Second Civil War, for example, was a tool used by the government to legitimize its military actions and promote a sense of national identity based on Christian values.

However, the post-independence period has seen a shift in religious thought among South Sudanese leaders. Tounsel notes that many South Sudanese Christians have begun to question the exclusivity of their faith and to embrace a more inclusive and pluralistic approach to religion. This has led to the development of interfaith dialogue and cooperation between different religious communities, as well as a greater recognition of the diversity of South Sudanese culture and identity.

Despite these positive developments, Tounsel also highlights the challenges that remain for South Sudanese leaders in reconciling their religious beliefs with the demands of national unity and social cohesion. The country's history of conflict and division, as well as the ongoing tensions between different ethnic groups, make it difficult for leaders to find common ground and build a unified nation. Tounsel argues that South Sudanese leaders need to prioritize dialogue and compromise, as well as address the underlying social and economic issues that contribute to conflict, in order to achieve long-term stability and prosperity.

In conclusion, "Chosen Peoples" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that sheds light on the complex relationship between religion, race, and national identity in South Sudan. Through his detailed analysis, Christopher Tounsel challenges the notion that shared religion can automatically prevent conflict and highlights the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to religious and social reconciliation. The book provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by South Sudanese leaders as they strive to build a peaceful and prosperous nation in the face of ongoing political and social tensions.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478010630