{"product_id":"from-pews-to-politics-religious-sermons-and-political-participation-in-africa-9781108707978","title":"From Pews to Politics: Religious Sermons and Political Participation in Africa","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eReligion can influence political participation, as demonstrated by this book using Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa. Pews to Politics in Africa explores the impact of sermon exposure on political participation and its longevity by examining the diversity of sermon content in contemporary Christian houses of worship. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 288 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 31 March 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Cambridge University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book delves into the contentious issue of whether religion influences political participation, utilizing Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa as its empirical foundation. By examining the content of sermons delivered in contemporary Christian churches, McClendon and Riedl shed light on the diverse range of messages conveyed. They then employ a multi-faceted approach, including laboratory experiments, observational survey data, focus groups, and case comparisons, in Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya to investigate the impact of sermon exposure on political participation and its enduring effects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePews to Politics in Africa harnesses the richness of sermon diversity in sub-Saharan Africa to gain insights into the cultural influences shaping political engagement among ordinary citizens. The book explores how these influences shape individuals' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, ultimately influencing their participation in political processes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrough their research, McClendon and Riedl make several key findings. Firstly, they demonstrate that religious teachings communicated in sermons can influence the degree and form of citizens' political participation. Sermons that promote social justice, equality, and human rights tend to encourage greater political engagement, while those that emphasize obedience and loyalty to religious authorities may discourage political involvement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecondly, the book highlights the longevity of the impact of sermon exposure on political participation. While immediate effects may be observed, such as increased attendance at political rallies or participation in community activities, the long-term effects are more profound. Sermons that promote values and beliefs that align with political participation can shape individuals' political attitudes and behaviors over time, leading to sustained engagement in political processes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFurthermore, Pews to Politics in Africa emphasizes the pluralism of sermons in sub-Saharan Africa. The book recognizes that different religious traditions and denominations within Christianity have distinct teachings and messages, which can have varying impacts on political participation. By studying the content of sermons across different religious contexts, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the cultural influences shaping political engagement in the region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe findings of this book have significant implications for policymakers, religious leaders, and civic organizations. Policymakers can use the insights provided to develop policies that promote religious tolerance, respect for human rights, and political participation. Religious leaders can utilize sermons to promote values that align with democratic principles and encourage citizens to engage in political processes. Civic organizations can work to promote religious diversity and inclusivity, which can foster a more inclusive and peaceful society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, this book provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between religion and political participation in sub-Saharan Africa. By examining the content of sermons and leveraging the diversity of religious traditions, Pews to Politics in Africa sheds light on the cultural influences shaping political engagement among ordinary citizens. The findings have important implications for promoting democratic values, fostering social justice, and promoting peaceful coexistence in the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 430g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781108707978\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEdition number\u003c\/strong\u003e: New ed\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gwyneth H.McClendon,Rachel BeattyRiedl","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44095015551226,"sku":"9781108707978","price":24.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1648825812941_book.jpg?v=1649010224","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/from-pews-to-politics-religious-sermons-and-political-participation-in-africa-9781108707978","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}