Governing Gifts: Faith, Charity, and the Security State

This collection explores the intersections between faith-based charity and secular statecraft, tracing the connections between piety, philanthropy, policy, and policing. It seeks to understand how faith and organized religious charity can be mobilized on behalf of the state to govern populations and practices. The book contributes to discussions of the boundaries between public and private realms and the resurgence of religion in politics and public policy.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 30 April 2019
\n Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
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This collection delves into the intricate intersections between faith-based charity and secular statecraft, exploring the complex web of connections between piety, philanthropy, policy, and policing. Rather than seeking to confine or reify the concept of the state, the contributors aim to understand how faith and organized religious charity can be mobilized, at times on behalf of the state, to govern populations and their practices. By examining the relationship between faith-based charity and the state, this volume contributes to ongoing discussions about the boundaries between public and private realms and the resurgence of religion in politics and public policy.

The contributors showcase the blurred boundaries between faith-based and secular domains of governance, highlighting the challenges in defining clear distinctions. Ultimately, the book seeks to broaden the scope of the discussion on faith-based interventions, taking a global perspective to explore concepts such as faith, charity, security, and governance.

In the first chapter, the authors provide an overview of the historical and contemporary landscape of faith-based charity and secular statecraft. They trace the origins of faith-based charity in the United States and its expansion globally, highlighting the diverse contexts and challenges faced by these organizations. The chapter also explores the historical and political contexts that have shaped the relationship between faith-based charity and the state, including the role of religion in shaping public policy and the emergence of secularism as a dominant ideology.

The second chapter delves into the theoretical frameworks and conceptualizations of faith-based charity and secular statecraft. The contributors offer diverse perspectives on the nature of faith, charity, and governance, challenging traditional understandings and proposing new ways of thinking about these interrelated domains. They explore the ethical and practical considerations that arise when faith-based organizations engage with the state, including issues of power, accountability, and the potential for conflict.

The third chapter focuses on the empirical evidence and case studies that shed light on the intersections between faith-based charity and secular statecraft. The contributors present a range of examples from different regions and contexts, including the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia. These case studies examine the strategies and practices employed by faith-based organizations to engage with the state, the challenges they face, and the outcomes they achieve. The chapter also explores the role of faith-based organizations in addressing social and economic issues, such as poverty, healthcare, and education.

In the fourth chapter, the contributors discuss the implications of their findings for policy and practice. They offer recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of faith-based charity and secular statecraft. They emphasize the importance of building partnerships and collaborations between faith-based organizations and the state, as well as promoting dialogue and mutual understanding. The chapter also highlights the need for policymakers to address the legal and regulatory frameworks that may impact the operations of faith-based organizations.

The fifth chapter explores the challenges and opportunities that arise from the intersections between faith-based charity and secular statecraft. The contributors identify emerging trends and developments in this field, such as the increasing role of faith-based organizations in humanitarian aid and disaster response, the growing influence of religious nationalism, and the challenges posed by religious extremism. They offer insights into the strategies and approaches that can be employed to address these challenges and promote positive outcomes.

In conclusion, this collection provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the intersections between faith-based charity and secular statecraft. The contributors offer a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights, challenging traditional understandings and proposing new ways of thinking about these interrelated domains. By exploring the relationship between faith and organized religious charity, this volume contributes to discussions of the boundaries between public and private realms and the resurgence of religion in politics and public policy. The book aims to expand the parameters of what has typically been a US-centric discussion of faith-based interventions, taking a global perspective to explore the concepts of faith, charity, security, and governance within a broader context.

\n Weight: 452g\n
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780826360335\n \n