Religion and Resistance Politics in South Africa

by Lyn S. Graybill

Overview

This study focuses on Christianity and black nationalism in South Africa and looks at four individuals—Albert Lutuli, Robert Sobukwe, Steve Biko, and Desmond Tutu—to see how each leader's Christian beliefs influenced the political strategy he pursued. Just as theology (Calvinism) was significant in the formulation of Afrikaner nationalism, so too has theology, variously interpreted, been instrumental in the articulation of African nationalism. The African National Congress (ANC), the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM), and the United Democratic Front (UDF) all relied on a Christian perspective and vocabulary to articulate the goals of black nationalism. By tracing this religious thread through each of these various resistance movements, the author has made a fascinating contribution to the literature of comparative politics, African studies, and the sociology of religion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275951412
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/30/1995
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1620L (what's this?)

About the Author

LYN S. GRAYBILL currently teaches African Politics in the Department of Government and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Albert Lutuli and the ANC
Robert Sobukwe and the PAC
Steve Biko and the BCM
Desmond Tutu and the UDF
Afterword
Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Graybill (African politics, U. of Virginia) demonstrates the crucial role of religion in the fight against apartheid, which has been ignored or downplayed by nearly all analysts. She examines four individuals--Albert Lutuli of the ANC, Robert Sobukwe of the PAC, Steve Biko of the BCM, and Desmond Tutu of the UDF--during four major episodes of resistance between 1952 and 1983, showing how their various theological views led them to adopt and justify their positions in either the moderate Charterist or the radical Africanist approach to liberation. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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