Development Beyond the Secular: Theological Approaches to Inequality

Catherine Loy comes from a background working in international development, for both secular and faith-based organizations. She was formerly a Regional Coordinator for Christian Aid as well as having been head of Christian Aid Week. After years of investigating and applying various theories of development, she decided to channel her frustration with the lack of engagement with faith-based development (even within some faith-based organizations) into an in-depth study on the subject. She holds an MA in International Development (University of New South Wales) and a PhD in Theology and Religious Studies (King’s College London). She lives in London and has previously lived and worked in Australia, various parts of South-East Asia and a number of countries in West Africa.

"This book will prove to be extremely valuable to anyone interested in debates around theology and development, and to those concerned with developing or maintaining an organisational spirituality, especially among Christian development agencies." -- Justin Thacker

The question of how to combine faith and development is critical in the struggle toward justice for every human being. How might Christianity support the work of development? How might aid organizations need to shift to reflect Christian theologies? This book addresses those questions with the case study of Christian Aid, and in particular, issues of Christology and partnership. Well-researched and excellently written, this book will be of use to theologians, development practitioners, and faith-based aid organizations. -- Thia Cooper