The Socio-Political Impact of Nigerian Pentecostalism with Dr. Nimi Wariboko and Dr. Ebenezer Obadare

The first few episodes of this season will lay the groundwork, exploring the major forces shaping Nigerian's behaviors, thought processes, and how that has ultimately influenced the politics and economic development trajectory of the nation-state.

This episode dives into Nigeria's Pentecostal boom, exploring its historical roots (economic hardship, urbanization), shift in power (pastors vs. intellectuals), and impact on daily life (spiritual warfare, invisible forces). It also examines accountability issues in Pentecostal churches and their growing influence on education and politics, including student treatment, academic freedom, and the future of Pentecostalism in Africa.

Dr. Nimi Wariboko is a Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics at Boston University who brings together diverse fields like Economics, Social Ethics, and Pentecostal studies. His work focuses on building a more just and flourishing future. He explores these themes through five key books, each tackling social ethics, global economics, African culture, public policy in diverse communities, and finally, an ethical approach to finance that promotes social justice and freedom. His books include Nigerian Pentecolaism (2014) and The Pentecostal Hypothesis (2020).

Dr. Ebenezer Obadare is a Douglas Dillon senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) with his focus being Sociology, Political Science, and African studies. His books include Pentecostal Republic: Religion and the Struggle for State Power in Nigeria (2018) and Pastoral Power, Clerical State: Pentecostalism, Gender, and Sexuality in Nigeria (2022).

Interested in the books mentioned on the podcast? You can find them and a whole lot more at Roving Heights! They deliver across Nigeria and Internationally, so you can browse and shop their wide selection of books. Use the code BTG10 at checkout to get a discount on your order.

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