Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

2-2018

Abstract

This paper demonstrates how disasters create sites of degradation – potent spaces of upheaval and engagement – that are readily filled and exploited by evangelical Christian groups. In doing so, it explores how disasters provide opportunities for evangelical groups to gain a foothold in localities where Christian presence, and evangelical praxis, may otherwise be restricted. Drawing on qualitative data collected in Sri Lanka throughout 2010–2011, two comparative case studies are presented that reveal the strategies of evangelical Christian praxis in and through sites of environmental and political degradation. Specifically, the case studies reveal how evangelical groups pursue ‘outside‐in’ and ‘inside‐out’ strategies of salvation, which, by blurring the boundaries of religion and relief, can lead to the formation of new hierarchies of power.

Keywords

disasters, evangelical Christianity, power, sites of degradation, Sri Lanka, tsunami

Discipline

Asian Studies | Religion

Research Areas

Humanities

Publication

Asia Pacific Viewpoint

First Page

1

Last Page

13

ISSN

1360-7456

Identifier

10.1111/apv.12179

Publisher

Wiley: 24 months

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1111/apv.12179

Share

COinS