Religion and Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo

A nation's socioeconomic development is the result of concerted efforts through planned, growth-oriented actions. Such growth is possible only when people become aware of reality, but the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo contains realities that remain obscure. Among these realities, those related to spirituality, religion, and the development process do not seem to attract public attention. People traditionally lived immersed in a natural environment that was both formidable and protective, and sought to adapt to it harmoniously. The ignorance and helplessness that society experienced daily in the face of its surroundings led it to seek a solution, first and foremost through the sacred-much like using a lever to move a heavy object. Religion was presented as the path to lift people out of misery and toward spiritual and material happiness. Thus, the objective of this study is to identify the respective roles of the Congolese population and religious leaders in the development process.