This book presents an in-depth ethnographic case study carried out in the years following the 2010 Haiti earthquake to present the role of faith beliefs in disaster response. The earthquake is one of the most destructive on record, and the aftermath, including a cholera epidemic and ongoing humanitarian aid, has continued for years following the catastrophe. Based on dozens of interviews, this book gives primacy to survivors' narratives. It begins by laying out the Haitian context, before presenting an account of the earthquake from survivors' perspectives. It then explores in detail how the earthquake affected the religious, mainly Christian, faith of survivors and how religious faith influenced how they responded to, and are recovering from, the experience. The account is also informed by geoscience and the accompanying "complicating factors." Finally, the Haitian experience highlights the significant role that religious faith can play alongside other learned coping strategies in disaster response and recovery globally. This book contributes an important case study to an emerging literature in which the influence of both religion and narrative is being recognised. It will be of interest to scholars of any discipline concerned with disaster response, including practical theology, anthropology, psychology, geography, Caribbean studies and earth science. It will also provide a resource for non-governmental organisations.

This book presents an in-depth ethnographic case study carried out in the years following the 2010 Haiti earthquake to present the role of faith beliefs in disaster response. The earthquake is one of the most destructive on record, and the aftermath, including a cholera epidemic and ongoing humanitarian aid, has continued for years following the catastrophe. Based on dozens of interviews, this book gives primacy to survivors' narratives. It begins by laying out the Haitian context, before presenting an account of the earthquake from survivors' perspectives. It then explores in detail how the earthquake affected the religious, mainly Christian, faith of survivors and how religious faith influenced how they responded to, and are recovering from, the experience. The account is also informed by geoscience and the accompanying "complicating factors." Finally, the Haitian experience highlights the significant role that religious faith can play alongside other learned coping strategies in disaster response and recovery globally. This book contributes an important case study to an emerging literature in which the influence of both religion and narrative is being recognised. It will be of interest to scholars of any discipline concerned with disaster response, including practical theology, anthropology, psychology, geography, Caribbean studies and earth science. It will also provide a resource for non-governmental organisations.

Synopsis: The aim of Sit on Our Hands, or Stand on Our Feet? is not to present a theology that explains disasters. In fact there is no such theology. Nor is this work primarily for those who are responded to; it is not part of the theological 'grab bag' that Christian responders carry with them to use for the benefit of casualties. It is more a part of the Christian's engaged practical theological apprenticeship prior to, and during, a response. This book represents the role of the practical theologian, who empowers the church community's legitimation and contribution in disaster response, and who encourages individual Christians--whose calling into particularly relevant professions, whose natural skills and/or professional training, could find them placed in a major incident responding status (paid or voluntary)--doing their work as unto the Lord. It is a serious must-read for any Christians who have hearts heavy with compassion but who are not sure what to do or why when disaster strikes. Endorsements: "A pioneering contribution to practical theology that is urgently needed . . . Use this book for serious study and involvement " --Eryl Davies, Wales Evangelical School of Theology "Systematic theologies offer little help in knowing what to do in the face of major catastrophes, or what to say when one comes face to face with anguished victims. The great merit of Abbott's book is that he thinks theologically about just such practical matters relating to distinctly Christian disaster management. He builds in interesting ways on my own approach to theology as theatrical direction for practical understanding: drama of doctrine, meet human trauma. Abbott shows in compelling ways how pastoral carers formed by the story of Christ can help heal the wounds to personal narratives shattered by disaster." --Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Author Biography: Roger Philip Abbott is Research Associate in Natural Disasters for the Faraday Institute of Science and Religion, Cambridge University, UK, and a visiting lecturer at the Wales Evangelical School of Theology.