Cement, Earthworms, and Cheese Factories: Religion and Community Development in Rural Ecuador

Cement, Earthworms, and Cheese Factories: Religion and Community Development in Rural Ecuador, by Jill DeTemple, offers a profound and nuanced exploration of the intricate relationship between religious belief and development initiatives in the heart of rural Ecuador. Based on over a decade of fieldwork, including DeTemple's experiences as both an aid worker and a dedicated researcher, this first edition paperback provides an insightful lens through which to view the complexities of modernization, progress, and cultural negotiation in the 21st century. Beyond a mere recounting of development projects, DeTemple delves into the historical context, tracing the connections between technical innovations and religious shifts back to the Inca conquest. She reveals how Ecuadorians have historically developed sophisticated "defensive strategies" to manage these intertwined forces, showcasing their agency in shaping their own destinies. This book transcends simplistic analyses that either ignore the religious dimensions of development or naively equate the two. DeTemple meticulously examines the impact and reception of three distinct development agencies: a liberationist Catholic women's group committed to social justice, a municipal unit focused on agricultural advancements, and evangelical Protestant missionaries providing essential education and medical services. Through compelling case studies, she demonstrates how rural Ecuadorians strategically embrace or dismantle the hybridity of religion and development, often challenging the assumptions and intentions of those who initiate the associated discourses. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the agency of the Ecuadorian people. DeTemple highlights how they actively produce and reshape modernities in ways often overlooked by traditional development scholars, aid workers, and missionaries. By foregrounding the importance of religious belief, DeTemple paints a comprehensive portrait of daily life in rural Ecuador, revealing the multifaceted ways in which faith informs and shapes community development. "Cement, Earthworms, and Cheese Factories" is more than just an academic study; it's a vital contribution to our understanding of globalization, cultural exchange, and the enduring power of religious belief in a rapidly changing world. It is an invaluable resource for students and scholars in the fields of anthropology, religious studies, Latin American studies, and development studies, as well as anyone interested in the intersection of faith, culture, and progress. The book challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of community development in a global context, making it essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of the 21st century. Published by the University of Notre Dame Press, this thought-provoking work is sure to spark conversation and inspire further research in this crucial area.