“Academic philistinism” and More than two publics
In recent times, when boredom or offering the benefit of the doubt makes me listen to or read some so-called “public intellectuals,” I keep asking myself what the source of our professional pride as intellectuals is when we defend the indefensible and try to deodorize that which is already repugnant. I love the word Obadare used to describe some unpleasant and offensive conduct of some academics. He called it “Academic Philistinism” (p. 37). You need to have some biblical literacy alongside some personal experience to comprehend how apt this phrase is.
Obadare’s first book, “Pentecostal Republic: Religion and the Struggle for State Power in Nigeria (2018),” invites us to critically analyze the ascendancy of Pentecostalism and its overwhelming influence in two civilian administrations led by Christian presidents with a brief interlude by a Muslim President. In this second book, Pastoral Power, Clerical State: Pentecostalism, gender, and sexuality in Nigeria, Obadare historicizes how and why Pentecostalism, specifically its pastors, occupy a significant and indisputable role in public imagination, politics, and popular culture compared to intellectuals. This second book shifts our attention from Pentecostalism as a denomination to its pastorate’s individual and collective identities, urging us to engage in a deeper level of critical analysis.
In the light of the book, I started thinking of Ekeh’s two publics. When Peter Ekeh published his seminar essay "Colonialism and the two publics in Africa: A theoretical statement,” he noted that there are two publics. Since Ekeh’s seminal work, there have been many more publics and centers of influence and power beyond primordial.
Obadare’s book opens the vista to explore other unequally important spheres of influence and power. The author acknowledges that Pentecostal pastors are not homogenous, especially with social media and its new other agents, including celebrities, pockets of influence, and influencers. I hope future works will explore lesser-known pastors on the margins whose work challenges the big names or extends it. Also, how do celebrities participate in Pentecostalism beyond politicians who curry the favor of pastors for votes and legitimacy?
Finally, as I read the book, several questions danced around the edges of my mind. Will the man/woman of letters ever regain their prestige, honor, and influence over the man/woman of God? Given the multiplicities and confluences of influence seeking to shape public thoughts, what are the ways and areas of the proliferation and overlap of influences that have shifted our notion of the public?
I’m unsure if I know my answers, but my review of Professor Obadare’s book has been published in Religion and Gender.
Posted on Facebook on July 5, 2024
