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In this paper I examine the relationship between involuntary resettlement and traditional religious systems. I observe that development agents often ignore and/or perceive traditional religious systems as negative impacts on resettlement. I argue that the common denial by resettlement agents to compensate for the loss of traditional religious sites not only ignores the socio-cultural significance of the sites but also hinders the possibility of successful resettlement, increasing social disarticulation. I argue that traditional religious systems need to be understood as potentially positive avenues that promote successful resettlement. I use a case study of the involuntary resettlement of the Longuda of Adamawa State, Nigeria, especially as related to the cirha shrine of the village of Banjiram to highlight the discussion.

Reflects on the essay "A Pietist Perspective on Love and Learning in Cultural Anthropology," by Jenell Williams Paris. Views on the proposal of Paris to de-center the integrationist approach to include Christian traditions and diverse ways of understanding what Christian identity may mean for the scholarly vocation; Comments on the argument of Paris that Christian anthropologists who have used an integrationist approach have highlighted the differences between the faith and the discipline; Agreement with the belief of Paris that scholarship for Christian anthropologists focused on points of stress for Christians involved in the discipline of anthropology.

Examines the relationship between involuntary resettlement and traditional religious systems. Objective of development anthropology; Detail on resettlement; Resettlement and compensation; Summary.