African Traditional Religions In Contemporary Society

African traditional religion encompasses a variety of non-dogmatic, spiritual practices followed by millions around the world. Some scholars argue it is related to the Nubian religion of Egypt's Dynastic Period. In an expanded second edition, this book examines the nature of African traditional religion and describes common attributes of various cultural belief systems, with an emphasis on West Africa. Principal elements studied include sacrifice, salvation and culture, modes of revelation, divination, and African resilience in the face of invasion and colonization. The religious experiences of black people throughout the Americas are also covered. The author finds the cosmology, symbolism and rituals of the Yoruba culture to be the fundamental bases of African traditional religion, and draws similarities between the oral and written literature of West Africans and that of New World practitioners. The influence of Islam and Christianity is also discussed. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Religions in Contemporary Africa is an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the three main religious traditions on the African continent, African indigenous religions, Christianity and Islam. The book provides a historical overview of these important traditions and focuses on the roles they play in African societies today. It includes social, cultural and political case studies from across the continent on the following topical issues: Witchcraft and modernity Power and politics Conflict and peace Media and popular culture Development Human rights Illness and health Gender and sexuality With suggestions for further reading, discussion questions, illustrations and a list of glossary terms this is the ideal textbook for students in religion, African studies and adjacent fields approaching this subject area for the first time.

" ""The writer has done a careful, scholarly and sensitive and very positive and fair study of African religion, with particular reference to the individual and community. Theo Sundermeier lets Africa speak for itself and on its own terms and in its own categories. The concluding chapter is a necessary reading for all who would be on mission, who would seek to live the ecumenical imperative and care to ensure that the pursuit of a religion does not result in dehumanization and degradation and marginalization of the other person."" Rev. Canon Prof. John S. Pobee, World Council of Churches, Geneva/Switzerland ""This book treats the subject of African religions in a creative and interesting way emphasizing that these religions are genuine, authentic expressions of religiosity on a par with other religions including the so-called world religions. The author provides an excellent account of the nature interdependence between individual, community, society and the natural order, an interdependence which these religions symbolize and express in ritual and belief. Likewise the essentially personal nature of power as conceived in African culture is thoughfully and interestingly analysed. There are many other thought provoking ideas and interpretations in this volume including the deconstruction of the commonly held notions of the distinction between witchcraft and magic. This is a most worthwhile contribution to the study of Africa's traditional religions and I am convinced all those with an interest in Africa who read it will gain much therefrom"". Professor Peter B Clarke, Professor of the History and Sociology of Religion in the University of London at King's College, and formerly Professor of African History at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Theo Sundermeier is Professor of the History of Religion and Missiology at the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg. translated by Elaine Griffiths, Eleanor Jackson "

Contemporary Perspectives on Religions in Africa and the African Diaspora explores African derived religions in a globalized world. The volume focuses on the continent, on African identity in globalization, and on African religion in cultural change.

The historiography of African religions and religions in Africa presents a remarkable shift from the study of 'Africa as Object' to 'Africa as Subject', thus translating the subject from obscurity into the global community of the academic study of religion. This book presents a unique multidisciplinary exploration of African traditions in the study of religion in Africa and the new African diaspora. The book is structured under three main sections - Emerging trends in the teaching of African Religions; Indigenous Thought and Spirituality; and Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. Contributors drawn from diverse African and global contexts situate current scholarly traditions of the study of African religions within the purview of academic encounter and exchanges with non-African scholars and non-African contexts. African scholars enrich the study of religions from their respective academic and methodological orientations. Jacob Kehinde Olupona stands out as a pioneer in the socio-scientific interpretation of African indigenous religion and religions in Africa. This book is to his honour and marks his immense contribution to an emerging field of study and research.