Christian Muslim Co Existence In Eastern Africa

On 7 August 1998 the American embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam were bombed and 200 people lost their lives. These bombings shattered the image of Africa's tradition of peaceful religious coexistence. Since then inter-religious dialogue has been high on the agendas of ecclesial and religious organisations, but not so much of faculties of theology and departments of religion in East Africa. This book investigates why this is so. How are interreligious relations dealt with in Africa, and more particularly, how are they and how should they be taught in institutions of higher learning? This book is based on fieldwork in Nairobi from 2001 onwards. It shows why Africa's tradition of peaceful co-existence is not going to help Africa in the 21st century, and recommends a shift in the education in inter-religious relations: from religions studies to inter-religious studies.

An analysis of the growing importance of religious activities in the rise of protest against post-colonial governments in Eastern Africa, divided into four parts: the challenge of Islam; Christianity, sectarianism and politics in Uganda; Christians and Muslims in Kenyan politics; and cross-cultural complications. Twaddle provides an introductory article on the changing character of politico-religious conflict in the region. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book deals with the new dynamics of Islam in East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and Comoros) and its attempt to expand through various missionary activities. As Muslim reformers have done elsewhere in the world, the reformers in East Africa are fighting for an Islamic awakening. The central argument of this book is to say that although these activities are supported by contributions from transnational networks, their origins go back to the frustration of Muslim communities of East Africa with politics, education, and professional training. The other argument is to show that this Islamic awakening is not just about the Salafi or Muslim Brothers trend, it concerns also Shī‘a, Sufi, Muslim Bible Scholars and others alike. All these trends mimic each other while competing against each other at the same time. They also take the same position vis-à-vis the various Christian groups.