Transition In African Beliefs

The second volume of the trans-disciplinary series “Research in Peace and Reconciliation” looks at ways of dealing with the past in Sub-Saharan Africa in recent decades and highlights the variety of peaceful strategies and processes. It asks to what extent this variety fosters the development of alternative methods for the transformation of violent conflict. The contributions focus on different African countries and regions as Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. They take into account the influence of particular cultural contexts on processes of reconciliation. In doing so, they emphasize the importance of religions, rites, and tribal customs as well as the complex legacy of colonialism. They also look at the presentation of the topic in Western media.

Papers first presented at the fourth International Conference of the American Society of African Culture, held at Howard University, Washington, D.C. in the spring of 1963.

How does a rich and vibrant traditional culture cope with the onslaughts of the modern era? The Enuani people, inhabiting the four Aniocha/Oshimili local government areas in Nigeria, have a proud legacy of culture and tradition. Yet, they struggle with issues of identity and political place, while some aspects of their culture are threatened by modernity. Through tales and essays, ENUANI explores the impact of modernity on the rich culture of the Enuani people, while attempting to archive, document, and preserve the culture. This multi-layered book delves into issues of Enuani traits, religion, language, marriage/divorce, womanhood, jurisprudence, food systems, and personal attitudes. The book then digs even deeper into the culture by listing and analyzing over ten dozen Enuani proverbs. Each proverb is first rendered in Enuani dialect. It is then translated and dissected for its literal and figurative meanings, with examples and commentary on appropriate situations for the use of the proverb. No prior familiarity with Enuani language/culture is assumed. This analysis clearly demonstrates the role of proverbs as a window on Enuani culture, and serves as an example that is applicable to other cultures. ENUANI provides the necessary cultural insight for Enuani and non-Enuani people alike. It is essential reading for people all over the world with Enuani affiliations or with an academic interest in peoples, anthropology and ethnography. How does all this apply to your own culture and ethnicity? Read ENUANI to find out. Get informed. Get inspired.

Religion has inspired those -- from Gandhi to Tutu -- who have sought to transform southern Africa. This volume presents voices from across the spectrum, passionately arguing that religion plays, and must continue to play, a vital role in shaping the political, social, and cultural reality of African people.

Provides a timely and cross-contintental perspective on a neglected aspect of African public culture.

Describes the moral teachings (values, norms and principles to follow so that life might be abundant for all) of the African religion as it relates to individuals and community.