The Religious Traditions of Africa: A History

Description

This work is a first of its kind historical introduction to the major religions of Africa. The vast majorities of Africa's peoples have been Muslim, Christian, or "Traditionalist" for a great deal of time, making an inclusive study of these religions essential. Isichei's work gives equal attention to all three religions and balances the elements of each to construct an easily accessible overview. It is also the first book to provide a comprehensive look at the "traditional" religion in Africa, filling the void in the literature on African religious history. Written by a pioneering scholar in the African religious experience, this volume blends in-depth research and personnel accounts to explore the origins and effects of religion in Africa. While primarily a work of history this book also incorporates the latest findings while engaging with current issues such as the interface of neo-traditional religion and contemporary cultures. This work includes four sections, each dedicated to a s Written by a pioneering scholar in the African religious experience, this volume blends in-depth research and personnel accounts to explore the origins and effects of religion in Africa. While primarily a work of history this book also incorporates the latest findings while engaging with current issues such as the interface of neo-traditional religion and contemporary cultures. This work includes four sections, each dedicated to a separate religion, detailed maps, a glossary, and a guide to further reading. Includes bibliographical references (pages 361-382) and index pt. I. Religion to 600 C.E. The study of "traditional" religion ; The early church in Northern Africa. -- pt. II. Islam in Africa. The spread of Islam in Northern Africa to 1800 ; The growth of Islam in sub-Saharan Africa ; New states in Western Sudan: the nineteenth century ; Northern Africa in the nineteenth century ; Northern Africa in the Colonial Era ; Northern Africa since independence: the Islamist challenge ; West Africa since 1900. -- pt. III. Christianity in Africa since ca. 500. Christianity from ca. 500 to ca. 1800 ; Christianity in the nineteenth century ; African Christian initiatives: two case studies ; Christianity in the twentieth century: the older churches ; African initiated churches: the prophetic model ; The global and the local: neo-Pentecostalism. -- pt. IV. The changing face of "traditional" religion. Divinities ; Ancestors as divinities ; Powers embodied: the medium and the mask ; Ritual and divination ; Royals, priests, and prophets ; Mythology and proverbial wisdom ; Suffering and its interpreters