Description
Book SynopsisThis well-crafted book probes the key dimensions of Africa’s existential predicament. This study takes an integrative approach to religion, society, and civilization; eschews dichotomies; and broadly defines and re-signifies life and wholeness as a true end of Africans’ quest today.
Trade ReviewA formidable contribution to a giant topic . . . . The author proceeds to the project with a broad knowledge of the field as well as with impressing pedagogical skills, and the result is a book that will serve as an important discussion partner for scholars of religion, theology, and biblical studies in Africa in the years to come. -- Knut Holter, PhD, professor of Old Testament studies, MHS School of Mission and Theology, Norway
[This] is a most impressive piece of work. -- J. D. Y. Peel, PhD, professor emeritus, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
If there is a select group of books that captures the broad phenomenology of African peoples’ spirituality, this book is arguably one of [them]. -- Nimi Wariboko, PhD, Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics, School of Theology & Graduate Division of Religious Studies, Boston University, Massachusetts
A must-read document for every African citizen . . . . [The] time has come for an African renaissance . . . with this cornerstone book. -- Dr. Daniel Etounga-Manguelle, chairman and CEO of SADEG Consulting Group, Yaoundé, Cameroon; former member of the World Bank’s Council of African Advisors
[A]n invaluable text, a much needed resource in a context in which Africans seek to know who [they] truly are. -- Madipoane Masenya, PhD, former chair, Department of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, professor of Old Testament studies, University of South Africa
A richness of bibliographical references and sources . . . with innovative theories, [this book] is a further confirmation of the presence of new prestigious African authors committed to the challenge of understanding Africa. -- Beatrice Nicolini, PhD, professor and chair of history and institutions of Africa, Political Science Department, Catholic University, Milan, Italy
This is a seminal work for understanding Africa’s complex social and religious situation. . . This comprehensive and multidisciplinary survey is useful for students and teachers in many fields. . . It sets a new benchmark for African publications. -- Adrian Helleman, PhD, visiting professor, University of Jos/Christian Studies International, Canadian affiliate of Global Scholars
This work is unparalleled among [books] written on problems confronting Africa and the[ir] proffered solutions. -- Emmanuel Usue, PhD, D.Min., Old Testament studies, Department of Religion and Philosophy, Benue State University
[A] big achievement. -- Almaz Zewde, PhD, assistant professor, African Studies Department, Howard University Graduate School, Washington, D.C.
Table of ContentsReligion, Anthropology, and the Bible in Africa (RABA) List of Figures Foreword Preface Acknowledgments DIVISION ONE: PROLEGOMENA AND OTHER MATTERS ARISING! PART ONE: IN PURSUIT OF LIFE AND WHOLENESS 1. On Identifying and Signifying a Quest DIVISION TWO: CULTURE AND RELIGION IN AFRICAN SOCIETY PART TWO: PROTECTION AND POWER 2. Personal and Communal Stake 3. The Ancestoral Source 4. Social Ferment and Human Machinations 5. Mythology, Magic and Ritual 6. Excursus: Witchcraft Discourse and Interpretation PART THREE: SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICE 7. Popular (or, Folk) Religion 8. Customs and Ceremonies 9. Prayer and Providence 10. African Pentecostalism and the Miraculous 11. Religion and Social Control DIVISION THREE: POLITICAL/ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PART FOUR: COMMUNAL KINSHIP AND THE INDIVIDUAL 12. Communality and the Person 13. Cultural and Moral Traditions 14. Patrimonialism and Procreationism 15. Nature and Environmental Forces 16. Human Dignity/Equality and the Person PART FIVE: HUMAN OPPRESSION AND ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT 17. Colonization and Slavery 18. Women, Culture and Liberation 19. Poverty, Wealth and Development 20. Money, Market and Prosperity 21. Social and Cultural (Or, the Genesis) Mandate DIVISION FOUR: RELIGION, SOCIAL HISTORY AND ETHICS PART SIX: MORALITY, ETHICS AND THE GOOD LIFE 22. African Weltanschauung (Worldview) and Morality 23. The Good Life in (African) Religious Tradition 24. African Cultural Values and Submergence of Virtue 25. Religion, Culture and African Social Ethics 26. Social History, Progress and Moral Modern Society DIVISION FIVE: GOD, HUMANKIND AND THE WORLD PART SEVEN: ISSUES DETERMINING THE QUEST 27. God and the World 28. Humankind and History 29. Salvation and Selfhood DIVISION SIX: THE QUEST AND THE SITUATION REVISITED PART EIGHT: UNDERSTANDING AFRICA’S QUEST 30. The End of a Quest: Critical Reflections Select Bibliography Index About the Author
