The African continent is home to more than 6,000 different ethnic and cultural groups, each with its own religious customs. Yet these many traditions have much in common, including an almost universal belief in a Supreme Being, a close interconnection between the sacred and the nonsacred, and a reliance on a rich oral tradition to pass on religious and ethical precepts from generation to generation. For a very long time, the indigenous religions of Africa were exposed to the danger of extinction. Their competitors, primarily Christianity and Islam, put them in disadvantageous positions. Today, a vibrant resurgence of African religion can be encountered everywhere in Africa, and leaders of African religion can openly organize and render spiritual and healing services without hindrances. A new religious outlook in Africa promoted by ideas of interfaith and ecumenical cooperation calls for an updated understanding of the religions of this region. In a clear and comprehensive manner, African Religion, Revised Edition explores the many manifestations of African belief and their expressions, both in the past and in the present. Photographs and illustrations add to the well-written text, and an index, glossary, and bibliography make research easy and enjoyable.

 

This book is part of a book series called World Religions .

There are 128 pages in this book. This book was published 2004 by Facts On File Inc .

Aloysius M. Lugira is associate professor of theology and religion in Africa at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. He has authored numerous books and articles on African religion and has presented more than 40 academic papers on the subject. He is a recognized leader in several American and international African religious associations.