Introduction to African Religion, Second Edition

In his widely acclaimed survey, John Mbiti sheds light on the survival and prosperity of African Religion in different historical, geographical, sociological, cultural, and physical environments. He presents a constellation of African worldviews, beliefs in God, use of symbols, valued traditions, and practices that have taken root with African peoples throughout the vast continent. Mbiti's accessible writing style sympathetically portrays how African Religion manifests itself in ritual, festival, healing, the human life cycle, and interplay with the mystical and invisible world. The account embraces foundational traditions, while touching on elements that spawn transitions, including migration, the spread of Christianity and Islam, political-economic development, and modern communication. This popular introduction leaves readers with informed knowledge of the riches of African heritage.

Brief Table of Contents:

1. The African Heritage 2. What Is African Religion? 3. Where African Religion Is Found 4. African Views of the Universe 5. Belief in God 6. How God Is Approached by People 7. The Spirits 8. The Origin and Early State of Man 9. Birth and Time of Youth 10. Marriage and Family Life 11. Death and the Hereafter 12. Rituals and Festivals 13. Religious Objects and Places 14. Religious Leaders 15. Health, Magic and Medicine 16. Morals in African Religion 17. The Meeting of African Religion and Other Religions 18. The Value of Religion

Appendixes: Questions / Books for Advanced Reading on African Religion / Examples of African Proverbs and Wise Sayings

Canon Professor John Mbiti, an Anglican priest from Kenya, taught Theology and Religion for many years at Makerere University in Uganda. After that he served as Director of the Ecumenical Institute Bossey, of the World Council of Churches near Geneva, Switzerland. He has been visiting professor at many universities in Europe, America, Canada and Australia and has travelled widely in many countries. Professor Mbiti has published over 400 articles, reviews and books on theology, religion, philosophy and literature. Currently he is part-time professor at the University of Bern, and parish minister in Burgdorf, Switzerland. He is married to Verena and they have four children: Kyeni, Maria, Esther and Kavata.