RELIGION IN AFRICA - Unit Three: Studying Africa through the Humanities Module Fourteen: Religion in Africa Students Edition Introduction to Religion in Africa Africans are notoriously religious, and each people [society in Africa] has its own religious system with a set of beliefs and practices. Religion permeates into all the departments of life so it is not easy or possible to isolate it [from other aspects of African society and culture.] A study of these religious systems is, therefore a study of the peoples themselves in all the complexities of traditional and modern life. This is a quote from John Mbiti a professor from Kenya who is recognized as one of the leading experts in the world on religion in Africa. According to Professor Mbiti, all African cultures and societies, traditional (pre-colonial) and contemporary (post-colonial), across the continent and regardless of differences in national origin, language, or ethnicity are deeply religious. Given the centrality of religious beliefs and practices in African societies and cultures, the study of religion in Africa is important in building a better understanding of African peoples, cultures, and societies, and of events in Africa. Africa is home to many different religious traditions. All of the great world religious traditions are in Africa including Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism. However, the vast majority of Africans from across the continent identify themselves with one (or more) of three religious traditions: indigenous African religions, Islam, and Christianity.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:49:40 +0000
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