African Religion

Fülszöveg

What are the great religions? When did they come into being, and how are they practiced today? How much influence do they exert on the conduct of individuals and nations? The books in the World Religions series are specifically designed to address such questions in clear, accessible language. Rigorously nonsectarian, they offer an objective survey of the major spiritual traditions, including: • Historical origin • Fundamental beliefs • Organizational structure • Population of believers • Geographical distribution • Cultural contributions • Rituals and ceremonies • Sacred sites • Current activities WMFRTCAN RELIGION The African continent is home to more than 6,000 different ethnic and cultural groups, each with its own religious traditions.Yet these many traditions have much in common. Africans almost universally believe in a Supreme Being who is a creator, sustainer, and controller of all creation. Assisting the Creator are a variety of lesser gods and spirits who are constantly... Tovább

Fülszöveg

What are the great religions? When did they come into being, and how are they practiced today? How much influence do they exert on the conduct of individuals and nations? The books in the World Religions series are specifically designed to address such questions in clear, accessible language. Rigorously nonsectarian, they offer an objective survey of the major spiritual traditions, including: • Historical origin • Fundamental beliefs • Organizational structure • Population of believers • Geographical distribution • Cultural contributions • Rituals and ceremonies • Sacred sites • Current activities WMFRTCAN RELIGION The African continent is home to more than 6,000 different ethnic and cultural groups, each with its own religious traditions.Yet these many traditions have much in common. Africans almost universally believe in a Supreme Being who is a creator, sustainer, and controller of all creation. Assisting the Creator are a variety of lesser gods and spirits who are constantly involved in humán affairs and to whom people turn in times of need. In African life, there is no sharp distinction between the sacred and the nonsacred. Rather, all things in the universe, seen and unseen, are part of a whole.The humán condition is imperfect, but ritual action may relieve humán suffering. Like Native American religions, African religion has no fixed scripture and no specific historical leader. Its ethical and religious precepts are passed down from generation to generation in a rich oral tradition of myth, legend, fables, and proverbs. This volume explores the many manifestations of African belief and their expression. Aloysius M. Lugira is an associate professor of theology and religion in Africa at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He has authored numerous books and articles on African religion, as well as presented more than forty academic papers on the subject. He is a recognized leader in several American and international African religious associations. Vissza