Beschreibung
“The writer has done a careful, scholarly and sensitive and very
positive and fair study of African religion, with particular
reference to the individual and community. Theo Sundermeier
lets Africa speak for itself and on its own terms and in its
own categories.
The concluding chapter is a necessary reading for all who
would be on mission, who would seek to live the ecumenical
imperative and care to ensure that the pursuit of a religion
does not result in dehumanization and degradation and
marginalization of the other person.”
Rev. Canon Prof. John S. Pobee, World Council of
Churches, Geneva/Switzerland
“This book treats the subject of African religions in a
creative and interesting way emphasizing that these
religions are genuine, authentic expressions of religiosity
on a par with other religions including the so-called world
religions. The author provides an excellent account of the
nature interdependence between individual, community,
society
and the natural order, an interdependence which these
religions symbolize and express in ritual and belief.
Likewise the essentially personal nature of power as
conceived in African culture is thoughfully and
interestingly analysed.
There are many other thought provoking ideas and
interpretations in this volume including the deconstruction
of the commonly held notions of the distinction between
witchcraft and magic. This is a most worthwhile
contribution to the study of Africa’s traditional religions
and I am convinced all those with an interest in Africa who
read it will gain much therefrom”.
Professor Peter B Clarke, Professor of the History and
Sociology of Religion in the University of London at King’s
College, and formerly Professor of African History at the
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Theo Sundermeier is Professor of the History
of Religion and Missiology at the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität
Heidelberg.
translated by Elaine Griffiths, Eleanor Jackson