African Religions: Symbol, Ritual, and Community

by Benjamin C. Ray

This book presents a portrait of African religious history framed in the religious themes common to the rest of the world. It looks at the traditional religions that provided the philosophical, religious, and ethical basis of African culture. Focusing primarily on traditional African religions and their related myths, rituals, authorities , ethics , and artwork, the book also includes substantial treatment on nationalism, African Islam and Christianity. For anyone who wants to gain an understanding of the relationship between African religion and culture.

Genres: Africa, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[John]

So-so textbook surveying the range of African religions largely in terms of significant common themes (art, religious authorities, divinities, etc.). The thematic structure shifts in the final two chapters to a consideration of African Islam and African Christianity. Note that these chapter titles specify the contents correctly, as Ray focuses on indigenized, and in some cases syncretistic or "heterodox," Muslim and Christian traditions, not on Islam in Africa or Christianity in Africa as such. Indeed, it would have enriched the book to have included some coverage of more "orthodox" expressions of Islam and Christianity in Africa. The book is occasionally illuminating, but shabbily written and/or edited, especially in the later chapters ("He trys [sic] to make the people understand," p. 160, as an example).