What do you think?
Introduction to African religion
Introduction to African Religion (African Writers)
211 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1991
About the author
John S. Mbiti
21 books112 followersJohn Samuel Mbiti was a Kenyan-born Christian religious philosopher and writer. From 2005 up until his death in 2019, Mbiti was an Emeritus professor at the University of Bern and parish minister to the town of Burgdorf, Switzerland.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 10, 2008
This was a good introduction to the underpinnings of African philosophy and beliefs. It's very basic, but a good launch pad for further research into African culture. I liked the Appendix of study questions.
March 22, 2012
Interesting book. Written by a Christian preacher who still is a Christian even though he has some information that should have changed his mind.
February 2, 2016
Very interesting. Read this book to help write my thesis paper. I would read it again.
January 15, 2017
Dr. Mbiti, an Anglican priest with a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Cambridge University (source: http://www.dacb.org/stories/kenya/mbi...), is a theologian who has written multiple works on African religion. This particular work, Introduction to African Religion, Second Edition, is intended as an introduction to the subject, answering the question "what is African religion?" as a textbook for students in high school and college, or as an introduction to the college-educated curious and those just beginning their studies in the subject.
Mbiti begins by defining religion because much of what others may consider part and parcel of the subject is not necessary; trappings and practices but not belief. By the same token, he also defines what religion is not. In essence, African religion is organic, dynamically adaptive, and syncretic. African religion has no "founder" and no sacred texts. It developed in a specific context and is inseparable from life in that context (and is thus not capable of evangelism) but can adapt to circumstances and incorporate other belief systems. In fact, the pace of change in the latter half of the twentieth century is the reason for the 2nd edition -- the fastest growing religion in all Africa is Christianity.
This is a terrific overview of the common denominators of African religion, with attention given to various regional differences (it's an enormous continent, after all). Mbiti is writing from within this cosmology (and cosmogony), trying to explain it to outsiders from other religions as well as those with no religion. As such, he does a very good job of explaining things that may not have a secular or Christian/Muslim analogue.
However, there were some points that should be examined critically. For one, it's a little jarring that "men" is still used and meant for "people." And Mbiti presents variations on the ideal, with little discussion of when things go wrong or people do wrong until chapter 15. Even there, the bright side of accusing someone of witchcraft is presented as being that one is less likely to do something to offend a witch? Mbiti defends this as promoting harmony. To this reviewer, that sounds like "an armed society is a polite society" even though such "honor" societies are demonstrably more violent. "Harmonious" societies that can be upended by such flimsy attacks on others are anything but -- the harmonious surface belies deep tension. Finally, he takes a dim view of Islam in Africa, and sees it as inherently aggressive and exploitative.
There are numerous non-textual elements: photos, pictures, diagrams, and maps which are mostly helpful. (The reproduction quality of the black and white photos varies from acceptable to completely unreadable.) There are also three appendices: study questions, further reading, and examples of proverbs from different culture areas.
Mbiti begins by defining religion because much of what others may consider part and parcel of the subject is not necessary; trappings and practices but not belief. By the same token, he also defines what religion is not. In essence, African religion is organic, dynamically adaptive, and syncretic. African religion has no "founder" and no sacred texts. It developed in a specific context and is inseparable from life in that context (and is thus not capable of evangelism) but can adapt to circumstances and incorporate other belief systems. In fact, the pace of change in the latter half of the twentieth century is the reason for the 2nd edition -- the fastest growing religion in all Africa is Christianity.
This is a terrific overview of the common denominators of African religion, with attention given to various regional differences (it's an enormous continent, after all). Mbiti is writing from within this cosmology (and cosmogony), trying to explain it to outsiders from other religions as well as those with no religion. As such, he does a very good job of explaining things that may not have a secular or Christian/Muslim analogue.
However, there were some points that should be examined critically. For one, it's a little jarring that "men" is still used and meant for "people." And Mbiti presents variations on the ideal, with little discussion of when things go wrong or people do wrong until chapter 15. Even there, the bright side of accusing someone of witchcraft is presented as being that one is less likely to do something to offend a witch? Mbiti defends this as promoting harmony. To this reviewer, that sounds like "an armed society is a polite society" even though such "honor" societies are demonstrably more violent. "Harmonious" societies that can be upended by such flimsy attacks on others are anything but -- the harmonious surface belies deep tension. Finally, he takes a dim view of Islam in Africa, and sees it as inherently aggressive and exploitative.
There are numerous non-textual elements: photos, pictures, diagrams, and maps which are mostly helpful. (The reproduction quality of the black and white photos varies from acceptable to completely unreadable.) There are also three appendices: study questions, further reading, and examples of proverbs from different culture areas.
Want to Read
May 20, 2016I WANT TO READ THAT BOOK KNOWN AS INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN RELIGION.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 12, 2017Easy to understand and useful to form a basic opinion on African religion.
An Ideal book for beginners !
An Ideal book for beginners !
June 13, 2026
This book seems a bit dated now, describing African Traditional Religion with Christian terminology. And yet, it's hard to overestimate the value of Mbiti's pathbreaking work when the first edition appeared in 1975, helping Christians see the internal logic and value of ATR and points where it converges with and diverges from Christianity. It's still not a bad starting place.
August 8, 2026
I have little to say, as I came more for general concepts of theology held by both Mbiti and the communities which he describes here. For that, I have found a wealth of work. However, to the truth of each claim I cannot speak since I have nearly no education in African Religious thought. A fascinating read nonetheless and would recommend.
May 11, 2019
our own ....nice open minded
December 4, 2019
Fantastic book
Read
July 3, 2020Can't wait to read John Mbiti work
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 14, 2020It's good
January 23, 2021
It will broaden my knowledge in Africa religion's
Want to Read
November 20, 2015to read
October 16, 2016
An excellent introduction to African religion, perfect for college and graduate level
Read
April 12, 2016TO USE THIS BOOK IN ORDER TO WRITE MY ASSIGNMENT
Want to Read
February 19, 2018THIS IS VERRY GOOD FOR GRADUATES.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews