Divinity and Experience: The Religion of the Dinka

by Godfrey Lienhardt

Originally published in 1961, this study of the religion of Southern Sudan's Dinka people is now considered a minor classic of social anthropology. Lienhardt examines the complex meanings of divine imagery and relates these to the Dinkas' experience of life and death. From the role of priests to the translation of hymns, prayers, and myths, Lienhardt provides an unparalleled analysis and interpretation of this people and their religion.

Genres: Religion, Anthropology, Africa, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Ainslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that makes me glad I'm studying to be an anthropologist. Beautifully written, it gives the reader an understanding of how religion (even to an atheist reader) can be an integral part of human existance, as opposed to something that is done externally (such as going to church every Sunday).

I found myself amazed at how I was not grossed out by particular things that the Dinka do, which I would normally screw my face up at. In the context in which these things were talked about, it is a completely natural activity, and it makes the reader question what of their own actions would be considered unsual to another culture.