Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
THE AFRICAN HERITAGE
The Richness of the African Heritage
The Spreading of the African Heritage
The Nature of the African Heritage
Chapter 2
WHAT IS AFRICAN RELIGION?
The Nature of African Religion
African Religion is Part of the African Heritage
African Religion Belongs to the People
How African Religion was Founded
Does African Religion have Sacred Scriptures?
Some Wrong Ideas about African Religion
Chapter 3
WHERE AFRICAN RELIGION IS FOUND 19
African Religion is Found in the Rituals, Ceremonies and Festivals of the People
African Religion is found in Shrines, Sacred Places and Religious Objects
African Religion is Found in Art and Symbols
AfricanReligionisFoundinMusicandDance
African Religion is Found in Proverbs, Riddles and Wise Sayings
African Religion is Found in Names of People and Places
African Religion is Found in Myths and Legends
African Religion is Found in Beliefs and Customs
African Religion is Found in all Aspects of Life
The Geographical Distribution of African Religion
Chapter 4
AFRICAN VIEWS OF THE UNIVERSE
Accumulation of Ideas about the Universe
A Created Universe
The Nature of the Universe
Order and Power in the Universe
Man at the Centre of the Universe
Chapter 5
BELIEF IN GOD The Origin of Belief in God
The Names of God What God Does
Human Images of God The Nature of God
Chapter 6
HOW GOD IS APPROACHED BY PEOPLE
The Meaning and Purpose of Worship Prayers
Making Sacrifices and Offerings
Singing and.Dancing in Worship
Intermediaries between God and Man
Chapter 7
THE SPIRITS
Types of Spirits
Nature Spirits
Human Spirits
What do Spirits do to People?
Belief in Spirits Helps to Explain the Universe
Chapter
THE ORIGIN AND EARLY STATE OF MAN
lThe Value of Myths
The Creation of Man
The Condition of the First Men
Chapter 9
BIRTH AND TIME OF YOUTH
A Child is Expected
The Baby Arrives
The Baby is Given a name
When Twins and Triplets are Bom 90 Growth, Circumcision and Initiation
The Meaning and Importance of Initiation 93 Different Forms of Initiation
Chapter 10
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE r} The Obligation to Get Married
J. Marriage Customs
The Meaning of Marriage in African Societies Children and Family Life
Chapter 11 DEATH AND THE HEREAFTER
lrhe Origin of Death
How Death is Caused in Human Life
The Act of Dying
Rituais of Death
The Destiny of the Sou!
Remembering the Departed
Chapter 12
RITUALS AND FESTIVALS
The Meaning and Importance of Rituais
Personal Rituais
Agricultura! Rituais
Health Rituais Homestead Rituais Professional Rituais Festivais
Chapter 13
RELIGIOUS OBJECTS AND PLACES
Personal Religious Objects
Ritual Objects
Objects for Offerings and Sacrifices
Religious Places
Chapter 14
RELIGIOUS LEADERS
The Value of Religious Leaders
Medicine Men
Diviners, Mediums and Seers
llitual Biders, Rain-makers and Priests 158 Traditional Rulers
Chapter 15
MAGIC ANJ? MEDICINE
Enemies of Society
Magic, Sorcery and Witchcraft 165 Medicine
Chapter 16
MORALS IN AFRICAN RELIGION
The Meaning and Value of Morals
Family Morals
Community Morals
God and Human Morals
Chapter 17
THE MEETING OF AFRICAN RELIGION AND OTHER RELIGIONS
Africa as the Continent of Many Religions
The Meeting between African Religion, Islam and Christianity
The Future of African Religion
Chapter 18
THE VALUE OF RELIGION
Religion and Society
Religion Cultivates the Whole Person
Religion Provides People with a View of the World
Religion Answers Some Questions which Nothing Else Can
Answer
Religion Provides Mankind with Moral Values by which to Live
Religion Gives Food for Spiritual Hunger
Religion has Inspired Great Ideas
Religion as a Means of Communication
Religion Pays Attention to the Key Moments in the Life of the Individual
Religion Celebrates Life
Religion Shows People thier Limitations
Appendix A: questions
Appendix B: Books for Advanced Reading on African Religion
Index
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