An Ethnography of Faith

An Ethnography of Faith

Author: Caroline Jeannerat

Publisher: African Books Collective

Published: 2023-01-05

Total Pages: 293

ISBN-13: 3906927385

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Research into the history of Christian missions in the context of colonialism has focused primarily on missions as institutions and on the ways in which people were integrated into the economic, political and ideological spheres of imperial powers. Reduced to an experience occurring within a person, faith was deemed unapproachable by scientific methods. This has, in effect, constituted a silence regarding the everyday experience of religiosity amongst those drawn to Christianity. Ethnography of Faith is a detailed study of the ways in which people engage with and experience the religious in order to recognise and understand this suppressed voice of religiosity. In her analysis of the Lutheran church in the Soutpansberg of early twentieth century South Africa, Caroline Jeannerat listens closely to how people describe their own faith and that of others in the archive: in accounts of work done, in texts written for mission publications, in songs composed for church services, in letters and newspaper articles and in oral memories. A careful reading of this archive for breaks, for misunderstandings and oppositions, for sentiments of agreement, praise, compatibility and claims of shared experiences identifies negotiations of meaning which give indications of conceptualisations of faith that stand in distinction to those of the missionaries and their expectations. Caroline Jeannerat holds a PhD in history and anthropology from the University of Michigan (2007).


Book Synopsis An Ethnography of Faith by : Caroline Jeannerat

Download or read book An Ethnography of Faith written by Caroline Jeannerat and published by African Books Collective. This book was released on 2023-01-05 with total page 293 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Research into the history of Christian missions in the context of colonialism has focused primarily on missions as institutions and on the ways in which people were integrated into the economic, political and ideological spheres of imperial powers. Reduced to an experience occurring within a person, faith was deemed unapproachable by scientific methods. This has, in effect, constituted a silence regarding the everyday experience of religiosity amongst those drawn to Christianity. Ethnography of Faith is a detailed study of the ways in which people engage with and experience the religious in order to recognise and understand this suppressed voice of religiosity. In her analysis of the Lutheran church in the Soutpansberg of early twentieth century South Africa, Caroline Jeannerat listens closely to how people describe their own faith and that of others in the archive: in accounts of work done, in texts written for mission publications, in songs composed for church services, in letters and newspaper articles and in oral memories. A careful reading of this archive for breaks, for misunderstandings and oppositions, for sentiments of agreement, praise, compatibility and claims of shared experiences identifies negotiations of meaning which give indications of conceptualisations of faith that stand in distinction to those of the missionaries and their expectations. Caroline Jeannerat holds a PhD in history and anthropology from the University of Michigan (2007).


An Ethnography of Faith. Personal Conceptions of Religiosity in the Soutpansberg, South Africa, in the Early 20th Century

An Ethnography of Faith. Personal Conceptions of Religiosity in the Soutpansberg, South Africa, in the Early 20th Century

Author: Caroline Jeannerat

Publisher: BASLER AFRIKA BIBLIOGRAPHIEN

Published: 2023-01-20

Total Pages: 219

ISBN-13: 3906927377

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Research into the history of Christian missions in the context of colonialism has focused primarily on missions as institutions and on the ways in which people were integrated into the economic, political and ideological spheres of imperial powers. Reduced to an experience occurring within a person, faith was deemed unapproachable by scientific methods. This has, in effect, constituted a silence regarding the everyday experience of religiosity among those drawn to Christianity. The Ethnography of Faith is a detailed study of the ways in which people engage with and experience the religious in order to recognise and understand this suppressed voice of religiosity. In her analysis of the Lutheran church in the Soutpansberg of early 20th century South Africa, Caroline Jeannerat listens closely to how people describe their own faith and that of others in the archive: in accounts of work done, in texts written for mission publications, in songs composed for church services, in letters and newspaper articles, and in oral memories. A careful reading of this archive—for breaks, for misunderstandings and oppositions, for sentiments of agreement, praise, compatibility and claims of shared experiences—identifies negotiations of meaning which give indications of conceptualisations of faith that stand in distinction to those of the missionaries and their expectations.


Book Synopsis An Ethnography of Faith. Personal Conceptions of Religiosity in the Soutpansberg, South Africa, in the Early 20th Century by : Caroline Jeannerat

Download or read book An Ethnography of Faith. Personal Conceptions of Religiosity in the Soutpansberg, South Africa, in the Early 20th Century written by Caroline Jeannerat and published by BASLER AFRIKA BIBLIOGRAPHIEN. This book was released on 2023-01-20 with total page 219 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Research into the history of Christian missions in the context of colonialism has focused primarily on missions as institutions and on the ways in which people were integrated into the economic, political and ideological spheres of imperial powers. Reduced to an experience occurring within a person, faith was deemed unapproachable by scientific methods. This has, in effect, constituted a silence regarding the everyday experience of religiosity among those drawn to Christianity. The Ethnography of Faith is a detailed study of the ways in which people engage with and experience the religious in order to recognise and understand this suppressed voice of religiosity. In her analysis of the Lutheran church in the Soutpansberg of early 20th century South Africa, Caroline Jeannerat listens closely to how people describe their own faith and that of others in the archive: in accounts of work done, in texts written for mission publications, in songs composed for church services, in letters and newspaper articles, and in oral memories. A careful reading of this archive—for breaks, for misunderstandings and oppositions, for sentiments of agreement, praise, compatibility and claims of shared experiences—identifies negotiations of meaning which give indications of conceptualisations of faith that stand in distinction to those of the missionaries and their expectations.


Dissertation Abstracts International

Dissertation Abstracts International

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 688

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Dissertation Abstracts International by :

Download or read book Dissertation Abstracts International written by and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 688 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


The Language of Faith in Southern Africa: Spirit World, Power, Community, Holism

The Language of Faith in Southern Africa: Spirit World, Power, Community, Holism

Author: Hermen Kroesbergen

Publisher: AOSIS

Published: 2019-12-12

Total Pages: 319

ISBN-13: 1928396933

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The aim of this book is to provide a way to do justice to an African language of faith. In systematic theology, anthropology and philosophy of religion, similar debates about how to interpret an African language of faith are ongoing. Trying to avoid the ‘othering’ discourses of past generations, scholars are careful to take seriously what people in Africa say without portraying people’s beliefs as weird or backward. Yet, in their desperate attempts to avoid othering, these theologians, anthropologists and philosophers often painfully misconstrue the language of faith in Africa. Understanding the language of faith in Southern Africa is not an easy task. How should we take seriously the form of language that often seems so strange and different? I argue that, after African inculturation theology and black liberation theology, a better way to make sense of being a Christian in Southern Africa is to pay close attention to people’s language of faith. The way in which people speak of the spirit world or powers in Africa appears strange to outsiders, and the sense of community and the holistic worldview differentiates the African way of life from its Euro-American counterparts. When proper attention is paid to the use of concepts like spirit world, power, community and holism, language of faith in Southern Africa is neither as strange as it may seem, nor as romantic. By investigating these distinguishing concepts that colour language of faith in Southern Africa, this book contributes to future projects of both fellow theologians who try to construct a contemporary African theology and those who are interested in theology in Africa given the well-known southward shift of the centre of gravity of Christianity.


Book Synopsis The Language of Faith in Southern Africa: Spirit World, Power, Community, Holism by : Hermen Kroesbergen

Download or read book The Language of Faith in Southern Africa: Spirit World, Power, Community, Holism written by Hermen Kroesbergen and published by AOSIS. This book was released on 2019-12-12 with total page 319 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The aim of this book is to provide a way to do justice to an African language of faith. In systematic theology, anthropology and philosophy of religion, similar debates about how to interpret an African language of faith are ongoing. Trying to avoid the ‘othering’ discourses of past generations, scholars are careful to take seriously what people in Africa say without portraying people’s beliefs as weird or backward. Yet, in their desperate attempts to avoid othering, these theologians, anthropologists and philosophers often painfully misconstrue the language of faith in Africa. Understanding the language of faith in Southern Africa is not an easy task. How should we take seriously the form of language that often seems so strange and different? I argue that, after African inculturation theology and black liberation theology, a better way to make sense of being a Christian in Southern Africa is to pay close attention to people’s language of faith. The way in which people speak of the spirit world or powers in Africa appears strange to outsiders, and the sense of community and the holistic worldview differentiates the African way of life from its Euro-American counterparts. When proper attention is paid to the use of concepts like spirit world, power, community and holism, language of faith in Southern Africa is neither as strange as it may seem, nor as romantic. By investigating these distinguishing concepts that colour language of faith in Southern Africa, this book contributes to future projects of both fellow theologians who try to construct a contemporary African theology and those who are interested in theology in Africa given the well-known southward shift of the centre of gravity of Christianity.


Faith in African Lived Christianity

Faith in African Lived Christianity

Author:

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2019-09-16

Total Pages: 370

ISBN-13: 9004412255

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Faith in African Lived Christianity – Bridging Anthropological and Theological Perspectives offers a comprehensive, empirically rich and interdisciplinary approach to the study of faith in African Christianity. The book brings together anthropology and theology in the study of how faith and religious experiences shape the understanding of social life in Africa. The volume is a collection of chapters by prominent Africanist theologians, anthropologists and social scientists, who take people’s faith as their starting point and analyze it in a contextually sensitive way. It covers discussions of positionality in the study of African Christianity, interdisciplinary methods and approaches and a number of case studies on political, social and ecological aspects of African Christian spirituality.


Book Synopsis Faith in African Lived Christianity by :

Download or read book Faith in African Lived Christianity written by and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2019-09-16 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Faith in African Lived Christianity – Bridging Anthropological and Theological Perspectives offers a comprehensive, empirically rich and interdisciplinary approach to the study of faith in African Christianity. The book brings together anthropology and theology in the study of how faith and religious experiences shape the understanding of social life in Africa. The volume is a collection of chapters by prominent Africanist theologians, anthropologists and social scientists, who take people’s faith as their starting point and analyze it in a contextually sensitive way. It covers discussions of positionality in the study of African Christianity, interdisciplinary methods and approaches and a number of case studies on political, social and ecological aspects of African Christian spirituality.


Bantu Prophets in South Africa

Bantu Prophets in South Africa

Author: Bengt G. M. Sundkler

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-09-03

Total Pages: 398

ISBN-13: 0429942532

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Originally published in 1948 and then updated in 1961 outlines the religious and social background of the Zulus and discusses the rise of the Independent Church Movement. It examines the organization and inner workings of the different Churches, their forms of worship, and the personalities of their leaders. It also analyses the blend of old and new which appears in Zulu interpretations of some aspects of Christian doctrine.


Book Synopsis Bantu Prophets in South Africa by : Bengt G. M. Sundkler

Download or read book Bantu Prophets in South Africa written by Bengt G. M. Sundkler and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-09-03 with total page 398 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Originally published in 1948 and then updated in 1961 outlines the religious and social background of the Zulus and discusses the rise of the Independent Church Movement. It examines the organization and inner workings of the different Churches, their forms of worship, and the personalities of their leaders. It also analyses the blend of old and new which appears in Zulu interpretations of some aspects of Christian doctrine.


Religions of South Africa (Routledge Revivals)

Religions of South Africa (Routledge Revivals)

Author: David Chidester

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-06-27

Total Pages: 307

ISBN-13: 1317649877

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

First published in 1992, this title explores the religious diversity of South Africa, organizing it into a single coherent narrative and providing the first comparative study and introduction to the topic. David Chidester emphasizes the fact that the complex distinctive character of South African religious life has taken shape with a particular economic, social and political context, and pays special attention to the creativity of people who have suffered under conquest, colonialism and apartheid. With an overview of African traditional religion, Christian missions, and African innovations during the nineteenth century, this reissue will be of great value to students of religious studies, South African history, anthropology, sociology, and political studies.


Book Synopsis Religions of South Africa (Routledge Revivals) by : David Chidester

Download or read book Religions of South Africa (Routledge Revivals) written by David Chidester and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-06-27 with total page 307 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: First published in 1992, this title explores the religious diversity of South Africa, organizing it into a single coherent narrative and providing the first comparative study and introduction to the topic. David Chidester emphasizes the fact that the complex distinctive character of South African religious life has taken shape with a particular economic, social and political context, and pays special attention to the creativity of people who have suffered under conquest, colonialism and apartheid. With an overview of African traditional religion, Christian missions, and African innovations during the nineteenth century, this reissue will be of great value to students of religious studies, South African history, anthropology, sociology, and political studies.


Church and Civil Society

Church and Civil Society

Author: Michael Walker

Publisher: AFRICAN SUN MeDIA

Published: 2017-07-31

Total Pages: 406

ISBN-13: 1928355137

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Germany and South Africa experienced drastic social transitions with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1986 and the end of Apartheid in 1994. This book consists of a collection of essays from German and South African theologians who analyse the role that religious communities had, and are still playing within the respective civil societies. The concept and texture of civil society are analysed; case studies are presented; theological perspectives are given on the relation between church, state and civil society; and guidelines are provided for the healing role that Christian religious communities can play in Germany and South Africa. This book is mainly directed at theologians and scholars in religious studies, however, sociologists and political philosophers may also find the essays informative. Besides the wide variety of theological approaches; sociological and empirical data; and practical theological perspective, the book also yields interesting comparative analysis on two societies in transition.


Book Synopsis Church and Civil Society by : Michael Walker

Download or read book Church and Civil Society written by Michael Walker and published by AFRICAN SUN MeDIA. This book was released on 2017-07-31 with total page 406 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Germany and South Africa experienced drastic social transitions with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1986 and the end of Apartheid in 1994. This book consists of a collection of essays from German and South African theologians who analyse the role that religious communities had, and are still playing within the respective civil societies. The concept and texture of civil society are analysed; case studies are presented; theological perspectives are given on the relation between church, state and civil society; and guidelines are provided for the healing role that Christian religious communities can play in Germany and South Africa. This book is mainly directed at theologians and scholars in religious studies, however, sociologists and political philosophers may also find the essays informative. Besides the wide variety of theological approaches; sociological and empirical data; and practical theological perspective, the book also yields interesting comparative analysis on two societies in transition.


Religion: Empirical Studies

Religion: Empirical Studies

Author: Steven J. Sutcliffe

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-03-02

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13: 1351904817

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Treating 'religion' as a fully social, cultural, historical and material field of practice, this book presents a series of debates and positions on the nature and purpose of the 'Study of Religions', or 'Religious Studies'. Offering an introductory guide to this influential, and politically relevant, academic field, the contributors illustrate the diversity and theoretical viability of qualitative empirical methodologies in the study of religions. The historical and cultural circumstances attending the emergence, defence, and future prospects of Religious Studies are documented, drawing on theoretical material and case studies prepared within the context of the British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR), and making frequent reference to wider European, North American, and other international debates and critiques.


Book Synopsis Religion: Empirical Studies by : Steven J. Sutcliffe

Download or read book Religion: Empirical Studies written by Steven J. Sutcliffe and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-03-02 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Treating 'religion' as a fully social, cultural, historical and material field of practice, this book presents a series of debates and positions on the nature and purpose of the 'Study of Religions', or 'Religious Studies'. Offering an introductory guide to this influential, and politically relevant, academic field, the contributors illustrate the diversity and theoretical viability of qualitative empirical methodologies in the study of religions. The historical and cultural circumstances attending the emergence, defence, and future prospects of Religious Studies are documented, drawing on theoretical material and case studies prepared within the context of the British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR), and making frequent reference to wider European, North American, and other international debates and critiques.


Study of Religion in Southern Africa

Study of Religion in Southern Africa

Author: Johannes Smit

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2018-08-14

Total Pages: 299

ISBN-13: 9047407490

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This collection of essays in honour of Gerhardus Cornelis (Pippin) Oosthuizen, provides perspectives on current research in Religion and Southern Africa. It includes essays on Indigenous and Diaspora Religions and Religious Literature Hermeneutics.


Book Synopsis Study of Religion in Southern Africa by : Johannes Smit

Download or read book Study of Religion in Southern Africa written by Johannes Smit and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2018-08-14 with total page 299 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This collection of essays in honour of Gerhardus Cornelis (Pippin) Oosthuizen, provides perspectives on current research in Religion and Southern Africa. It includes essays on Indigenous and Diaspora Religions and Religious Literature Hermeneutics.