Foundations of African Traditional Religion and Worldview

Foundations of African Traditional Religion and Worldview

Author: Yusufu Turaki

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2019-04-29

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 9781096310846

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Yusufu Turaki Foundation and Otakada.org PublishingFoundations of African TraditionalReligion and WorldviewRevised Edition 2019Yusufu TurakiThis book is an introduction to the foundations of African traditional religions and worldview. The theological basis of the traditional belief- in (1) gods, (2) divinities and (3) spirits are examined. These beliefs are defined and interpreted in the light of (1) the traditional religious worldview and (2) with some clarifications from the Biblical and Christian theology. The theological implications of these traditional beliefs and worldview are essential for developing and formulating a relevant Biblical and Christian theology in Africa. The traditional theological, philosophical and moral and ethical foundations and the nature and meaning of man are analysed and examined.


Book Synopsis Foundations of African Traditional Religion and Worldview by : Yusufu Turaki

Download or read book Foundations of African Traditional Religion and Worldview written by Yusufu Turaki and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-04-29 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Yusufu Turaki Foundation and Otakada.org PublishingFoundations of African TraditionalReligion and WorldviewRevised Edition 2019Yusufu TurakiThis book is an introduction to the foundations of African traditional religions and worldview. The theological basis of the traditional belief- in (1) gods, (2) divinities and (3) spirits are examined. These beliefs are defined and interpreted in the light of (1) the traditional religious worldview and (2) with some clarifications from the Biblical and Christian theology. The theological implications of these traditional beliefs and worldview are essential for developing and formulating a relevant Biblical and Christian theology in Africa. The traditional theological, philosophical and moral and ethical foundations and the nature and meaning of man are analysed and examined.


Elements of African Traditional Religion

Elements of African Traditional Religion

Author: Elia Shabani Mligo

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2013-08-02

Total Pages: 111

ISBN-13: 1621898245

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African Traditional religion (ATR) is one of the world religions with a great people and a great past. It is embraced by Africans within and outside the continent despite the various ethnic religious practices and beliefs. This book highlights and discusses the common elements which introduce African Traditional Religion as one unified religion and not a collection of religions. The major focus of the book is discussing the need for studying ATR in twenty-first-century Africa whereby globalization and multi-culture are prominent phenomena. Why should we study the religion of indigenous Africans in this age? In response to this question, the book argues that since ATR is part of the African people's culture, there is a need to understand this cultural background in order to contextualize Christian theology. Using some illustrations from Nyumbanitu worship shrine located at Njombe in Tanzania, the book purports that there is a need to understand African people's worldview, their understanding of God, their religious values, symbols and rituals in order to enhance meaningful dialogue between Christianity and African people's current worldview. In this case, the book is important for students of comparative religion in universities and colleges who strive to understand the various religions and their practices.


Book Synopsis Elements of African Traditional Religion by : Elia Shabani Mligo

Download or read book Elements of African Traditional Religion written by Elia Shabani Mligo and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2013-08-02 with total page 111 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: African Traditional religion (ATR) is one of the world religions with a great people and a great past. It is embraced by Africans within and outside the continent despite the various ethnic religious practices and beliefs. This book highlights and discusses the common elements which introduce African Traditional Religion as one unified religion and not a collection of religions. The major focus of the book is discussing the need for studying ATR in twenty-first-century Africa whereby globalization and multi-culture are prominent phenomena. Why should we study the religion of indigenous Africans in this age? In response to this question, the book argues that since ATR is part of the African people's culture, there is a need to understand this cultural background in order to contextualize Christian theology. Using some illustrations from Nyumbanitu worship shrine located at Njombe in Tanzania, the book purports that there is a need to understand African people's worldview, their understanding of God, their religious values, symbols and rituals in order to enhance meaningful dialogue between Christianity and African people's current worldview. In this case, the book is important for students of comparative religion in universities and colleges who strive to understand the various religions and their practices.


Christianity and African Traditional Religion and Worldview

Christianity and African Traditional Religion and Worldview

Author: Yusufu Turaki

Publisher: Midas Touch Gems

Published: 2023-06-16

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781088175118

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For more than a generation Yusufu Turaki has been one of Africa's most distinguished and productive evangelical theologians. Here in two substantial volumes we have the fruit of his mature reflection on a principal crux of the African theological project, namely the appropriate way for African Christianity to understand and address Africa's traditional religious heritage. Since one cannot understand Africa without understanding Africa's traditional heritage, and since the religious dimension Africa's traditional culture affects all aspects of modern African life, Christian presence and witness in Africa cannot flourish within its context without a serious theological and practical engagement with these realities. This is not Turaki's first endeavour in this field of inquiry. He has been engaging these issues throughout his academic and ministry careers. And in doing so he has also been interacting with the considerable range of thinkers and literature in this field. Furthermore, within what otherwise has often been an ill-defined and poorly disciplined discussion, Turaki proposes a particular and fruitful way forward. In these two large volumes Turaki is both commending and demonstrating a biblically-grounded, theologically-responsible methodology for a Christian understanding of African Traditional Religion. He seeks to show how Christianity can best address African Traditional Religion with informed realism, with scholarly depth and integrity, and with biblical faithfulness. Having taken his first degree in Nigeria, Turaki then earned masters and doctoral degrees at leading academic institutions overseas. Thereafter he was long involved in the leadership of one of Africa's principal theological institutions, Jos ECWA Theological Seminary (JETS), and in the leadership of one of Africa's principal evangelical denominations, the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA). In more recent years Turaki has also been engaged in international ministries and venues, including work with the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), and the Lausanne movement (LCWE), as well as in extensive writing and teaching ministries In the first volume of this major contribution Turaki provides an in-depth study of the African traditional religious worldview. He is convinced that a thorough familiarity with the religious mindset of traditional Africa is essential for any effective Christian presence and witness in modern Africa. He first surveys both western and African scholarly approaches to traditional religion. Then he undertakes a detailed introduction to the foundational theological, psychological, philosophical, ethical, and moral beliefs of African Traditional Religion, together with the relevant rituals, sacrifices, ceremonies, and festivals. He also emphasises how those beliefs pervasively influence religious attitudes, practice and social behaviour throughout Africa today. In the second volume Turaki then turns to outline a Christian and biblical approach to the realities of African Traditional Religion in modern Africa. He discusses each major component of an African traditional worldview from this standpoint. In doing so Turaki emphasises that the principal task of Christian reflection in Africa is not to understand Christianity from the perspective of African traditional culture and religion, but to understand African traditional culture and religion from the perspective of a Christian and biblical worldview.


Book Synopsis Christianity and African Traditional Religion and Worldview by : Yusufu Turaki

Download or read book Christianity and African Traditional Religion and Worldview written by Yusufu Turaki and published by Midas Touch Gems. This book was released on 2023-06-16 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For more than a generation Yusufu Turaki has been one of Africa's most distinguished and productive evangelical theologians. Here in two substantial volumes we have the fruit of his mature reflection on a principal crux of the African theological project, namely the appropriate way for African Christianity to understand and address Africa's traditional religious heritage. Since one cannot understand Africa without understanding Africa's traditional heritage, and since the religious dimension Africa's traditional culture affects all aspects of modern African life, Christian presence and witness in Africa cannot flourish within its context without a serious theological and practical engagement with these realities. This is not Turaki's first endeavour in this field of inquiry. He has been engaging these issues throughout his academic and ministry careers. And in doing so he has also been interacting with the considerable range of thinkers and literature in this field. Furthermore, within what otherwise has often been an ill-defined and poorly disciplined discussion, Turaki proposes a particular and fruitful way forward. In these two large volumes Turaki is both commending and demonstrating a biblically-grounded, theologically-responsible methodology for a Christian understanding of African Traditional Religion. He seeks to show how Christianity can best address African Traditional Religion with informed realism, with scholarly depth and integrity, and with biblical faithfulness. Having taken his first degree in Nigeria, Turaki then earned masters and doctoral degrees at leading academic institutions overseas. Thereafter he was long involved in the leadership of one of Africa's principal theological institutions, Jos ECWA Theological Seminary (JETS), and in the leadership of one of Africa's principal evangelical denominations, the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA). In more recent years Turaki has also been engaged in international ministries and venues, including work with the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), and the Lausanne movement (LCWE), as well as in extensive writing and teaching ministries In the first volume of this major contribution Turaki provides an in-depth study of the African traditional religious worldview. He is convinced that a thorough familiarity with the religious mindset of traditional Africa is essential for any effective Christian presence and witness in modern Africa. He first surveys both western and African scholarly approaches to traditional religion. Then he undertakes a detailed introduction to the foundational theological, psychological, philosophical, ethical, and moral beliefs of African Traditional Religion, together with the relevant rituals, sacrifices, ceremonies, and festivals. He also emphasises how those beliefs pervasively influence religious attitudes, practice and social behaviour throughout Africa today. In the second volume Turaki then turns to outline a Christian and biblical approach to the realities of African Traditional Religion in modern Africa. He discusses each major component of an African traditional worldview from this standpoint. In doing so Turaki emphasises that the principal task of Christian reflection in Africa is not to understand Christianity from the perspective of African traditional culture and religion, but to understand African traditional culture and religion from the perspective of a Christian and biblical worldview.


The Lausanne Covenant

The Lausanne Covenant

Author: John R. W. Stott

Publisher:

Published: 1975

Total Pages: 62

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Lausanne Covenant by : John R. W. Stott

Download or read book The Lausanne Covenant written by John R. W. Stott and published by . This book was released on 1975 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Christianity as a World Religion

Christianity as a World Religion

Author: Sebastian Kim

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2016-11-03

Total Pages: 361

ISBN-13: 1472569369

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Now in its second edition, Christianity as a World Religion locates Christianity within its global context. Structured by geographical region, it covers Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. It deals with four dimensions of Christianity in each context: Christian history, churches and society, interreligious relations, and distinctive worship and theology. Study questions and further reading suggestions are provided in each chapter. Fully updated throughout, this second edition now includes: - A new chapter covering Christianity in Oceania - Further analysis of the early growth of Christianity in Asia and Africa - Coverage of research trends in migration, theologies of prosperity, and the role of local agents in evangelization - Coverage of global interconnections and networks, new movements, global Catholicism, Christian political engagement and persecution of Christian communities - A thorough revision of the conclusion, including reflection on the discipline of world Christianity and its implications for theology - 40 images and maps - Chapter summaries - Extra resources online including a timeline and weblinks - New text design and layout, making the text more student-friendly and accessible Christianity as a World Religion is ideal for courses on World Christianity, Christianity as a Global Religion, the History of Christianity and contemporary Christian theology.


Book Synopsis Christianity as a World Religion by : Sebastian Kim

Download or read book Christianity as a World Religion written by Sebastian Kim and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2016-11-03 with total page 361 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Now in its second edition, Christianity as a World Religion locates Christianity within its global context. Structured by geographical region, it covers Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. It deals with four dimensions of Christianity in each context: Christian history, churches and society, interreligious relations, and distinctive worship and theology. Study questions and further reading suggestions are provided in each chapter. Fully updated throughout, this second edition now includes: - A new chapter covering Christianity in Oceania - Further analysis of the early growth of Christianity in Asia and Africa - Coverage of research trends in migration, theologies of prosperity, and the role of local agents in evangelization - Coverage of global interconnections and networks, new movements, global Catholicism, Christian political engagement and persecution of Christian communities - A thorough revision of the conclusion, including reflection on the discipline of world Christianity and its implications for theology - 40 images and maps - Chapter summaries - Extra resources online including a timeline and weblinks - New text design and layout, making the text more student-friendly and accessible Christianity as a World Religion is ideal for courses on World Christianity, Christianity as a Global Religion, the History of Christianity and contemporary Christian theology.


An Introduction to African Religion (2nd Edition)

An Introduction to African Religion (2nd Edition)

Author: John S. Mbiti

Publisher: East African Publishers

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 9789966469281

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Book Synopsis An Introduction to African Religion (2nd Edition) by : John S. Mbiti

Download or read book An Introduction to African Religion (2nd Edition) written by John S. Mbiti and published by East African Publishers. This book was released on 1991 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


African Traditional Religion in the Modern World, 2d ed.

African Traditional Religion in the Modern World, 2d ed.

Author: Douglas E. Thomas

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2015-05-21

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 078649607X

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African traditional religion encompasses a variety of non-dogmatic, spiritual practices followed by millions around the world. Some scholars argue it is related to the Nubian religion of Egypt's Dynastic Period. In an expanded second edition, this book examines the nature of African traditional religion and describes common attributes of various cultural belief systems, with an emphasis on West Africa. Principal elements studied include sacrifice, salvation and culture, modes of revelation, divination, and African resilience in the face of invasion and colonization. The religious experiences of black people throughout the Americas are also covered. The author finds the cosmology, symbolism and rituals of the Yoruba culture to be the fundamental bases of African traditional religion, and draws similarities between the oral and written literature of West Africans and that of New World practitioners. The influence of Islam and Christianity is also discussed. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.


Book Synopsis African Traditional Religion in the Modern World, 2d ed. by : Douglas E. Thomas

Download or read book African Traditional Religion in the Modern World, 2d ed. written by Douglas E. Thomas and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2015-05-21 with total page 291 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: African traditional religion encompasses a variety of non-dogmatic, spiritual practices followed by millions around the world. Some scholars argue it is related to the Nubian religion of Egypt's Dynastic Period. In an expanded second edition, this book examines the nature of African traditional religion and describes common attributes of various cultural belief systems, with an emphasis on West Africa. Principal elements studied include sacrifice, salvation and culture, modes of revelation, divination, and African resilience in the face of invasion and colonization. The religious experiences of black people throughout the Americas are also covered. The author finds the cosmology, symbolism and rituals of the Yoruba culture to be the fundamental bases of African traditional religion, and draws similarities between the oral and written literature of West Africans and that of New World practitioners. The influence of Islam and Christianity is also discussed. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.


Making Disciples in Africa

Making Disciples in Africa

Author: Jack Pryor Chalk

Publisher: Langham Global Library

Published: 2013-08-14

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 1907713719

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With two-thirds of sub-Saharan Africa professing to be Christian it should be a concern to all Christians that the biblical worldview has had little impact on the shaping of contemporary African culture. In this book Jack Chalk analyses the belief systems of the worldviews that are based on Christianity and African Traditional Religion. The analysis, conclusion and recommendations are presented with the view to helping the church in Africa deal with syncretism and the effect it has on the beliefs and practices of its members.


Book Synopsis Making Disciples in Africa by : Jack Pryor Chalk

Download or read book Making Disciples in Africa written by Jack Pryor Chalk and published by Langham Global Library. This book was released on 2013-08-14 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With two-thirds of sub-Saharan Africa professing to be Christian it should be a concern to all Christians that the biblical worldview has had little impact on the shaping of contemporary African culture. In this book Jack Chalk analyses the belief systems of the worldviews that are based on Christianity and African Traditional Religion. The analysis, conclusion and recommendations are presented with the view to helping the church in Africa deal with syncretism and the effect it has on the beliefs and practices of its members.


Traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians in Africa

Traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians in Africa

Author: Prince Sorie Conteh

Publisher: Cambria Press

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 1604975962

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As is the case for most of sub-Saharan Africa, African Traditional Religion (ATR) is the indigenous religion of Sierra Leone. When the early forebears and later progenitors of Islam and Christianity arrived, they met Sierra Leone indigenes with a remarkable knowledge of God and a structured religious system. Successive Muslim clerics, traders, and missionaries were respectful of and sensitive to the culture and religion of the indigenes who accommodated them and offered them hospitality. This approach resulted in a syncretistic brand of Islam. In contrast, most Christian missionaries adopted an exclusive and insensitive approach to African culture and religiosity. Christianity, especially Protestantism, demanded a complete abandonment of African culture and religion, and a total dedication to Christianity. This attitude is continued by some indigenous clerics and religious leaders to such an extent that Sierra Leone Indigenous Religion (SLIR) and its practitioners continue to be marginalised in Sierra Leone's interreligious dialogue and cooperation. Although the indigenes of Sierra Leone were and continue to be hospitable to Islam and Christianity, and in spite of the fact that SLIR shares affinity with Islam and Christianity in many theological and practical issues, and even though there are many Muslims and Christians who still hold on to traditional spirituality and culture, Muslim and Christian leaders of these immigrant religions are reluctant to include Traditionalists in interfaith issues in the country. The formation and constitution of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL), which has local and international recognition, did not include ATR. These considerations, then, beg the following questions: - Why have Muslim and Christian leaders long marginalized ATR, its practices, and practitioners from interfaith dialogue and cooperation in Sierra Leone? - What is lacking in ATR that continues to prevent practitioners of Christianity and Islam from officially involving Traditionalists in the socioreligious development of the country? This book investigates the reasons for the exclusion of ATR from interreligious dialogue/cooperation and ATR's relevance and place in the socioreligious landscape of Sierra Leone and the rest of the world. It also discusses possible ways for ATR's inclusion in the ongoing interfaith dialogue and cooperation in the country; this is important because people living side by side meet and interact personally and communally on a regular basis. As such, they share common resources; communal benefits; and the joys, crises, and sorrows of life. The social and cultural interaction and cooperation involved in this dialogue of life are what compel people to fully understand the worldviews of their neighbours and to seek out better relationships with them. Most of the extant books and courses about interreligious encounters and dialogue deal primarily with the interaction between two or more of the major world religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. This book fills a gap in the study of interreligious dialogue in Africa by taking into consideration the place and relevance of ATR in interreligious dialogue and cooperation in Sierra Leone. It provides the reader with basic knowledge of ATR, Islam, and Christianity in their Sierra Leonean contexts, and of interfaith encounters and dialogue among the three major faith traditions in Africa. As such, it provides for the first time a historical, chronological, and comparative study of interreligious encounters and dialogue among Traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians in Sierra Leone. Traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians in Africa is an important reference for scholars, researchers, religious leaders, missionaries, and all who are interested in interfaith cooperation and dialogue, especially among all three of Africa's major living religions-ATR, Islam, and Christianity.


Book Synopsis Traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians in Africa by : Prince Sorie Conteh

Download or read book Traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians in Africa written by Prince Sorie Conteh and published by Cambria Press. This book was released on 2009 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As is the case for most of sub-Saharan Africa, African Traditional Religion (ATR) is the indigenous religion of Sierra Leone. When the early forebears and later progenitors of Islam and Christianity arrived, they met Sierra Leone indigenes with a remarkable knowledge of God and a structured religious system. Successive Muslim clerics, traders, and missionaries were respectful of and sensitive to the culture and religion of the indigenes who accommodated them and offered them hospitality. This approach resulted in a syncretistic brand of Islam. In contrast, most Christian missionaries adopted an exclusive and insensitive approach to African culture and religiosity. Christianity, especially Protestantism, demanded a complete abandonment of African culture and religion, and a total dedication to Christianity. This attitude is continued by some indigenous clerics and religious leaders to such an extent that Sierra Leone Indigenous Religion (SLIR) and its practitioners continue to be marginalised in Sierra Leone's interreligious dialogue and cooperation. Although the indigenes of Sierra Leone were and continue to be hospitable to Islam and Christianity, and in spite of the fact that SLIR shares affinity with Islam and Christianity in many theological and practical issues, and even though there are many Muslims and Christians who still hold on to traditional spirituality and culture, Muslim and Christian leaders of these immigrant religions are reluctant to include Traditionalists in interfaith issues in the country. The formation and constitution of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL), which has local and international recognition, did not include ATR. These considerations, then, beg the following questions: - Why have Muslim and Christian leaders long marginalized ATR, its practices, and practitioners from interfaith dialogue and cooperation in Sierra Leone? - What is lacking in ATR that continues to prevent practitioners of Christianity and Islam from officially involving Traditionalists in the socioreligious development of the country? This book investigates the reasons for the exclusion of ATR from interreligious dialogue/cooperation and ATR's relevance and place in the socioreligious landscape of Sierra Leone and the rest of the world. It also discusses possible ways for ATR's inclusion in the ongoing interfaith dialogue and cooperation in the country; this is important because people living side by side meet and interact personally and communally on a regular basis. As such, they share common resources; communal benefits; and the joys, crises, and sorrows of life. The social and cultural interaction and cooperation involved in this dialogue of life are what compel people to fully understand the worldviews of their neighbours and to seek out better relationships with them. Most of the extant books and courses about interreligious encounters and dialogue deal primarily with the interaction between two or more of the major world religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. This book fills a gap in the study of interreligious dialogue in Africa by taking into consideration the place and relevance of ATR in interreligious dialogue and cooperation in Sierra Leone. It provides the reader with basic knowledge of ATR, Islam, and Christianity in their Sierra Leonean contexts, and of interfaith encounters and dialogue among the three major faith traditions in Africa. As such, it provides for the first time a historical, chronological, and comparative study of interreligious encounters and dialogue among Traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians in Sierra Leone. Traditionalists, Muslims, and Christians in Africa is an important reference for scholars, researchers, religious leaders, missionaries, and all who are interested in interfaith cooperation and dialogue, especially among all three of Africa's major living religions-ATR, Islam, and Christianity.


African Traditional Religion and the Christian Faith

African Traditional Religion and the Christian Faith

Author: Cornelius Olowola

Publisher:

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 80

ISBN-13:

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This book provides a new, constructive and critical approach to African traditional religion, from the standpoint of Christian faith.


Book Synopsis African Traditional Religion and the Christian Faith by : Cornelius Olowola

Download or read book African Traditional Religion and the Christian Faith written by Cornelius Olowola and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 80 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a new, constructive and critical approach to African traditional religion, from the standpoint of Christian faith.