African Religion (World Religions (Facts on File)) [Hardcover]

Aloysius Muzzanganda Lugira (Author)

Book Description

Series: World Religions (Facts on File) | Publication Date: July 2004

144 pages.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-These attractive volumes are readable and well organized. They have comprehensive introductions and conclude with current practices and a look to the future. Zoroastrianism discusses the religion's history, scripture, philosophy, ethics, and rituals. African Religion covers the oral tradition, beliefs about God and the spirit world, rites, sacred places, and mystical forces. Both books have glossaries (but no pronunciation guides), minimal chapter notes, and lists for further reading. Unfortunately, they also have internal inconsistencies and are occasionally confusing. The abbreviations B.C.E. and C.E. are used with no explanation of their meaning. Both titles suffer from inadequate maps. And, while they cover the "big picture" well, there is little sense of how the religions are practiced on a daily basis. However, since little is available for teens on Zoroastrianism and traditional African religions, these may be useful purchases where world religions are of interest.
Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Lugira takes on a little discussed topic in this volume in the World Religions series. Africa is made up of thousands of ethnic groups, each with its own religious traditions, which may be the reason the topic is so rarely explored. Lugira, however, finds common ground in those religions, including the belief in a Supreme Being and in the lesser gods that assist. Traditions passed on through oral recitations and the importance of rites and rituals, such as animal sacrifice, are also discussed. Topics such as witchcraft and the role it plays in African religion, the future of "organized" religion in Africa, and the influence of other religions on African religions are touched on as well. There are many interesting black-and-white photos here, but some are not well reproduced. Students doing reports on religions should find this a useful source. Extensive glossary. Ilene Cooper --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File; Revised edition (July 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081605729X
• ISBN-13: 978-0816057290
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,397,408 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great synopsis, January 13, 2008

By 

A. Raptis - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: African Religion (World Religions (Facts on File)) (Hardcover)

I thought this book was a very good synopsis of the African Religions. It is especially good for young people who want to have a basic understanding or who are doing a report.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Facts On File Should Know Better, July 13, 2005

By 

Dunnyveg "Dunnyveg" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: African Religion (World Religions (Facts on File)) (Hardcover)

There is not a thing wrong with the text of this book. It is well written and informative. The problem is that this book claims to be an updated edition. We've been able to find no changes from the prior edition. In my opinion, this is tantamount to defrauding schools and libraries with limited budgets, not to mention the folks who work hard to pay the taxes. Buy the version that's not updated. You'll get the same product probably for a better price and let Facts On File know that such conduct is not appreciated.