Introduction to African Religion (African Writers) [Paperback]

John S. Mbiti (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0435940023 | ISBN-13: 978-0435940027 | Publication Date: December 1, 1991 | Edition: 2 Sub

In the light of new knowledge and the ever-increasing interest in African religions, this popular introduction has now been revised and updated to include:

• a section on African proverbs, showing the religious and ethical insights handed down through oral tradition;
• new photographs reflecting the spread of African religions across the African continent;
• and a fully expanded reading list.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This revision of a standard text ( LJ 7/75) provides an excellent overview of native religion in Africa. It also offers a useful and up-to-date list of books for more advanced reading, questions for each chapter, and a collection of wise sayings to illustrate oral tradition. The comprehensiveness of the treatment of where African religion is found, the discussion of its god, spirits, and cosmology, and of how human life is related to the religion make this book especially helpful to those familiar only with religions having sacred scriptures. Highly recommended for all libraries, whether or not they have the earlier edition.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Canon Professor John Mbiti, an Anglican priest from Kenya, taught Theology and Religion for many years at Makerere University in Uganda. After that he served as Director of the Ecumenical Institute Bossey, of the World Council of Churches near Geneva, Switzerland. He has been visiting professor at many universities in Europe, America, Canada and Australia and has travelled widely in many countries. Professor Mbiti has published over 400 articles, reviews and books on theology, religion, philosophy and literature. Currently he is part-time professor at the University of Bern, and parish minister in Burgdorf, Switzerland. He is married to Verena and they have four children: Kyeni, Maria, Esther and Kavata.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann; 2 Sub edition (December 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0435940023
• ISBN-13: 978-0435940027
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,925 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Tribal & Ethnic
  • #47 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > History

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Guide to African Religion South of the Sahara, November 5, 2000

By 

Zekeriyah (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Introduction to African Religion (African Writers) (Paperback)

If you have ever wanted to know about the religions of Africa in general, this is the book for you. This is sort of the beginners guide to African religions and spirituality. Its worth noting that this book focuses on the religions native to Africa, but does give some brief mention of Islam and Christianity as well as the role that other religions play in Africa today. Mbiti certainly knows what he is talking about, and gives us a overviews of some of the common themes and ideas that are widespread in African religion, and the ceremonies and customs that are still present in Africa. And, as he points out, almost all African religions are monotheistic. However, the part which I liked the most was the section of African proverbs at the end. If you would like to learn more about African religion, I suggest that you look at this book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bit by Bit we learn about african faiths, June 23, 2004

By 

Ifasehun Thabiti Ojedele (earth) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to African Religion (African Writers) (Paperback)

This is THE starting point for inquiry into African Religion. Its written with enough familiarity and distance to make you feel comfortable...that is it wont scare you away while you're deciding if "african religion is for me".

its actually written as a classroom text, complete with Q&A sections. i have read it at least 5 times over the years and i thoroughly enjoy it each time. i recommend it to any that is presently considering practicing an african religion.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Well Organized Book Dealing With The Religions of Africa, October 24, 2002

By 

Alex Thanos (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to African Religion (African Writers) (Paperback)

Mbiti has done a great job with the organization of this book. This book is very easy to just sit down and read for anyone, not just students. There is not a whole lot of texts that can provide insight into the world of African religions but Mbiti has put together a text that allows one to study the riches of the African hertiage. When a book like this is written it helps to put down the numberous stereotypes about the way Africans live there life. He does not go into great detail about any one culture specifically but shows how religion functions in their daily life.