ABSTRACT

Religions in Contemporary Africa is an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the three main religious traditions on the African continent, African indigenous religions, Christianity and Islam. The book provides a historical overview of these important traditions and focuses on the roles they play in African societies today. It includes social, cultural and political case studies from across the continent on the following topical issues:

  • Witchcraft and modernity
  • Power and politics
  • Conflict and peace
  • Media and popular culture
  • Development
  • Human rights
  • Illness and health
  • Gender and sexuality

With suggestions for further reading, discussion questions, illustrations and a list of glossary terms this is the ideal textbook for students in religion, African studies and adjacent fields approaching this subject area for the first time. 

chapter |14 pages

Introduction

Why and how this book helps you understand religions in Africa

part I|2 pages

Religious Traditions and Trends in Africa

chapter 1|18 pages

African indigenous religions

chapter 2|15 pages

Christianity in Africa

chapter 3|14 pages

Islam in Africa

chapter 6|14 pages

Islamic Reform Movements in Africa

part II|2 pages

Topical Issues of Religions in Africa

chapter 8|14 pages

Religion, power and politics in Africa

chapter 10|15 pages

Religion and development in Africa

chapter 11|14 pages

Religion and human rights in Africa

chapter 12|15 pages

Religion, illness and health in Africa

chapter 13|14 pages

Religion and Gender in Africa

chapter 14|14 pages

Religion and sexuality in Africa