ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. African Indigenous Religions provide the spiritual background to adherents of these religions as well as converts to other religions. They also provide the most strategic area for developing 'African traditions'. Umar Danfulani provides a useful critique of African religions in African scholarship through a historiographical overview. Adam Chepkwony and Tabona Shoko, focus on the challenges and prospects of teaching African religions in tertiary institutions in East Africa and Zimbabwe respectively. Oyeronke Olademo interrogates the interface between gender and the teaching of religious studies in Nigeria. Musa W. Dube probes achievements and challenges in the mainstreaming of HIV in African religious and theological studies. Anthonia Kalu focuses on the significance of African narrative traditions in the development and expression of African religious thought. Lilian Dube interrogates the persistence of African spirituality in religious song and dance.
