New Trends and Developments in African Religions

(Hardback)

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Description

African religions, as well as those religions that derive much of their cosmology, beliefs and rituals from African religions, are becoming more international in scope and appeal. Yet they continue to be viewed either as indiscriminately adaptable or as static traditions. Neither view suggests much spiritual or psychological value outside their original milieu when compared with the so-called world religions. The chapters in this volume focus on African and African-derived religions, and challenge many of these positions. They examine how these religions display themselves in the contemporary world, particularly in the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe. These religions' continued dynamism and their relationship with other religious traditions, especially through the process of syncretism, are also explored. This multidisciplinary collection makes a contribution not only to a better understanding of African and African-derived religions, but it also contributes to the wider and ongoing debate on syncretism that continues to engage those in anthropology, history and sociology of religion.

Reviews

[T]his is an excellent resource for comparing the varied forms of African Dispora religiosity.-Religious Studies Review
New Trends and Developments in African Religions is certainly one of the most important books published in recent years about African and world-wide religions which derive their cosmology, ideology, rituals, and ethos from African religions.-Journal of Contemporary Religion
"This is an excellent resource for comparing the varied forms of African Dispora religiosity."-Religious Studies Review
"[T]his is an excellent resource for comparing the varied forms of African Dispora religiosity."-Religious Studies Review
"New Trends and Developments in African Religions is certainly one of the most important books published in recent years about African and world-wide religions which derive their cosmology, ideology, rituals, and ethos from African religions."-Journal of Contemporary Religion

Author Bio

PETER B. CLARKE is Professor of History and Sociology of Religion at King's College at the University of London. He is the founding and present editor of the Journal of Contemporary Religion and has written and edited several books on African history and religions.