Introduction to Religions of the African Diaspora

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Addressing a significant gap in the field, Introduction to Religions of the African Diaspora brings together key themesAfrica, the Diaspora, colonialism, race, Black identity, and religioninto one cohesive and accessible volume.
The text draws on over thirty years of the authors experience studying and teaching African and African Diasporan spiritualities and is informed by the recognition that many students arrive in the classroom with limited understanding of cultural and historical contextsoften carrying preconceived notions about Africa and Black people. The author, a Black U.S. scholar, approaches these topics with both personal insight and academic rigor, having personally navigated many of these same misconceptions. This perspective enriches the material, incorporating the history of Black Studies to challenge prevailing assumptions about the African continent and its diasporas.

The book thoughtfully engages with both Western European and U.S. cultural norms, bringing them into conversation with the worldviews and values embedded within African and Diasporan religious traditions. By offering these comparative insights, the text serves as a valuable resource for students across disciplines, including religious studies, international studies, and history.

Designed as an accessible and engaging introduction, the book is ideal for undergraduate courses and provides clear definitions and contextual explanations to support student comprehension. Each chapter is framed with a broad, inclusive lens and acknowledges the diversity of student backgrounds, including those engaged in mission work or service projects by providing them the critical tools needed for thoughtful and respectful engagement with African and diasporic communities.

Author Bio

Stephanie Y. Mitchem is Professor of Religious Studies and Women and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina, where she also teaches African American studies. She is the author of several books, including Introducing Womanist Theology (2014) and African American Folk Healing (2007).