African Religious Heritage with Special Reference to East Africa
Contents
Aims and Sources of the Study
Importance of the study. Approaches and attitudes. Written sources. Unwritten sources; tales; customs, art, etc.
African Creation Myths
Creation and purpose of universe and man. Man's relationship to God, nature, community and other individuals.
African Childhood
Pregnancy, birth, names and naming, childrearing. Meaning and importance of human life. Religious education: "why" tales. General education: "how" tales, apprenticeship, playmates.
Initiation
Meaning of community. Friendship. Personal responsibilities in the community. Tests of courage. Circumcision.
Courtship
Marriage and family life. Communal courtship. The various wedding ceremonies. Bride price; bride wealth. Husband and wife. In-laws. Procreation-motherhood, fatherhood, and duties. Divorce and separation. Polygamy. Behavior within the household
Work and Leisure
Division of labor, art-in-life, crafts and sports. Economics and the human being.
The Community
Family, clan and tribe. Leadership roles. Political system and social welfare (justice). Religious personages.
Death and the Thereafter
Causes of disease, accidents, and death (mystery of evil). Burial ceremonies. Destiny of the soul.
Spirits and Ancestors
The dead, their nature and function. Men and spiritual powers. Nature and supernature. Magic and witchcraft.
Deity
Nature of the deity. The works of the deity. Moral attributes of the deity. Work of the deity. Moral attributes of the deity. Worship: sacrifices and prayers.
