Describes the moral teachings (values, norms and principles to follow so that life might be abundant for all) of the African religion as it relates to individuals and community.

Foreword

ix

(4)

Preface

xiii

(2)

Acknowledgments

xv

1. Defining African Religion

1

(34)

The Relationship between Morality/Ethics and Religion

1

(3)

Persistence and Continuity of African Religion

4

(10)

African Religion or Religions?

14

(4)

Is African Religion a World Religion?

18

(11)

Between Cultural Anthropology and Ethics

29

(3)

Perspective of Study

32

(3)

2. The Moral Universe

35

(42)

Myth and the Moral Tradition

36

(3)

Foundations of Values and Norms

39

(7)

Ancestral, Spirit, Human, and Material Powers

46

(11)

Ethical Consciousness

57

(7)

The Relationship Imperative

64

(7)

Ethical Presuppositions of the African Worldview

71

(6)

3. The Mystique of Life

77

(38)

Abundant Life Realized in Ancestral Communion

77

(5)

Conception, Birth, and Naming

82

(12)

Initiation: Confirming the Vital Force

94

(10)

Age-sets, Blood Pacts, Societies, and Joking Relationships

104

(11)

4. Transmitting the Vital Force

115

(46)

Marriage and Kinship

115

(9)

Marriage as a Means to Attain Full Humanity

124

(4)

Stabilization of the Vital Force by Legitimation of Children

128

(7)

The Value Behind Different Forms of Marriage

135

(7)

Sexuality and Sexual Relations

142

(6)

Preservation of Life Through Taboos

148

(6)

Moral Maturity in Death and the Transmission of Ancestral Vital Power

154

(7)

5. The Enemies of Life

161

(32)

Concepts and Understandings

161

(5)

Wrongdoing as Contravention of Moral Codes

166

(6)

Affliction as a Consequence of Wrongdoing

172

(7)

Witchcraft as the Human Embodiment of Evil

179

(10)

Affliction as a Pivotal Theological Issue

189

(4)

6. Restoring the Force of Life

193

(52)

Approaches in Dealing with Affliction

193

(2)

Imploring Mystical Powers in Prayer

195

(6)

Sacrifices and Offerings

201

(8)

Medicine: Protective and Curative

209

(2)

Procedures for Diagnosing Sources of Affliction

211

(9)

Methods of Divination

220

(9)

Divination by Mediums

229

(5)

Reestablishing Ties: Reconciliation Rites

234

(6)

Final Ethical Considerations

240

(5)

7. "Political" Ethics

245

(40)

Fundamental Observations

246

(12)

Unifying Factors

258

(9)

Law, Social Order, and Conflict Resolution

267

(5)

Redressing Wrongs

272

(5)

The Community of Goods

277

(8)

Conclusion

285

(4)

Index

289

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