Readings on Religion and Culture in Africa

I. Ejizu

Description

This is a book of reading on religion and culture in Africa comprising ten papers by experts in religion and cultural matters and an introductory note by the editor himself. Covered in the volume are papers covering: the impact of secularisation and urbanisation on a most cherished socio-cultural practice of the extended family system of the Isoko people in Nigeria; the traditional medical practices in Urhobo with particular focus on the use of local herbs to treat ailments; the socioreligious as well as the political significance of Obiri (family hall) in Ikwerreland; the rationale behind the use of the concept �Dunamis� in the Gospel According to Staint Mark. Although his paper does not focus on African (traditional) religion, its inclusion here is based purely on the theological significance of the concept of �Dunamis�; the extent to which evil spirits and mysterious forces have influenced the religion and culture of the Urhobo people of Nigeria; the significance of festivals in the traditional African society; John Wesley�s innovations in Christendom and their implications for Africa; the recent unprecedented upsurge in the assumed use of religious powers to cast out evil spirits as well as for prayer healing among Muslims in Nigeria; the culture of alienation, anxiety and violence, drawing inspiration from the Fall Story of Genesis 3; and the widowhood practices of some areas in Nigeria.

Informations

• Publié par: M and J Grand Orbit Communications
• Date de parution: 13 septembre 2016
• Nombre de lectures: 1
• EAN13: 9789785431162
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 2 Mo

Extrait

Religion & Culture in Africa

A Partial List of Publications by M & J Grand Orbit 1.Four Decades in the Study of Languages & Linguistics in Nigeria 2.In the Linguistic Paradise 3.Languages & Culture in Nigeria 4.Trends in the Study of Language & Linguistics in Nigeria 5.Convergence: English and Nigeria Languages 6.Language, Literature and Culture in Nigeria 7.Critical Issues in the Study of Linguistics, Languages & Literatures 8.Language Policy, Planning & Management in Nigeria 9.Language, Literature & Communication in a Dynamic World 10.Language, Literature & Culture in a Multilingual Society 11.Issues in Contemporary African Linguistics 12.Language Endangerment: Globalisation & the Fate of Minority Languages in Nigeria 13.Globalization & the Study of Languages in Africa 14.Numeral Systems of Nigerian Languages 15.The Syntax of Igbo Causatives: A Minimalist Account 16.Eleme Phonology 17.Basic Linguistics: For Nigerian Language Teachers 18.English Studies and National Development 19.Language, Literature & Literacy in a Developing Nation 20.Language & Economic Reforms in Nigeria 21.The Syntax & Semantics of Yorùbá Nominal Expressions 22.Functional Categories in Igbo 23.Affixation and Auxiliaries in Igbo 24.A Grammar of Contemporary Igbo 25.A Concise Grammar & Lexicon of Echie 26.Bette Ethnography: Theory and Practice 27.Topical Issues in Sociolinguistics: The Nigerian Perspective 28.Studies in Nigerian Linguistics 29.Intercultural Communication & Public Policy in Nigeria 30.House of Skulls-A Symbol of Warfare & Diplomacy in Pre-Colonial Niger Delta & Igbo Hinterland

Readings on Religion & Culture in Africa

Edited by Chris I. Ejizu Professor of Religion Dept. of Religious & Cultural Studies, University of Port Harcourt,Nigeria

M & J Grand Orbit Communications Ltd, Port harcourt

M & J Grand Orbit Publications Box 237 Uniport P.O., University of Port Harcourt,Nigeria. E-mail: [e-mail] Mobil Phone: [phone] 2016 M & J Grand Orbit Communications Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this work may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission from the Copyright owner. ISBN9789785420869 Published by M & J Grand Orbit Communications Ltd., Port Harcourt,Nigeria. Overseas Distributors: African Books Collective PO Box 721, Oxford OX1 9EN, United Kingdom Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone] US Tel: [phone] Customer Services please email [e-mail] For Warehouse/shipping/deliveries: [phone]

Preface This is a book of reading on religion and culture in Africa comprising ten (10) well-written papers by experts in religion and cultural matters and an introductory note by the editor himself.  The first paper written by E.S. Akama examines the impact of secularisation and urbanisation on a most cherished socio-cultural practice of the extended family system of the Isoko people in Nigeria.  The second paper written by J.O. Ubrurhe discusses the traditional medical practices in Urhobo with particular focus on the use of local herbs to treat ailments.  The paper by G. Taise and E. Obe discusses the socio- religious as well as the political significance ofObiri (family hall) in Ikwerreland.  J. Enowosa explains the rationale behind the use of the concept ‘Dunamis’ in the Gospel According to Staint Mark. Although his paper does not focus on African (traditional) religion, its inclusion here is based purely on the theological significance of the concept of ‘Dunamis’.  Adogbo’s paper examines the extent to which evil spirits and mysterious forces have influenced the religion and culture of the Urhobo people of Nigeria. The paper also discusses the problems associated with the belief in

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these evil spirits and mysterious forces as well as the control mechanism for these unwanted spirits.  Ejizu’s paper is on the significance of festivals in the traditional African society.  J.H. Enemugwem discusses John Wesley’s innovations in Christendom and their implications for Africa.  A. Kilani frowns at th e recent unprecedented upsurge in the assumed use of religious powers to cast out evil spirits as well as for prayer healing among Muslims in Nigeria.  V.G. Nyoyoko discusses the culture of alienation, anxiety and violence, drawing inspiration from the Fall Story of Genesis 3. The rationale behind the inclusion of this paper is due mainly to the significance of the major theme of the paper.  D.I. Ilega discusses an agonising aspect of traditional African culture, which is the widowhood practices in some areas in Nigeria.  This volume is a careful assemblage of well-written papers on different aspects of religion and culture. It is recommended for scholars in religious and cultural studies and those in related areas.

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Table of Contents Prefacev 1. Religion & Culture: An Introduction 1 -Chris I. Ejizu 2.The Impact of Secularization & Urbanization on the Socio-Religious Life of the African Extended Family: The Experience of the Isoko People 5 -E.S. Akama 3.Communicating with Herbs: An Aspect of Urhobo Medicine 25 -J.O Ubrurhe 4.Tradition and Change in the Socio-religious Functions ofObiri49in Ikwerre -George Tasie & Esther Obe 5.The Use ofDunamisin Mark 79 -J. Enuwosa 6.Evaluation of Evil Spirits, Mysterious Forces and the Control Mechanism in Urhoboland 103 -M.P. Adogbo vii

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The Meaning & Significance of Festivals in Traditional African Culture & Life -Chris I. Ejizu

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The Innovations of John Wesley in Christendom and their Consequences for Africa 153 -John H. Enemugwem Religion, Health & Healing: A Case Study of Prayer Healing & Exorcism among Muslims in Nigeria 189 -Abdulrazaq Kilani The Fall Story of Genesis 3: The Experience of the Culture of Alienation, Anxiety & Violence 221 -Vincent G. Nyoyoko Widowhood Practice in some Southern Nigerian Ethnic Groups: An Appraisal 249 -Daniel I. Ilega

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1. Religion & Culture: An Introduction Chris I. Ejizu Dept. of Religious & Cultural Studies, University of Port Harcourt. Issues of religion and culture relate to questions that are of deep significance to people. They are matters of real concern. Culture is the total way of life of a people, their pattern of family life and social integration, eating habits, manner of greetings, goods, services, fundamental view of reality as a whole, way of structuring power and authority, of adjusting and surviving in the environment, etc. Religion deals with people’s beliefs and relationship with spiritual beings. Within that broad frame of reference, religion basically is an aspect of culture. Both religion and culture are intricately interwoven. They mutually interact, and significantly influence each other.  Traditionally, the different groups in Nigeria have been well interested in the affairs of, and relationship with their gods as well as in other aspects of their individual and communal life. Religion plays a preeminent role as it anchors and undergirds the social, political, economic and other aspects of the people’s culture. In fact, it has been described as the womb of the culture in the indigenous background of various

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