A CURSE OF THE WESTERN HERITAGE? Imagining Religion in an African Context

This paper examines the complexity surrounding the definition of religion. It highlights the lack of consensus in Religious Studies and critically examines some of the definitions of religion. The paper also traces the impact of Western ideas regarding the concept. Through an analysis of the works o...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Chitando, E. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: ASRSA 1997
In: Journal for the study of religion
Year: 1997, Volume: 10, Issue: 2, Pages: 75-98
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:This paper examines the complexity surrounding the definition of religion. It highlights the lack of consensus in Religious Studies and critically examines some of the definitions of religion. The paper also traces the impact of Western ideas regarding the concept. Through an analysis of the works of selected writers, this paper illustrates how Western conceptualisations have been predominant in Religious Studies. The reaction of African scholars to the concept "religion" is also outlined. The paper seeks to provide an indigenous methodology by discussing two vernacular concepts found among the Shona people of Zimbabwe. The notion that religion defines African life is critically assessed and in the concluding section the paper calls for greater scholarly imagination when reflecting on religion.
ISSN:2413-3027
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal for the study of religion