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...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
ASRSA
1997
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| In: |
Journal for the study of religion
Year: 1997, Volume: 10, Issue: 2, Pages: 75-98 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| 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. |
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| ISSN: | 2413-3027 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal for the study of religion
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