African Traditions in the Study of Religion in Africa: Contending with Gender, the Vitality of Indigenous Religions, and Diaspora

• Published in: African Traditions in the Study of Religion, Diaspora and Gendered Societies pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Chitando, Ezra, Adogame, Afe, Bateye, Bolaji
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 2013
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Lagos State Government; Christ Apostolic Church; African Issues; Alhaji Shehu Shagari; Arabic Language; Indigenous Religions; Pristine; African Women Theologians; African Scholars; Women's Leadership Role; Women's Religious Experiences; Male Scholars; Priestesses; African Indigenous Religions; African Flavour; African Religions; Religious Puritanism; African Christianity; African Traditions; Young Men; West Indian Pentecostalism; Expiatory Sacrifice; Violated
• ISBN: 140944614X; 9781138250697; 1138250694; 9781409446149
• DOI: 10.4324/9781315566054-1

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines the Africanization of religious studies which implies that the discipline reflects seriously on its African context, takes on board African issues, and has an African flavour or outlook. Consequently, African scholars of religion need to continue to belong to the global community of scholars, but they must be painfully conscious of their identity as Africans. It is critical to note that without the courage and commitment of female African scholars of religion, the theme of gender would not be finding its way into the curricula of departments of religious studies in Africa. Olupona publications on orisa devotion and African immigrant religions in the USA confirm his academic leadership in the area of African religions in Diaspora. He has inspired the emergence of African traditions in the study of religion as a global enterprise.