The problem of systematically describing non-systematic traditional religion in Africa

Abstract

There exists in the modern world a form of non-Christianised religious thought which develops the basic ideas of indigenous African religion beyond their beginnings, and is represented in authors such as Kamalu, Osabutey-Aguedze, etc. The spheres of interest in such authors may be analysed in terms of the following areas: Intervening ideological conditions bearing on African life (particularly theological and cosmologicai ideas); The historical background of African life; The roots of African life, as manifested in its traditions, and its ethical and cufiural heritage; Means for the innovative development of African life, found in African-concepts of knowledge, mysticism and magic; The perceived destiny of African Sfe. The thesis concludes with an indication of areas of agreement and debate :i"n post-traditional African thought, of problems faced by such thought, and of other possible priorities for future study.