Religion is approached from an African point of view but is as accessible to readers who belong to non-African societies as it is to those who have grown up in ...

"This study of the idea of God in 300 African tribes is the fruit of extensive research by a distinguished African theologian. Professor Mbiti has successfully translated a mass of anthropological information into theological terms (a task for which he is thoroughly equipped) and, in doing it, has combined lucid writing with vivid imagery, to create a book that will be read with enjoyment by many. The author shows that, behind many simple expressions of belief—for example, the Zulu saying of (...) a thunderstorm, "the King is playing"; the Kikuyu praying to their Father to give them goats, sheep, and children; the Bambuti picturing God with a long beard—there often lies a profound faith in God as father and creator, or in God working as spirit. A moving and explicit description of God as a spirit comes from a traditional hymn of the Pygmies. Certain African tribes have inherited myths telling of the Creation and Fall in terms akin to those of the Book of Genesis. Others are familiar with the idea of a God both immanent and transcendent and of worship as an activity filling the whole life. It is one thing to admire the way in which Africans have enriched Christianity with their own cultural and spiritual heritage. It is quite another to be able to explore now, with Dr. Mbiti as guide, the sources of that wealth and to discover, as he has done, how much there is of the universal in each tribal theology."-Publisher. (shrink)

Muitas sociedades africanas dizem que Deus só faz o que é bom e não criou o mal. Cada sociedade tem costumes, tradições, comportamentos e relações interpessoais estabelecidos que mantêm a boa ordem na comunidade. Contudo, as relaçães intensas também criam animosidades e as pessoas tentam fazer-lhes frente através da feitiçaria, bruxaria e magia. Os indivíduos usam os poderes "escondidos" ou "secretes" para fazer mal aos vizinhos e colegas, ou aos seus bens e actividades. Nalgumas sociedades, as pessoas pensam que os (...) espíritos são a origem e/ou os agentes do mal. Contudo, os espíritos das pessoas falecidas são ainda pane das suas famíias humanas, e de muitos modos actuam coma guardiães do bem-estar familiar. É sobretudo nas relações humanas que as pessoas identificam o que é mau, tentam evitá-lo, e lidam com ele através do castigo, tabus, proibições, leis e força de vontade humana. A administração dajustiça é confiada aos mats velhos, tanto homens coma mulheres e governantes tradicionais. Outra forma de combater o mal é encorajar o que é bom, tal como a amizpde, respeito (para com as pessoas e a natureza), hospitalidade, harmonia, paz, justiça, atenção mútua ou ajuda e outros valores que são ensinados nasfamílias e nas comunidades. /// Many African societies say that God does only what is good and did not create evil. Each society has established customs, traditions, behaviour and interpersonal relations that uphold good order in the community. However, the intense relationships also creates tensions and people try to cope with them through witchcraft, sorcery and magic. Fellow persons use the "hidden "or "secret" powers to do evil to the neighbors and colleagues, or their property and activities. In some societies, people think that spirits are the origin and/or agents of evil. However, family spirits of the departed are still part of their human families, and in many ways act as guardians of family welfare. It is largely in human relationships that people identify what is evil, try to prevent it, and deal with it through punishment, taboos, prohibitions, laws and human will power. The elders, both men and women and traditional rulers, are entrusted with administering justice in the community. Another way of combating evil is to foster what is good, such as friendship, respect (towards persons and nature), hospitality, harmony, peace, justice, mutual care or helpfulness and other values that are taught in families and communities. (shrink)