Religious Beliefs and Knowledge Systems in Africa

Key to African studies is understanding the knowledge systems of the continent and her diaspora. The representation and understanding of Africa are dependent on the observer's definition of knowledge. Afrocentric knowledge is comprised of a collection of political, religious and indigenous belief systems. Religious Beliefs and Knowledge Systems in Africa begins with deconstructing the Western philosophy of knowledge before defining and exploring the epistemic disciplines of Africa. It transcends postcolonial critique, through an Afrocentric approach to knowledge divided into three key themes. The first of these is the African Worldview, exploring knowledge through eldership, witchcraft and divination. This is followed up Kingship ideology and epistemologies, exploring how politics, religion and belief shape African society. Finally, the World Religion chapter explores Christianity, Islam and Pentecostalism in their impact on African ways of knowing. The book calls to action new fields of study in universities, understanding African ways of knowing through more nuanced disciplines.