Religions of South Africa

Religions within South Africa are many and varied and "Religions of South Africa" provides a comparative study of and introduction to its religious history. It locates religion in the context of the political, social, and economic history of the region, paying special attention to the religious creativity of people who have suffered under conquest, colonialism, and apartheid domination in South Africa. In this respect, the author suggests ways of understanding not only the religions of South Africa, but also the religions of the world. Beginning with an overview of African traditional religion, the book explores Christian missions and African innovations during the 20th century. Against the background of race, class, gender and power relations in the 20th century, the book proceeds to locate Protestant, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, and new religious movements in South Africa. Finally, the book concludes by examining the ambivalent role of religious symbols, myths, rituals and traditions in the country's politics, showing how religion has supported political domination, but has also inspired struggles for human liberation from oppression. This book should be of interest to students and lecturers in religious studies, history, anthropology, sociology, and African studies.