Synopses & Reviews
At publication date, a free ebook version of this title will be available through Luminos, University of California Pressandrsquo; new Open Access publishing program for monographs. Visit www.luminosoa.org to learn more.
The Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria are exceptional for the copresence among them of three religious traditions: Islam, Christianity, and the indigenous orisa-religion. In this strongly comparative study, at once historical and anthropological, Peel explores the intertwined character of the three religions and the dense imbrication of religion in all other aspects of Yoruba history up to the present. For over 400 years, the Yoruba have straddled two geocultural spheres: one reaching north over the Sahara to the world of Islam, the other linking them to the Euro-American world via the Atlantic. These two external spheres were the source of contrasting cultural influences, notably those emanating from the world religions. Moreover, the Yoruba not only imported Islam and Christianity; they exported their own orisa-religion to the New World. Before the voluntary modern diaspora that has brought many Yoruba to Euro-America, tens of thousands had been sold as slaves to the New World, bringing with them the worship of the orisa. Along the way, Peel not only offers deep insight into such important contemporary themes as religious conversion, new religious movements, relations between world religions, the conditions of religious violence, the transnational flows of contemporary religion, and the interplay between tradition and the demands of an ever-changing present, but also makes a major theoretical contribution to the anthropology of world religions.
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and#8220;I strongly urge all. . . to read this excellent book.and#8221;
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and#8220;Holtzman is an engaging writer with a distinctive voice, seamlessly merging telling anecdotes with deft theoretical analysis. . . This book is a must-read.and#8221;
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“Perfectly functional, remarkably insightful, and a little bit controversial.”
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“Without glossing over fundamental differences between Christianity and Islam . . . Renard shows how the reality has often been more nuanced.”
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“Outstanding Academic Title for 2011. . . . Highly recommended.”
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"One of the best books available for use in courses comparing Muslim and Christian thought."
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“Written with sensitivity and beauty.”
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“Renard has a good grasp on what is important, foundational, and formative across a multitude of disciplines in both religious traditions.”
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“John Renard offers, in this beautiful book, a new contribution in the field of comparative study of Christianity and Islam.”
Synopsis
A free ebook version of this title is available through Luminos, University of California Press s open access publishing program for monographs. Visit www.luminosoa.org to learn more.
The Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria are exceptional for the copresence among them of three religious traditions: Islam, Christianity, and the indigenous orisa religion. In this comparative study, at once historical and anthropological, Peel explores the intertwined character of the three religions and the dense imbrication of religion in all aspects of Yoruba history up to the present. For over 400 years, the Yoruba have straddled two geocultural spheres: one reaching north over the Sahara to the world of Islam, the other linking them to the Euro-American world via the Atlantic. These two external spheres were the source of contrasting cultural influences, notably those emanating from the world religions. However, the Yoruba not only imported Islam and Christianity but also exported their own orisa religion to the New World. Before the voluntary modern diaspora that has brought many Yoruba to Europe and the Americas, tens of thousands were sold as slaves in the New World, bringing with them the worship of the orisa.
Peel offers deep insight into important contemporary themes such as religious conversion, new religious movements, relations between world religions, the conditions of religious violence, the transnational flows of contemporary religion, and the interplay between tradition and the demands of an ever-changing present. In the process, he makes a major theoretical contribution to the anthropology of world religions."
Synopsis
This richly drawn ethnography of Samburu cattle herders in northern Kenya examines the effects of an epochal shift in their basic diet-from a regimen of milk, meat, and blood to one of purchased agricultural products. In his innovative analysis, Jon Holtzman uses food as a way to contextualize and measure the profound changes occurring in Samburu social and material life. He shows that if Samburu reaction to the new foods is primarily negativeand#151;they are referred to disparagingly as and#147;gray foodand#8221; and and#147;government foodand#8221;and#151;it is also deeply ambivalent. For example, the Samburu attribute a host of social maladies to these dietary changes, including selfishness and moral decay. Yet because the new foods save lives during famines, the same individuals also talk of the triumph of reason over an antiquated culture and speak enthusiastically of a better life where there is less struggle to find food. Through detailed analysis of a range of food-centered arenas, Uncertain Tastes argues that the experience of food itselfand#151;symbolic, sensuous, social, and material-is intrinsically characterized by multiple and frequently conflicting layers.
Synopsis
In light of the widespread public perception of incompatibility between Islam and Christianity, this book provides a much-needed straightforward comparison of these two great faith traditions from a broad theological perspective. Award-winning scholar John Renard illuminates the similarities as well as the differences between Islam and Christianity through a clear exploration of four major dimensionshistorical, creedal, institutional, and ethical and spiritual. Throughout, the book features comparisons between concrete elements such as creedal statements, prayer texts, and writings from major theologians and mystics. It also includes a glossary of technical theological terms. For western readers in particular, this balanced, authoritative work overturns some common stereotypes about Islam, especially those that have emerged in the decade since September 11, 2001.
Synopsis
"John Renard presents a judicious overview of Muslim and Christian ways of 'being in the world.' This work eloquently refutes common Western stereotypes regarding Muslims and Islam and adds to the growing call for Muslim-Christian understanding on a global scale. It is an elegantly crafted book."David L. Johnston, author of
Earth, Empire and Sacred Text: Muslims and
Christians as Trustees of Creation"John Renard offers a lucid portrayal of the major aspects of Christianity and Islam, identifying numerous points of congruence without denying significant dissimilarities. The call he makes for Christians and Muslims to show greater mutual awareness and respect is persuasive and hard to ignore." David Thomas, Professor of Christianity and Islam, University of Birmingham
About the Author
John Renard is Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University. His many books include Seven Doors to Islam: Spirituality and the Religious Life of Muslims, Windows on the House of Islam, Friends of God: Islamic Images of Piety, Commitment, and Servanthood, and Tales of Gods Friends: Islamic Hagiography in Translation, all from UC Press.
Table of Contents
Preface
Prologue: Christian-Muslim Theological Dialogue in Retrospect
Introduction: Theological Themes and Subdisciplines
Part I. Historical Dimensions: Interpreting God's Communication and Divine Engagement in Time and Space
1. Sacred Sources and Community Origins
2. Development and Spread
Part II. Creedal Dimensions: Faith and the Development of Theology as a Religious Discipline
3. From Story to Creed
4. The Emergence of Theological Disciplines
Part III. Institutional Dimensions: The Structures of Theologically Grounded Community
5. Beneath the Brick and Mortar
6. Institutions in Action
Part IV. Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions: Mapping Outward and Inward Journeys of Faith
7. Sources, Methods, and Social Values in Theological Ethics
8. Sources and Models in Traditions of Spirituality
9. Themes in Prayer and Mystical Theology
Epilogue: Reflections on the Prospects for Christian-Muslim Theological Dialogue
Notes
Theological Glossary
Selected Bibliography
General Index
Index of Biblical and Qur'anic Citations