Mundos de poder / Worlds of Power: Pensamiento religioso y practica politica en africa / Religious Thoughts and Political Practice in Africa ... / African Studies Library)

by Stephen Ellis, Gerrie Ter Haar

Muchos han dicho que espiritualidad y poder se solapan en África, algunos incluso han intentado demostrarlo, pero pocos se han aventurado en este terreno pantanoso con la ambición que reviste el presente libro. Ellis y ter Haar, en Mundos de poder, recurren a un auténtico despliegue interdisciplinario para abordar el tema.

Genres: Africa, Religion, History

299 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Kindle version which also credits Gerrie Ter Haar as co-author which is important since this book fits within her larger trajectory. The argument is relatively simple: the division of politics and "religion" found in the West is not present in Africa. In fact, politics and "religion" are intertwined in Africa so to understand one, you must consider the other.

This might seem like a facile argument but what they are getting at moves away from anthropology and other social sciences considering "religion" and political science etc. considering politics within their own domains without reference to the other. Throughout the authors draw attention to the deep interconnections between "religion" and politics, illuminating both.

"Religion" itself, as the quotes indicate, is a contested term. Ellis and Ter Haar understand religion as having to do with the interaction of the material reality of everyday human experiences and some kind of spiritual reality. This seems like a helpful corrective to an overly Western anthropological understanding that imposes categories of belief and practice on people. It allows the actual beliefs and practices with their meanings to emerge.

And perhaps that is the greatest strength of this work. It treats African agency respectfully, allowing distinctive voices and traditions to emerge in ways that challenge dominant ways of interpreting both religion and politics. Well worth the read.

[Jouke Jong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago since I read it, but I still think back and get reminded at some of the concepts. That says a lot. Highly recommended to anyone who needs more help to understand a bit of sub-saharan African culture.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is not a very long book it is packed with information. This book was not an easy read, but just the same was very fascinating. The authors show religious thought informs political action in Africa primarily but also in the world as a whole. A very insightful read.