Vallás

Africa is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, who together speak more than a thousand languages. It is not surprising, then, that Africa's enormous range of peoples, cultures, and ways of life has engendered a wide diversity of religious practices.This Very Short Introduction offers a wide-ranging look at the myriad indigenous religious traditions on the African continent. Drawing on archeological research, historical evidence, ethnographic studies, and archival materials such as missionaryrecords, Jacob Olupona-one of the world's leading authorities on African religions-captures a wealth of information in a short compass. The book not only gives the reader a full and vivid sense of African religious belief-exploring myths, gods and localdeities, ancestor worship, rites of passage, festivals, divination, and much more-but it also underscores the role these religions play in everyday African life. Indeed, traditional religions inform everything from birthing and death, marriage and familydynamics, to diet, dress and grooming, health care, and even governance. Monarchs, chiefs, and elders play both political and religious roles, imparting secular and spiritual guidance to their subjects, while also being guardians of religious centressuch as shrines, temples, and sacred forests. The author also examines the spread of Christianity and Islam throughout Africa, both the moderate sects (which often blend aspects of indigenous faith into their own practice) and the more extremefundamentalist sects, which the author states have had a dire effect on African life. In fact, radical forms of Christianity and Islam-both of which decry tradition religion as paganism-have driven a near total collapse of indigenous practice. But iftraditional religions are engaged in a battle for their lives in Africa, Olupona shows that they are thriving elsewhere in the world-particularly in the Americas and in Europe.

Pope Francis' Little Book of Wisdom offers more than 250 bite-size nuggets of inspiration and wisdom from one of the most popular popes of all time.A pope of the people, Pope Francis' teachings have been praised and shared by the faithful and nonreligious alike. During his short papacy so far, his commitment to compassion and humility have already cemented his position as one of the most popularpopes of all time.Pope Francis' Little Book of Wisdom offers quotes of faith and hope from this incredible man - all in a handy, portable format.This comprehensive book is arranged thematically, covering: Hope & Joy Faith & Prayer The Church & Evangelization Love & Truth The Journey of Life Family Building a Better World Listening to God Humility & Idolatry Forgiveness & Grace Human Dignity, Suffering & Solidarity The Lessons of the Cross