Print version record.

Preface -- 1. Religion & culture : an introduction / Chris I. Ejizu -- 2. The impact of secularization & urbanization on the socio-religious life of the African extended family : the experience of the Isoko people / E.S. Akama -- 3. Communicating with herbs : an aspect of Urhobo medicine / J.O Ubrurhe -- 4. Tradition and change in the socio-religious functions of Obiri in Ikwerre / George Tasie & Esther Obe -- 5. The use of dunamis in Mark / J. Enuwosa -- 6. Evaluation of evil spirits, mysterious forces and the control mechanism in Urhoboland / M.P. Adogbo -- 7. The meaning & significance of festivals in traditional African culture & life / Chris I. Ejizu -- 8. The innovations of John Wesley in Christendom and their consequences for Africa / John H. Enemugwem -- 9. Religion, health & healing : a case study of prayer healing & exorcism among Muslims in Nigeria / Abdulrazaq Kilani -- 10. The fall story of Genesis 3 : the experience of the culture of alienation, anxiety & violence / Vincent G. Nyoyoko -- 11. Widowhood practice in some southern Nigerian ethnic groups : an appraisal / Daniel I. Ilega.

This is a book of reading on religion and culture in Africa comprising ten papers by experts in religion and cultural matters and an introductory note by the editor himself. Covered in the volume are papers covering: the impact of secularisation and urbanisation on a most cherished socio-cultural practice of the extended family system of the Isoko people in Nigeria; the traditional medical practices in Urhobo with particular focus on the use of local herbs to treat ailments; the socioreligious as well as the political significance of Obiri (family hall) in Ikwerreland; the rationale behind the use of the concept 'Dunamis' in the Gospel According to Staint Mark. Although his paper does not focus on African (traditional) religion, its inclusion here is based purely on the theological significance of the concept of 'Dunamis'; the extent to which evil spirits and mysterious forces have influenced the religion and culture of the Urhobo people of Nigeria; the significance of festivals in the traditional African society; John Wesley's innovations in Christendom and their implications for Africa; the recent unprecedented upsurge in the assumed use of religious powers to cast out evil spirits as well as for prayer healing among Muslims in Nigeria; the culture of alienation, anxiety and violence, drawing inspiration from the Fall Story of Genesis 3; and the widowhood practices of some areas in Nigeria.

Includes bibliographical references.