Contemporary African Philosophy of Religion

Introduction

This book introduces fundamental questions and problems driving debates in contemporary African philosophy of religion, which has emerged recently as one of the most vibrant new fields of African philosophy.

The chapters in this book respond to African God-talk and approach questions like the nature of God, the problem of evil, death and immortality, transhumanism, moral enhancement, atheism, meaningful existence, and the decolonisation of African religious concepts.

This book reflects the diversity of voices and perspectives in the literature with its critical focus on such themes as the extent of the powers of the limited God, schools of thought in contemporary African philosophy of religion, the monotheistic credentials of African Traditional Religion (ATR), and the panpsychist presuppositions of African philosophy and ATR.

The book addresses the possibility of immortality, the good life, decolonising the concept of Esu, Igbo notions of the person and the problem of evil, and transhumanist ideals and the limited harmony-God.

Finally, the book highlights the significance of the theosophical debate between the African perfect God perspective championed by philosophers like John S. Mbiti, Kwame Gyekye, and Ebunoluwa O. Oduwole, and the African limited God view defended by philosophers like Kwasi Wiredu, Okot p’Bitek, John A.I. Bewaji, Ada Agada, and Aribiah David Attoe.

The book is of interest to academics, researchers, and postgraduate students active in the fields of African philosophy, African religious studies, African studies, comparative philosophy, global philosophy of religion, theology, and intercultural and comparative religious studies.