Research Catalog

Title

Traditional African religions in South African law / edited by T.W. Bennett.

Publication

Cape Town : UCT Press, 2011.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

Bennett, T. W.

Description

xxxi, 272 pages; 23 cm

Summary

"Traditional African beliefs, together with African cultural traditions, are enjoying a new-found respect in South Africa, due in large part to the advent of the country's democratic constitution. In fact, a large majority of the South African population adheres to some form of traditional belief, often in combination with observance of other religions. Even so, the traditional faiths are poorly understood and, in spite of constitutional guarantees, receive far from equal treatment, a situation quite at odds with the country's commitment to equality and religious and cultural diversity. Throughout Africa, there is a strong tendency to confound indigenous beliefs with culture. Because religion is always taken more seriously than culture, this means that traditional beliefs do not attract the respect they deserve. While there are numerous works on the subject of religion in Africa, there are no works on traditional African religions and their legal implications. The issue is nevertheless of serious political and legal concern in South Africa, since it raises diverse questions involving freedom of religion, the equal treatment of religions, traditional healing, witchcraft, animal sacrifice, circumcision, marriage and burial. The overall purpose of the title is to consider whether indigenous African religions, independent African churches and traditional practices deserve constitutional protection and recognition by the state. If recognised, they will then become subject to certain state controls and benefits: the need for registration; the licensing of ministers as marriage officers (with consequences for the validity of customary and other marriages); and significantly, of course, tax exemptions. This title thus explores the legal and constitutional implications of traditional religion and, in particular, the state's intervention in religious matters."--Publisher's description.

Subject

• Religion and state > South Africa
• Indigenous peoples > South Africa > Religion
• Indigenous peoples > Religion
• Religion and state
• South Africa

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 249-267) and index.

Contents

Introduction / T.W. Bennett -- African traditional religion in pluralistic Africa: a case of relevance, resilience and pragmatism / N.M. Nyaundi -- The practice of African traditional religion in contemporary South Africa / S. Masondo -- Religion vs culture: striking the right balance in the context of traditional African religions in the new South Africa / J. Amoah -- Umkhosi ukweshwama: revival of a Zulu festival in celebration of the universe's rites of passage/ C. Rautenbach -- The constitutional framework for the protection of religious and related rights in South Africa / L. du Plessis -- Recognition of African Initiated Churches for state purposes: doctrinal opposition or procedurally correct? / W. du Plessis -- Superstition and religious belief: A 'cultural' defence in South African criminal law / K. Phelps -- Witchcraft and the constitution / N. Tebbe -- Rainbow healing: traditional healers and healing in South Africa / M. Eastman -- Towards harmony between African traditional religion and environmental law / L. Feris and C. Moitui -- Ubuntu, the ethics of traditional religion / J. Patrick and T.W. Bennett.

ISBN

• 9781919895383
• 1919895388

LCCN

2008472262

OCLC

• ocn757674327
• 757674327
• SCSB-1631125

Owning Institutions

Princeton University Library