It is certain that specialists on the Yoruba religion presented various models of Yoruba religion. The researcher will only cite the following scholars who are authorities on Yoruba religion. Johnson (1921), Peel (1968), Lucas (1948),Fadipe(1970),Idowu(1962), Shorter(1975) and Awolalu (1979)were the early authorities in Yoruba religion. Some recent writers on Yoruba religion are also used in this work. They include Adewale (1988), Oduyoye (2008), Omoleye(2005), Oborji (2005), Olurode and Olusanya(2010) and Etuk (2002). These authors are used because of their major contributions to the Yoruba religion, critical analysis of their work and their relevance to this study. The authors are also cited to support or to compare the researcher’s argument on Yoruba religion as means of linking the spiritual and physical worlds; and to link the Yoruba societal behavior to the spirit word.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Debate on Olodumare
- God-Olodumare
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work explores the spiritual heritage of the Yoruba people, focusing on their belief system and the debate surrounding the nature of their Supreme Being, Olodumare. It examines the contributions of various scholars to the understanding of Yoruba religion and the differences in their interpretations of key concepts like monotheism and polytheism.
- The role of Olodumare, the Supreme Being, in Yoruba spirituality
- The existence and significance of other spiritual beings, such as orisa and ancestors
- The debate between "devout scholars" and "de-Hellenist" scholars regarding the nature of Yoruba monotheism
- The influence of Western religious concepts on the interpretation of Yoruba beliefs
- The importance of anthropomorphic expressions in understanding the attributes of Olodumare
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the key scholars who have contributed to the study of Yoruba religion, highlighting their contributions and relevance to the work. It also emphasizes the importance of religion in Yoruba life, including their belief in deities and the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds.
- Debate on Olodumare: This chapter delves into the ongoing debate among African theologians regarding the concept of the Supreme Being in African religions. It contrasts the views of "devout scholars," who argue for the authenticity of monotheism in Yoruba religion, with "de-Hellenist scholars," who believe that Western influences have shaped the understanding of the Supreme Being.
- God-Olodumare: This chapter focuses on the Yoruba concept of Olodumare, providing an etymological analysis of the name and its meaning. It also examines how the Yoruba use anthropomorphic expressions to describe the attributes of their Supreme Being, drawing parallels with the use of such expressions in the Old Testament.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key terms and concepts in this work include Yoruba religion, Olodumare, orisa, ancestors, monotheism, polytheism, devout scholars, de-Hellenist scholars, anthropomorphism, and the influence of Western religious concepts on African beliefs.
- Quote paper
- Blessing Adegoke (Author), 2010, The Spiritual Heritage of the Yoruba, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/195980
