What is the African contribution to the Bible, to Judaism and to Christianity and to world religions in general?

Explain the origin of Monotheism using these texts, especially the text by Jan Assmann.

Week 14 (April 26) Assignment 4

“African religions and their contribution to Humanity”

Readings (see Canvas)

Critical texts for this assignment:

Africa, Cradle of Humanity

ATR in Key Theses

God in ATR

Bumuntu Memory

Questions 

Part 1.

Summarize the theory of Mitochondrial DNA and the African origin of humanity, and articulate your reflection on the implication of this theory for our understanding of Religion

Part 2. African Traditional Religion

How do these readings dispel negative myths about African spirituality or African traditional religions?

What is the African conception of God (the nature of God and his characteristics, see text on the Concept of God in African religions)

Summarize the fundamental moral values of African traditional religions and in so doing explain how Africans define a “good human being,” or a genuine religious person or someone regarded as holy or “a good guy.” ( “Bumuntu” is critical here).

Part 3. African contribution to world civilization and world spirituality

Explain the origin of Monotheism using these texts, especially the text by Jan Assmann.