Includes bibliographical references (p. 272-278) and index.

Introduction -- The study of African religions and philosophy -- The concept of time as a key to the understanding and interpretatio n of African religions and philosophy -- The nature of God -- The works of God -- God and nature -- The worship of God -- Spiri tual beings, spirits and the living-dead -- The creation and origina l state of man -- Ethnic groups, kinship and the individual -- Bi rth and childhood -- Initiation and puberty rites -- Marriage and procreation -- Death and the hereafter -- Specialists: medicine- men, rainmakers, kings, and priests -- Mystical power, magic, witchc raft, and sorcery -- The concepts of evil, ethics, and justice -- Changing man and his problems -- Christianity, Islam and other r eligions in Africa -- The search for new values, identity and securi ty.