Publisher's Synopsis
The book ""The Religion of Lower Races As Illustrated by the African Bantu"" by Edwin W. Smith is a comprehensive study of the religious beliefs and practices of the Bantu people of Africa. The author, who was a missionary and anthropologist, provides detailed descriptions of Bantu religious rituals, ceremonies, and beliefs, including their creation myths, ancestor worship, and spirit possession.The book explores the ways in which Bantu religion intersects with their daily lives, social structures, and political systems. It also examines the impact of colonialism and Christianity on Bantu religion, and how these external forces have influenced and transformed traditional practices.Through his research and analysis, Smith offers insights into the complex and diverse nature of Bantu religion, and challenges Western assumptions about the superiority of Christianity over so-called ""lower"" religions. The book is a valuable resource for scholars of anthropology, religion, and African studies, as well as anyone interested in understanding the rich cultural heritage of the Bantu people.1923. This work is one of a series on �������The World's Living Religions,������� and is intended to furnish accurate and trustworthy, though brief and popular, presentations of the actual religious life of each great region of the non-Christian world. Its purpose is to give the students of religion in the West and particularly missionary candidates who are planning to go to Africa, or other portions of the world where primitive peoples are living, a vivid conception of the religious conditions which exist in such an area and some understanding of the hold of the prevailing religion upon those who follow it.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.