Theology: Christian / Theological Ethics: Marriage - see also Gender

Magesa argues that, just as Islam or Christianity, African religion defines how people should live, with standards, values, and principles that have much to teach the rest of the world.

Daughters of Anowa provides an analysis of the lives of African women today from an African woman's own perspective. It is a study of the influence of culture and religion - particularly of traditional African cultures and Christianity - on African women's lives. Mercy Amba Oduyoye illustrates how myths, proverbs, and folk tales (called "folktalk") operate in the socialization of young women, working to preserve the norms of the community. Daughters of Anowa reveals how global patriarchy manifests itself in these social structures, in both patrilineal and matrilineal communities. Organized as a narrative in three cycles, Daughters of Anowa demonstrates how folktalk alienates women from power, discourages individuality and encourages conformity. It also considers the possibilities for the future. Oduyoye posits that change will come about only when the daughters of Anowa (the mythic representative of Africa itself) confront the realities of culture and religion in perpetuating patriarchal oppression and work,to realize the goal of a new woman in a new Africa.

What is the reality of being African, woman, and Christian? In this collection of original essays, African women theologians write about the life and dreams, the sorrows and joys of African women in a continent where religion shapes the whole of life. The first two parts of the book describe the role of women in terms of culture, rites of passage, and daily life. Attitudes toward birthing and naming, marriage and widowhood, polygamy, prostitution, and death are all explored. The third part focuses on the church, reviewing biblical attitudes toward women, and showing how African women can and should contribute to the life of the Christian church. Contributors: Musimbi R. A. Kanyoro Mercy Amba Oduyoye Rosemary N. Edet Anne Nasimiyu-Wasike Daisy N. Nwachuku Rabiatu Ammah Judith Mbula Bahemuka Lloyda Fanusie Bernadette Mbuy Beya Teresa M. Hinga Anne Nachisale Musopole R. Modupe Owanikin Teresa Okure ""The themes in 'The Will to Arise' constitute the base of contemporary African women's theological scholarship. . . . At their most creative, these theologians affirm cultural traditions and criticize their failings, in order to lead the reader to new visions that can renew religious life in our various contexts. --from the Foreword by Katie G. Cannon Mercy Amba Oduyoye, a leader in the World Council of Churches, is author of 'Hearing and Knowing' and coeditor of 'With Passion and Compassion'. Musimbi R. A. Kanyoro, a Kenyan theologian, is head of the women's division of Lutheran World Federation.