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Richard J. Gehman

African Traditional Religion in Biblical Perspective

African Traditional Religion in Biblical Perspective explores issues such as witchcraft, the supreme being, divinities, ancestral spirits, and sorcery in the light of God's Word.

If you are struggling to discern the truth and error of African Traditional Religion, this book will anchor you in the timeless truth of Scripture.

In Africa, the face of religion is changing rapidly. While Christianity is spreading across the continent like never before, many still hold fast to African Traditional Religions. When different faiths collide, it can be difficult to know what to believe.

The questions surrounding African Traditional Religion are certainly complex:

  • How should Christians think about magic?
  • Is ancestor worship acceptable?
  • How should Christians engage with medicine-men and witches?
  • What is the difference between the Christian God and the Supreme Being?

African Traditional Religion in Biblical Perspective is here to provide answers to your questions. Dr Richard Gehman combines a detailed, charitable study of African Traditional Religion with a deeply biblical perspective. Accepting neither modern secularism nor syncretistic beliefs, Gehman’s analysis is comprehensive, profound, and filled with wisdom.

If you are struggling to discern the truth and error of African Traditional Religion, this book will anchor you in the timeless truth of Scripture.

For 36 years, Rev Dr Richard J. Gehman has served in Kenya with the Africa Inland Church as a missionary of the Africa Inland Mission. He received his MA from Wheaton College, his Master of Divinity from Gordon Divinity School, and his Doctor of Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary.

He taught at Scott Theological College, Kenya, where he was principal for eight years. He was the Coordinator for the Theological Advisory Group (TAG), a research and renewal group of the Africa Inland Church, Kenya; the Director of the Institute for Church Renewal; and the editor of the Africa Journal of Evangelical Theology (AJET) for eight years.

He is the author of several books, including African Christian Theology Revisited, Learning to Lead: The Making of a Christian Leader in Africa, and Solving Corruption in the Church and Nation.

In 2002 he and his wife, Florence, retired in Central Florida, USA. They have two children and nine grandchildren.

A book every University, Bible College, and Seminary student in Africa, and beyond, should read. Dr Gehman not only discusses the subject of African Traditional Religions and the Bible, but also provides a model on how best to approach the subject. African Traditional Religions have their strengths and weaknesses in promoting the Kingdom of God in Africa, and the standard for measuring any detail in them is the Bible. —Dr Samual Ngewa PhD, Dean of the Graduate School at Africa International University, Editor for the “Africa Bible Commentary”

This book is excellent, thorough, and full of insights. Reflecting a high degree of professionalism, it will serve as an excellent textbook for pastors. I do not hesitate to recommend this book for both the African and expatriate alike who seeks to relate the Christian faith to African Traditional Religion. —Dr David Kitonga PhD, Director of Africa Equip Ministry (AEM) International

Few books balance the understanding of African Traditional Religion and its biblical and theological response the way this book does. —Dr Samuel Linge PhD, former Vice Principle for Academic Affairs, Nairobi International School of Theology

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