African Immigrant Religions in America - by Jacob Olupona & Regina Gemignani (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

African immigration to North America has been rapidly increasing. Yet, little has been written about this significant group of immigrants and the particular religious traditions that they are transplanting on our shores, as scholars continue largely to focus instead on immigrants from Europe and Asia.
African Immigrant Religions in America focuses on new understandings and insights concerning the presence and relevance of African immigrant religious communities in the United States. It explores the profound significance of religion in the lives of immigrants and the relevance of these growing communities for U.S. social life. It describes key social and historical aspects of African immigrant religion in the U.S. and builds a conceptual framework for theory and analysis.
The volume broadens our understandings of the ways in which new immigration is changing the face of Christianity in the U.S. and adds needed breadth to the study of the black church, incorporating the experiences of African immigrant religious communities in America.

Review Quotes

"A masterful study of the role African immigrants play in shaping religion in the United States and Canada. This significant publication should be required reading for all those interested in understanding the links between ethnicity, transnationalism, and religion."--Tite Tienou, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois

"A much needed scholarly study of firstgeneration African immigrants who have come voluntarily to America for the first time. In their search for better opportunities they have brought with them a wide diversity of religious and moral traditions as their legacy to the cultural life of this nation. This book will be a necessary resource for all who study contemporary religions in America."--Peter J. Paris "Princeton Theological Seminary"

"African Immigrant Religions in America . . . is a very important book, which has wide implications for sociology of immigration, race, ethnicity, gender, and international studies, in addition to religion. They compile an impressive and diverse array of experts on African immigrant religious communities."-- "Sociology of Religion"

"African Immigrant Religions in America is a significant contribution, laying the foundation for what promises to be a rich field of study."--Peter Pham, James Madison University

"An excellent collection of essays. . . . Highly recommended."-- "Choice"

"This book challenges scholars to go beyond traditional explanations of migration from Africa ."-- "Journal of American Academy of Religion"