Spirituality and Hope in Africa: A Study in Five Countries

Abstract

This article documents a research project in five African countries related to African spirituality and hope. The methodology of the research was based on the need to recognize that spirituality could not be separated from the everyday experience of ordinary people and that the people should be given maximum opportunity to express their experiences and beliefs without outside interference. Over seven thousand pieces of data were gathered concerning a wide range of issues that informants raised as being important. Five of these are discussed: marriage, divination, the sacred environment, work and business, and religious tolerance.