This program is designed to encourage self study and group discussions.

Below is an outline of this program. You may work through the program from the main menu. The Introduction section is linked to web pages from this site. The other sections contain links to other URL's. All links are displayed on this page. All questions require the submission of an electronic response form located on the questions web page,accessed from the section title link. All sections and topics are listed and linked from this page. Use the outline to preview questions and topics for the lessons. Introduction The following topics are covered in this section. Click on the underlined links to view topic information. Ways of Understanding Religion and Religious Expression Religion and its Meaning Parable of Six Blind Men and an Elephant The Meaning of Religion Ways of Being Religious. The Way of Sacred Rite The Way of Right Action The Way of Reasoned Inquiry The Way of Devotion The Way of Mystical Quest The Way of Shamanic Mediation   Section Question 1. What is your way of being religious? Demonstrate your answer by showing how your way of being religious incorporates and uses one, or some, or all of the above ways of being religious. The African Americas The Middle Passage From Africa to America African American Ancestry Religious History The Slave Trade Search the web to find more information Section Question 1. In understanding the migration of Africans into the Americas, what are the implications of using the term "African Americas" and "African American"? Hybrid Religions Introduction to Vodoun What is Santeria Santeria in Africa and the Americas Search the web to find more information Section Questions 1. In the segment "The Religion in Africa and the African Americas and Cuba: How Different Are They Really?" The author shows that religious practice in both Africa and the African Americas and of hybrid religions in the African Americas, explain how you would respond to this assertion. Strategies of Survival Basic Rituals of Vodoun Spirit Possession Vodoun Possession Santeria Possession Search the web to find more information Benevolent Societies African American Music Section Questions 1. Based on the information presented to you, what do you think is the role of spirit possession in hybrid religions? 2. What can be understood as the role of African American benevolent societies?