Histoire et sociologie des religions au Sénégal

Book Description

Senegal presents a remarkable phenomenon in the religious landscape of our world, where diverse faiths coexist in extraordinary harmony. In this comprehensive exploration, Moustapha Tamba examines how a nation with 90% Muslims, 5% Christians, and 5% traditional animist practitioners has created a unique model of religious tolerance that defies global trends.

Through the lenses of history and sociology, this study reveals the fascinating dynamics of a society where religious boundaries blur in daily life. Here, Muslim and Christian families share the same neighborhoods, believers of different faiths rest in common cemeteries, and Catholic schools welcome predominantly Muslim students. The author traces how Senegal became a place where interfaith marriages flourish naturally and where a Catholic president could lead a predominantly Muslim nation.

This thorough analysis spans 415 pages, offering readers deep insights into the historical forces and social structures that shaped this exceptional religious landscape. Tamba demonstrates how two complementary disciplines, history and sociology, can illuminate the complex mechanisms behind peaceful coexistence.

At a time when religious extremism and intolerance dominate global headlines, this work presents an alternative vision. It shows how understanding the roots of religious harmony can offer hope and practical wisdom for building more tolerant communities. For readers seeking to understand how diverse spiritual traditions can enrich rather than divide societies, this study provides both inspiration and scholarly depth.