Religion, politics, and cults in East Africa
Book Description
This groundbreaking scholarly work examines the complex intersection of faith, politics, and spiritual movements across East Africa through an in-depth exploration of the Catholic Marian Movement and its tragic conclusion. Emmanuel K. Twesigye presents the first comprehensive research-based analysis of this apocalyptic religious group, known locally as "The Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God."
The study traces how a Catholic women's devotional movement, founded by Keledonia Mwerinde in 1989, evolved within the broader landscape of East African spiritual and political liberation movements. Twesigye contextualizes the Marian Movement alongside other significant regional movements, including the Anglican Balokole Revival, Alice Lakwena's Holy Spirit Movement, and Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army, as well as historical liberation movements like Maji Maji and Mau Mau.
Through careful examination of the movement's Benedictine-inspired practices of poverty, celibacy, contemplation, and devotion to the Virgin Mary, readers gain insight into how spiritual communities navigate cultural patriarchy and institutional opposition. The author reveals how the movement's leadership structure adapted to external pressures and internal theological developments.
This scholarly investigation offers valuable perspectives for those seeking to understand how religious movements emerge, transform, and respond to societal challenges. The work provides essential context for comprehending the complex relationship between spirituality, politics, and cultural identity in contemporary East Africa, making it particularly relevant for students of religious studies, African history, and comparative spirituality.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 262 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Religion and politics
- ✓ Explore Africa, east, religion
- ✓ Explore Christianity and politics
- ✓ Explore Church and state, africa
- ✓ Explore Cults
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Religion and state
- ✓ Explore Church and state
