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Women of Fire and Spirit

History, Faith, and Gender in Roho Religion in Western Kenya

Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton

Publication Date - 11 April 1996

ISBN: 9780195097917

304 pages
Paperback
6-1/8 x 9-1/4 inches

Description

The African Christian Roho religion, or Holy Spirit movement, is a charismatic and prophetic movement that arose in the Luo region of western Kenya. This movement has fascinated students of history and religion for more than sixty years, but surprisingly has not been extensively studied. This book fills that lacuna.

In Women of Fire and Spirit, Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton uses the extensive oral histories and life narratives of active participants in the faith, giving them full voice in constructing the history of their Church. In doing so, she counter-balances the existing historical literature, which draws heavily on colonial records. Hoehler-Fatton's sources call into question the paradigm of "schism" that has dominated the discussion of African independent Christianity. Faith, rather than schism or politics, emerges here as the hallmark of Roho religion.

Hoehler-Fatton's book is doubly unusual in foregrounding the role of women in the evolution and expansion of their Church. She traces the gradual transformation of women's involvement from the early years when--drawing on indigenous models of female spirit possession--women acted as soldiers, headed congregations, and served as pastors, to the present condition of Western-style institutionalization and exclusion for women. Despite this marginalization, women members continue to be inspired by the defiance of past heroines.

Reviews

"...adds detail and considerable texture to the study of indigenous religion in Africa."--Choice

"An important and innovative study."--Benjamin Ray, University of Virginia

"Historians, anthropologists, and students of religion will relish this book....This is a significant and original piece of work."--Atienbo Odhiambo, Rice University

"By giving voice to African women of their experience of the Holy Spirit, this remarkable study is one of the most finely textured presentations of religion in Africa available."--Church History

"A must read for anyone interested in East African history, charismatic Christianity, or issues of power and gender."--Religious Studies Review

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