On the rationality of conversion (Part I)
- 1 July 1975
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Africa
- Vol. 45 (3) , 219-235
- https://doi.org/10.2307/1159632
Abstract
IntroductionIn a recent article in this journal I sketched the outline of a theory which I suggested might help us to make sense of a large but puzzling accumulation of data relating to the ‘conversion’ of African peoples to Islam and Christianity. The theory evoked a vigorous critical response, also in this journal, from the Islamist Humphrey Fisher. In the present paper I shall reply to Fisher's criticism. In the process, I hope to show that the theory can be used to make sense of a range of data not carefully considered in my previous article.Keywords
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