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On the rationality of conversion1 (Part I)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 January 2012

Robin Horton
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Extract

In 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.

Type
Research Article
Information
Africa , Volume 45 , Issue 3 , July 1975 , pp. 219 - 235
Copyright
Copyright © International African Institute 1975

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