Beyond Man: Race, Coloniality, and Philosophy of Religion

Beyond Man reimagines the philosophy of religion to address the connections between religion, racism, and colonialism, and includes a conversation with Black, Indigenous, and decolonial studies. It also highlights the theorizing of Afro-Caribbean thinkers such as Sylvia Wynter, C. L. R. James, Frantz Fanon, and Aimé Césaire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2021
Publisher: Duke University Press

Beyond Man: Reimagining the Meaning and Potential of a Philosophy of Religion

In the book "Beyond Man," An Yountae, Eleanor Craig, and a group of contributors delve into the intricate connections between religion, racism, and colonialism, challenging the traditional understanding of these phenomena. Through a series of engaging conversations, the authors address the colonial and racial implications of the field's history, engaging with Black, Indigenous, and decolonial studies.

In their introduction, An and Craig highlight the paradoxical nature of European-descended Christianity, which has historically defined itself through its relationship with others while simultaneously claiming to represent and speak to humanity as a whole. The book explores various topics, including secularism, the Eucharist's relation to Blackness, and the ritualistic practices of cannibalism in sixteenth-century Brazil. It also examines how Mircea Eliade's conception of the sacred underpins settler colonial projects and imaginaries.

Throughout the book, the contributors emphasize the theorizing of Afro-Caribbean thinkers such as Sylvia Wynter, C. L. R. James, Frantz Fanon, and Aimé Césaire, whose work disrupts the normative Western categories of religion and philosophy. These thinkers challenge the dominant narratives and offer alternative perspectives on the complexities of religion, race, and colonialism.

By exploring these themes, "Beyond Man" offers a thought-provoking and transformative exploration of the relationship between religion, racism, and colonialism. It provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussions on these critical issues and encourages readers to reexamine their understanding of these complex phenomena.

Weight: 567g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478011880