Radical Humanism and Generous Tolerance: Soyinka on Religion and Human Solidarity

By Celucien L. Joseph

Radical Humanism and Generous Tolerance articulates the religious ideas and vision of Wole Soyinka in his non-fiction writings. It also analyzes Soyinka's response to religious violence, terror, and the fear of religious imperialism. The book suggests the theoretical notions of radical humanism and generous tolerance best summarize Soyinka's religious ideals and religious piety. Through a close reading of Soyinka's religious works, the book argues that African traditional religions could be used as a catalyst to promote religious tolerance and human solidarity, and that they may also contribute to the preservation of life, and the fostering of an ethics of care and relationality. Soyinka brings in conversation Western Humanist tradition and African indigenous Humanist tradition for the sake of the world, for the sake of global shalom, and for the sake of human flourishing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RowmanLittlefield
• Release date: Nov 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9780761868590

Celucien L. Joseph

Celucien L. Joseph is a Haitian-American theologian and literary scholar. He holds degrees both in theology and literature. He received his first PhD from the University of Texas at Dallas, where he studied Literary Studies with an emphasis in African American Intellectual History, Caribbean Culture and Literature, and African American Literature. His second PhD in Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics is from the University of Pretoria (Pretoria, South Africa). He has done additional studies in Religious Studies and Humanities at the University of Louisville. He has authored and co-authored many books, including Vodou and Christianity in Interreligious Dialogue (2023), Aristide: A Theological and Political Introduction (2023), Theological Education and Christian Scholarship for Human Flourishing Hermeneutics, Knowledge, and Multiculturalism (2022), Theologizing in Black: On Africana Theological Ethics and Anthropology (2020), Revolutionary Change and Democratic Religion Christianity, Vodou, and Secularism (2020), and Thinking in Public Faith, Secular Humanism, and Development in Jacques Roumain (2017).

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