# Jan G. Platvoet

personal website

> Sitemap: [https://jangplatvoet.nl/sitemap.xml](https://jangplatvoet.nl/sitemap.xml)

## Pages

- [Leiden 80th Birthday](https://jangplatvoet.nl/leiden-80-birthday/?format=md): Explore the celebration of Jan G. Platvoet’s 80th birthday in Leiden, commemorating his academic career and contributions to religious studies.
- [Gallery](https://jangplatvoet.nl/galerij/?format=md): Explore the Jan G. Platvoet gallery, featuring photographs from his academic career, conferences, travels and professional life.
- [About](https://jangplatvoet.nl/about/?format=md): Learn about Jan G. Platvoet, his academic career, education, research and contributions to the study of religions.
- [Contact](https://jangplatvoet.nl/contact/?format=md): Contact Jan G. Platvoet for information about his publications, academic work and research in the study of religions.
- [Gallery-theme](https://jangplatvoet.nl/gallery-2/?format=md): View photographs and visual material related to Jan G. Platvoet and his academic career and professional activities.
- [Research](https://jangplatvoet.nl/research/?format=md): Discover Jan G. Platvoet’s research interests, academic work and contributions to the study of religions and religious studies
- [Home](https://jangplatvoet.nl/?format=md): Explore the website of Jan G. Platvoet, featuring his biography, publications, research and contributions to the academic study of religions.

## Publications

- [Kwasi Boakye (1827-1904): From Kumase to Java](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/kwasi-boakye-1827-1904-from-kumase-to-java/?format=md)
- [GHANA’S PENTECOSTALISATION](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/ghanas-pentecostalisation/?format=md)
- [Enslaving Definitions: A Review](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/enslaving-definitions-a-review/?format=md)
- [The Religions of Africa at Bayreuth University](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-religions-of-africa-at-bayreuth-university-2/?format=md)
- [Years Ghana – Holland](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/years-ghana-holland/?format=md)
- [The Impact of New Communication Technologies on Religions in West Africa](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-impact-of-new-communication-technologies-on-religions-in-west-africa/?format=md)
- [The Definers Defined: Traditions in the Definition of Religion](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-definers-defined-traditions-in-the-definition-of-religion-2/?format=md): Discover the three traditions in the definition of religion. An academic survey by Jan G. Platvoet exploring operational, Tylorian, and functional definitions.
- [A Pugnacious Book](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/a-pugnacious-book-2/?format=md): Review of Jell-Bahlsen, Sabine, The Water Goddess in Igbo Cosmology, 2008), in Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture 6, 4 (2012): 527-529,
- [The Religions of Africa at Bayreuth University](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-religions-of-africa-at-bayreuth-university/?format=md)
- [Boyer, P., (ed.), 1993, Cognitive aspects of religious symbolism](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/boyer-p-ed-1993-cognitive-aspects-of-religious-symbolism/?format=md): The cognitive study of religious symbolism aims to develop a naturalist psychology of religion by applying developments in the cognitive
- [Review of: Twiss, S.B., & W.H. Conser Jr. (eds.) 1992, Experience of the sacred: readings in the phenomenology of religion., in Numen 43, 1 (1996): 106-108](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-twiss-s-b-w-h-conser-jr-eds-1992-experience-of-the-sacred-readings-in-the-phenomenology-of-religion-in-numen-43-1-1996-106-108/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Experience of the Sacred, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Deflecting atheism's arrows: An expanded review article](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/deflecting-atheisms-arrows-an-expanded-review-article/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Philosophy of Religion, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Theology as a Double: The Dynamics of Dutch Theology & Science of Religions](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/theology-as-a-double-the-dynamics-of-dutch-theology-science-of-religions/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Theology as a Double, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Gods in Nature, Gods at Home: Domesticating the Divine in Akan late 19th century religion](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/gods-in-nature-gods-at-home-domesticating-the-divine-in-akan-late-19th-century-religion/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Akan religion and how gods associated with nature were domesticated and brought into the human sphere in late pre-colonial Ghana.
- [“There Was No Dutch School of Phenomenology of Religion”: Academic Implacability and Historical Accidents An Interview with Jan G. Platvoet (The Netherlands)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/there-was-no-dutch-school-of-phenomenology-of-religion-academic-implacability-and-historical-accidents-an-interview-with-jan-g-platvoet-the-netherlands/?format=md): An interview with Jan G. Platvoet on the Dutch School of Phenomenology of Religion, its history and significance in Dutch religious studies.
- [From before to beyond the one yardstick: on the canonical phase in the general history of religionse](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/from-before-to-beyond-the-one-yardstick-on-the-canonical-phase-in-the-general-history-of-religionse/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines canonical religion, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [VERSCHUIVINGEN IN EEN WEST-AFRIKAANSE GODSDIENST: HEKSERIJBEKENTENISSEN EN DE OPKOMST VAN DE ‛BEULGODEN’ IN DE GODSDIENST VAN DE ASANTE](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/verschuivingen-in-een-west-afrikaanse-godsdienst-hekserijbekentenissen-en-de-opkomst-van-de-beulgoden-in-de-godsdienst-van-de-asante/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt Verschuivingen in een West-Afrikaanse Godsdienst en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [Mijn taak in Leiden](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/mijn-taak-in-leiden/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet beschrijft Mijn taak in Leiden en reflecteert op zijn werk en taak binnen de godsdienstwetenschap en de academische wereld in Leiden.
- [The Revenge of the ‘Primitives’: History of Religion from Neanderthal to New Age](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-revenge-of-the-primitives-history-of-religion-from-neanderthal-to-new-age/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines The Revenge of the Primitives, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Restructuring the IAHR Executive](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/restructuring-the-iahr-executive/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Restructuring the IAHR Executive, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Review of Richard Gray 1990, Black Christians and White Missionaries (New Haven/London: Yale University Press), in Numen 40 (1993): 350-352](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-richard-gray-1990-black-christians-and-white-missionaries-new-haven-london-yale-university-press-in-numen-40-1993-350-352/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Black Christians and White Missionaries, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [The Study of Religions in South and Southern Africa: A View from Afar [in 1993]](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-study-of-religions-in-south-and-southern-africa-a-view-from-afar-in-1993/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines South African religious studies, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [2012, ‘Nyame ne Aberewa: Towards a History of Akan Notions of God’](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/2012-nyame-ne-aberewa-towards-a-history-of-akan-notions-of-god/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet 2012, ‘Nyame ne Aberewa: Towards a History of Akan Notions of God’, in Ghana Bulletin of Theology
- [2014, A Battle Lost or Won?: The 1979-1975 Utrecht Ecumenical Experiment in Academic Theology](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/2014-a-battle-lost-or-won-the-1979-1975-utrecht-ecumenical-experiment-in-academic-theology/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet 2014, A Battle Lost or Won: The 1970-1975 Utrecht Ecumenical Experiment in Academic Theology, in Cephas N.
- [2015, Review of James L. Cox 2014, The Invention of God in Indigenous Societies](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/2016-review-of-james-l-cox-2014-the-invention-of-god-in-indigenous-societies/?format=md): 2015, Review of James L. Cox 2014,The Invention of God in Indigenous Societies. Durham: Acumen, x + 182 pp.
- [Close Harmonies: Science of Religions in Dutch Duplex Ordo Theology, 1860-1960](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/close-harmonies-science-of-religions-in-dutch-duplex-ordo-theology-1860-1960/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Science of Religions in Dutch Theology, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [From Consonance to Autonomy: The Science of Religion in The Netherlands, 1948-1995](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/from-consonance-to-autonomy-the-science-of-religion-in-the-netherlands-1948-1995/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Science of Religion in the Netherlands, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Is God touchable? On the materiality of Akan spirituality](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/is-god-touchable-on-the-materiality-of-akan-spirituality/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Akan spirituality, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Ritual as War: On the Need to De-Westernise the Concept](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/ritual-as-war-on-the-need-to-de-westernise-the-concept/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Ritual as War, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [In de mist van “magie”: Over de tyrannie van een dichotomie (In the Mists of ‘Magic’: On the Tyranny of a Dichotomy)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/in-de-mist-van-magie-over-de-tyrannie-van-een-dichotomie-in-the-mists-of-magic-on-the-tyranny-of-a-dichotomy/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt magie en religie en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [Is Africa Incurably Religious?: Confessing and Contesting an Invention](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/is-africa-incurably-religious-confessing-and-contesting-an-invention/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Africa is incurably religious, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Review of Mathias Guenther, Tricksters and Trancers: Bushman Religion and Society (Bloomington, etc.: Indiana University Press, 1999)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-mathias-guenther-tricksters-and-trancers-bushman-religion-and-society-bloomington-etc-indiana-university-press-1999/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Tricksters and Trancers, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Ria Kloppenborg, 8.03.1945-4.10.2003: A Personal Tribute](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/ria-kloppenborg-8-03-1945-4-10-2003-a-personal-tribute/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet pays tribute to Ria Kloppenborg, highlighting its scholarship and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Scrutinising Europe’s Mental Maps of Africa, 1500-2000: A Conference Report](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/httpjangplatvoet-nlwp-contentuploads201603scrutinising-europe-2-pdf/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reports on Europe’s Mental Maps of Africa, highlighting its development and significance for the study of religions.
- [Pillars, Pluralism & Secularisation: A Social History of Dutch Sciences of Religions](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/pillars-pluralism-secularisation-a-social-history-of-dutch-sciences-of-religions-in-g-a-wiegers-ed-in-association-with-j-g-platvoet/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Dutch Science of Religions through a social history of pillarisation, pluralism and secularisation in the Netherlands.
- [Is Africa Incurably Religious?: p’Bitek versus Mbiti](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/is-africa-incurably-religious-pbitek-versus-mbiti/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines p’Bitek versus Mbiti, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Review of Thomas A. Idinopulos & Brian C. Wilson (eds.), What is Religion: Origins, Definitions, & Explanations](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-thomas-a-idinopulos-brian-c-wilson-eds-what-is-religion-origins-definitions-explanations/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews What is Religion, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Chasing Off God: Spirit Possession in a Sharing Society](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/chasing-off-god-spirit-possession-in-a-sharing-society/?format=md): This chapter deals with spirit possession in one of the oldest group of indigenous religions of Africa, the ‘curing dances’
- [Ogottegottegot](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/ogottegottegot/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt religie en emotie en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [Review of  Jacques Waardenburg (ed.), Classical Approaches to the Study of Religions: Aims, Methods, and Theories of Research; Introduction and Anthology; with a new Preface (= Religion and Reason, 3; New York: De Gruyter, 1999)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-jacques-waardenburg-ed-classical-approaches-to-the-study-of-religions-aims-methods-and-theories-of-research-introduction-and-anthology-with-a-new-preface-religion-and-reason-3/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Classical Approaches to the Study of Religion, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Review of Gerrie ter Haar 1998, Halfway to Paradise: African Christians in Europe (Cardiff: Cardiff Academic Press)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-gerrie-ter-haar-1998-halfway-to-paradise-african-christians-in-europe-cardiff-cardiff-academic-press/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Halfway to Paradise, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Rattray’s Request: Spirit Possession among the Bono of West Africa](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/rattrays-request-spirit-possession-among-the-bono-of-west-africa/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Spirit Possession among the Bono, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [The Rule and its Exceptions: Spirit Possession in Two African Societies](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-rule-and-its-exceptions-spirit-possession-in-two-african-societies/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines spirit possession, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Review of Gerrie ter Haar (ed.), Strangers and Sojourners: Religious Communities in the Diaspora (Leuven: Peeters, 1998)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-gerrie-ter-haar-ed-strangers-and-sojourners-religious-communities-in-the-diaspora-leuven-peeters-1998/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Strangers and Sojourners, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [The Pragmatics of Defining Religion: Contexts, Concepts & Contests](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-pragmatics-of-defining-religion-contexts-concepts-contests/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Pragmatics of Defining Religion, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Contexts, Concepts & Contests; Towards a Pragmatics of Defining Religion](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/contexts-concepts-towards-a-pragmatics-of-defining-religion/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Defining religion, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [To Define or Not to Define: The Problem of the Definition of Religion](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/to-define-or-not-to-define-the-problem-of-the-definition-of-religion/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines To Define or Not to Define, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [At War with God: Ju/’hoan Curing Dances](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/at-war-with-god-juhoan-curing-dances/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Ju/'hoansi curing dance, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Seeds of Destruction: European Christianity Abroad in the Late 20th Century](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/seeds-of-destruction-european-christianity-abroad-in-the-late-20th-century/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Seeds of Destruction, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- ['The Tree That Saw It All’; review of G. ter Haar, Halfway to Paradise: African Christians in Europe (Cardiff: Cardiff Academic Press, 1998)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-tree-that-saw-it-all-review-of-g-ter-haar-halfway-to-paradise-african-christians-in-europe-cardiff-cardiff-academic-press-1998/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet 1998, The Tree that Saw It All, review of Gerrie ter Haar 1998, Halfway to Paradise: African Christians in Europe
- [Van vóór tot voorbij de enige maatstaf: Over de canonieke fase in de algemene godsdienstgeschiedenis](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/van-voor-tot-voorbij-de-enige-maatstaf-over-de-canonieke-fase-in-de-algemene-godsdienstgeschiedenis/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt vóór tot voorbij de enige maatstaf en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [Review of J.S. Krüger, Along Edges: Religion in South Africa: Bushman, Christian, Buddhist (Pretoria: University of South Africa, 1995)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-j-s-kruger-along-edges-religion-in-south-africa-bushman-christian-buddhist-pretoria-university-of-south-africa-1995/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Along Edges, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Review of Jan van Baal, Boodschap uit de stilte/Mysterie als openbaring (Baarn: Ten Have, 19963), en van A.F. Droogers (red.), Boodschap uit het Mysterie: Reacties op de visie van Jan van Baal (Baarn: Ten Have, 1996)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-jan-van-baal-boodschap-uit-de-stiltemysterie-als-openbaring-baarn-ten-have-19963-en-van-a-f-droogers-red-boodschap-uit-het-mysterie-reacties-op-de-visie-van-jan-van-baal-baarn/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet bespreekt Boodschap uit de stilte en belicht de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten voor de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [Recent Studies on Religions in Africa](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/recent-studies-on-religions-in-africa/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Recent Studies on Religions in Africa, examining works on religious plurality, religion and politics, and prophecy in African history.
- [The Study of Religions in Africa: Past, Present, Prospects](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-study-of-religions-in-africa-past-present-prospects/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines The Study of Religions in Africa, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Perspectives on the Study of Religions in Sub-Saharan Africa](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/perspectives-on-the-study-of-religions-in-sub-saharan-africa/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines African religious studies, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [From Object to Subject: A History of the Study of the Religions of Africa](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/from-object-to-subject-a-history-of-the-study-of-the-religions-of-africa/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Study of religions in Africa, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [The Religions of Africa in their Historical Order](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-religions-of-africa-in-their-historical-order/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Religions of Africa in Historical Order, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Religions in Contest: The Ayodhya Rituals of Confrontation](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/religions-in-contest-the-ayodhya-rituals-of-confrontation/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Religions in Contest, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Pluralism and Identity: Studies in Ritual Behaviour](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/pluralism-and-identity-studies-in-ritual-behaviour/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Pluralism and Identity, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Pluralism and Identity: An Epilogue](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/pluralism-and-identity-an-epilogue/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Pluralism and Identity, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Introduction: Ritual Responses to Plurality and Pluralism](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/introduction-ritual-responses-to-plurality-and-pluralism/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet and Karel van der Toorn examine how rituals respond to religieuze pluraliteit and the presence of other religions.
- [Ritual: Religious and Secular](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/ritual-religious-and-secular/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Ritual: Religious and Secular, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Ritual as Confrontation: The Ayodhya Conflict](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/ritual-as-confrontation-the-ayodhya-conflict/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Ritual as Confrontation, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Ethnogenesis as an Arena: Were the Lemba Black Jews?](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/ethnogenesis-as-an-arena-were-the-lemba-black-jews/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Lemba identity, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Ritual in Plural and Pluralist societies: Instruments for Analysis](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/ritual-in-plural-and-pluralist-societies-instruments-for-analysis/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Ritual in Plural and Pluralist Societies, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [God als vijand: De genezingsdansen van de !Kung](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/god-als-vijand-de-genezingsdansen-van-de-kung/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet 1995, God als vijand: De genezingsdansen van !Kung, in Nederlands Theologisch Tijdschrift 49, 2: 89-107 Summary God
- [Defining the Definers: Non-verifiability/Non-falsifiability as a Definiens in an Operational Definition of Religion’, in U. Bianchi (ed.), The Notion of ‘Religion’](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/defining-the-definers-non-verifiabilitynon-falsifiability-as-a-definiens-in-an-operational-definition-of-religion-in-u-bianchi-ed-the-notion-of-religion/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Defining religion, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Het religionisme beleden en bestreden: Recente ontwikkelingen in de Angelsaksische godsdienstwetenschap](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/het-religionisme-beleden-en-bestreden-recente-ontwikkelingen-in-de-angelsaksische-godsdienstwetenschap/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt religionisme in de godsdienstwetenschap en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [Eliade at UNISA: A Critical Review of Shirley Thorpe's African Traditional Religions and Primal Religions Worldwide](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/eliade-at-unisa-a-critical-review-of-shirley-thorpes-african-traditional-religions-and-primal-religions-worldwide/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews African traditional religions, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [African Traditional Religions in the Religious History of Humankind](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/african-traditional-religions-in-the-religious-history-of-humankind-2/?format=md): An exploration of African traditional religions, their origins in small oral societies, shared characteristics, and their place within the history of religions.
- [Review of M.C. Jedrej & Rosalind Shaw (eds.), Dreaming, Religion and Society in Africa (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1992; Supplements to the Journal of Religion in Africa, 7)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-m-c-jedrej-supplements-to-the-journal-of-religion-in-africa-7/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Dreaming, Religion and Society in Africa, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Programmatic Statements from Africa, 1982-1992; A Review Article](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/programmatic-statements-from-africa-1982-1992-a-review-article/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Programmatic Statements from Africa, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [De wraak van de “primitieven”: Godsdienstgeschiedenis van Neanderthaler tot New Age](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/de-wraak-van-de-primitieven-godsdienstgeschiedenis-van-neanderthaler-tot-new-age/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet presenteert een nieuw kader voor de history of religions, van Neanderthaler tot New Age, in zes samenlevingstypen.
- [Review of E.T. Lawson & R.N. McCauley, Rethinking Religion: Connecting Cognition & Culture (Cambridge: Cambridge Un.Pr., 1990)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-e-t-lawson-r-n-mccauley-rethinking-religion-connecting-cognition-culture-cambridge-cambridge-un-pr-1990/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Rethinking Religion, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Kuenens plechtanker: Een onderzoek van zijn Hibbert-lezingen](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/kuenens-plechtanker-een-onderzoek-van-zijn-hibbert-lezingen/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt Kuenens plechtanker en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [Review of A. Sooklal, Children of Immortality: The Ramakrishna Movement with Special Emphasis on the South African Context (Red Hill, SA: The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, 1990)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-a-sooklal-children-of-immortality-the-ramakrishna-movement-with-special-emphasis-on-the-south-african-context-red-hill-sa-the-ramakrishna-centre-of-south-africa-1990/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Anil Sooklal’s study of the Ramakrishna Movement in South Africa, examining its religious development and South African context.
- [Review of J. van Baal, Mysterie als openbaring (Utrecht: ISOR, 1990)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-j-van-baal-mysterie-als-openbaring-utrecht-isor-1990/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet bespreekt Mysterie als openbaring en belicht de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten voor de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [Een weg door de doolhof: Van Neanderthaler tot New Age](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/een-weg-door-de-doolhof-van-neanderthaler-tot-new-age/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet volgt godsdiensten van de Neanderthaler tot de New Age en verbindt religieuze ontwikkeling aan menselijke samenlevingen.
- ["Renewal" by Retrospection: The Asante Anokye Traditions](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/renewal-by-retrospection-the-asante-anokye-traditions/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Asante Anokye, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Review of H. Zinser (Hg.), Religionswissenschaft; Eine Einführung (Berlin: Reimer Verlag, 1988)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-h-zinser-hg-religionswissenschaft-eine-einfuhrung-berlin-reimer-verlag-1988/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Religionswissenschaft: Eine Einführung, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [The Institutional Environment of the Study of Religions in Africa South of the Sahara](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-institutional-environment-of-the-study-of-religions-in-africa-south-of-the-sahara/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Study of Religions in Africa, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Bezetenheid en Christendom](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/bezetenheid-en-christendom/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt bezetenheid en christendom: een vergelijking tussen culturen, geestencontact en religieuze macht.
- [De eigenheid van godsdiensten van volken zonder schrift](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/de-eigenheid-van-godsdiensten-van-volken-zonder-schrift/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt de eigenheid van godsdiensten van volken zonder schrift en de samenlevingen waarin zij ontstonden.
- [Review of J.P.M. van den Breemer, Onze aarde houdt niet van rijst: Een cultureel-antropologische studie van innovatie in de landbouw bij de Aouan van Ivoorkust (Leiden: the Author, 1985, 800 pp.; Ph.D. thesis, University of Leiden)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-j-p-m-van-den-breemer-onze-aarde-houdt-niet-van-rijst-een-cultureel-antropologische-studie-van-innovatie-in-de-landbouw-bij-de-aouan-van-ivoorkust-leiden-the-author-1985-800-pp-ph-d/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet bespreekt Onze aarde houdt niet van rijst van J.P.M. van den Breemer, over landbouwinnovatie, cultuur en de Aouan van Ivoorkust
- [Review of D. Westerlund, African Religion in African Scholarship; A Preliminary Study of the Religious and Political Background (Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell International, 1985)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-d-westerlund-african-religion-in-african-scholarship-a-preliminary-study-of-the-religious-and-political-background-stockholm-almqvist-wiksell-international-1985/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Religion in African Scholarship, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Cool Shade, Peace and Power: The Gyedua ('Tree of Reception') as an Ideological Instrument of Identity Management among the Akan Peoples of Southern Ghana](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/cool-shade-peace-and-power-the-gyedua-tree-of-reception-as-an-ideological-instrument-of-identity-management-among-the-akan-peoples-of-southern-ghana/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Akan gyedua tree of reception, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Op bezoek bij de god Tano](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/op-bezoek-bij-de-god-tano/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet describes a visit to the god Tano at Tanoboase and examines Rattray’s consultation of Tano through his medium in the context of Akan religion.
- [Drie stromingen in de godsdienstwetenschap: Een korte geschiedenis van dit vak](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/drie-stromingen-in-de-godsdienstwetenschap-een-korte-geschiedenis-van-dit-vak/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet beschrijft drie stromingen in de godsdienstwetenschap en hun ontwikkeling in een korte vakgeschiedenis.
- [In the koelte van de “ontvangstboom”: De politieke functie van een Akan godsdienstig symbool](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/in-the-koelte-van-de-ontvangstboom-de-politieke-functie-van-een-akan-godsdienstig-symbool/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt Akan ontvangsboom en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [Is Africa Incurably Religious?, III: A Reply to a Rhetorical Response](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/with-henk-j-van-rinsum-is-africa-incurably-religious-iii-a-reply-to-a-rhetorical-response/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Africa incurably religious, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Review of C. Okali, Cocoa and Kinship in Ghana: The Matrilineal Akan of Ghana (London, etc.: Kegan Paul International, 1983)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/review-of-c-okali-cocoa-and-kinship-in-ghana-the-matrilineal-akan-of-ghana-london-etc-kegan-paul-international-1983/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Cocoa and Kinship in Ghana, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Verbal Communication in an Akan Possession and Maintenance Rite](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/verbal-communication-in-an-akan-possession-and-maintenance-rite/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Akan possession rite, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Theologie als dubbelspel: Over de verscheidenheid en dynamiek van theologie en godsdienstwetenschap](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/theologie-als-dubbelspel-over-de-verscheidenheid-en-dynamiek-van-theologie-en-godsdienstwetenschap/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt Theologie als dubbelspel en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [The Study of Rites in the Netherlands](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/the-study-of-rites-in-the-netherlands/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Study of Rites, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Analysis and Interpretation of Rites; Essays to D.J. Hoens](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/analysis-and-interpretation-of-rites-essays-to-d-j-hoens/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet presents essays on the analysis and interpretation of rites, exploring ritual studies and honoring the work of D.J. Hoens.
- [Commemoration by Communication: Akan Funerary Terracottas](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/commemoration-by-communication-akan-funerary-terracottas/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Akan funerary terracottas, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Comparing Religions: A Limitative Approach; An Analysis of Akan, Para-Creole and IFO-Sananda Rites and Prayers](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/comparing-religions-a-limitative-approach-an-analysis-of-akan-para-creole-and-ifo-sananda-rites-and-prayers/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet develops a limitative approach to the comparative study of religions, analysing Akan, Para-Creole and IFO-Sananda rites and prayers.
- [Review of G. Widengren, Religionsphänomenologie (Berlin: de Gruyter, 1969)](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/pub1-13/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet reviews Religionsphänomenologie, highlighting its main themes and contribution to the academic study of religion.
- [Empirie en theologie: Water en vuur?](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/pub1-11/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt empirie en theologie en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [“Een beetje verheffen”: Een reaktie op Prof. Jonkers gedachten over Zuid Afrika](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/pub1-10/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet onderzoekt Een beetje verheffen en bespreekt de belangrijkste thema’s en inzichten binnen de godsdienstwetenschap.
- [The Akan Believer and his Religions](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/pub1-9/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines The Akan Believer and his Religions, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Godsdienst en geweld in Afrika](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/pub2/?format=md): Een bespreking van de relatie tussen godsdienst en geweld in Afrika, met voorbeelden uit onder meer Ivoorkust, Nigeria en Soedan.
- [Reflections on Toronto 2010, I](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/pub1/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Reflections on Toronto 2010, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.
- [Merchants, Missionaries, & Academics on African Religions, 1594-2000: The Earliest Dutch Contributions](https://jangplatvoet.nl/pubs/merchants-missionaries-academics-on-african-religions-1594-2000-the-earliest-dutch-contributions-2/?format=md): Jan G. Platvoet examines Dutch contributions to African religions, exploring its key themes and contribution to the study of religion.