After discussing the nature of religion, mythic and scientific modes of thinking and the general character of creation myths, Charles Long interprets five major types of such myths: creation from nothing, emergence myths, world-parent myths, creation from Chaos and from the cosmic egg, and earth-diver myths. Original texts of creation myths from a wide range of cultures offer insights into the authentic ways of mythic thinking and expression.

Exploring the Yoruba tradition in the United States, Hucks begins with the story of Nana Oseijeman Adefunmi's personal search for identity and meaning as a young man in Detroit in the 1930s and 1940s. She traces his development as an artist, religious leader, and founder of several African-influenced religio-cultural projects in Harlem and later in the South. Adefunmi was part of a generation of young migrants attracted to the bohemian lifestyle of New York City and the black nationalist fervor of Harlem. Cofounding Shango Temple in 1959, Yoruba Temple in 1960, and Oyotunji African Village in...