This is largely because cosmology and beliefs are intricately intertwined with the natural phenomena and environment. They counteracted various derogatory names given to AIR. He further maintains that African culture has much in common with The term totemism has been used to characterize a cluster of traits in the religion and in the social organization of many peoples. The will of the gods or spirits is sought by the believer also through consultation of divinities or divination. In most African traditional cultures, there seem to be no distinction between man and the rest of creation. Most indigenous African religions have a dualistic concept of the person. The difference between powerful spirits and gods is often minimal. In African Religion systems, there are traditional pharmacologists who are specialists in identifying different problems and medicines, and this also includes veterinary medicines. General Overviews. Traditional African religions also have elements of fetishism, shamanism and veneration of relics. He opines that African traditional religion contributed to the spread of Christian beliefs in Africa. prejudice by Western scholars who measured African traditional religious concept with Christianity. "African Religions and Philosophy" is a systematic study of the attitudes of mind and belief that have evolved in the many societies of Africa. One religious ceremony practiced in Gabon and Cameroon is the Okuyi, practiced by several Bantu ethnic groups. Sc i., 2010, 1(2): 209-218 . %PDF-1.3 %���� They have replaced indigenous African religions, but are often adapted to African cultural contexts and belief systems. John S. Mbiti, in his book Introduction to African Religion (1977: 63-66) argues that, “in African societies sacrifice was very common and that most, involved shedding of blood of a human being or an animal.” He adds that in African societies, life is closely associated with blood. cultural globalization is so enormous to have sunk the ships of most African Traditional Cultures, the paper suggested a common ground for the accommodation of the concept of sex and sexual relationship between the African Traditional Culture and the emerging global culture. Religion in Igbo traditional society partakes fully of all the features of world traditional religion, including its beliefs, sacred myths, oral qualities, strong appeal to the hearts of adherents, high degree of ritualization, and possession of numerous participatory personages such as officiating elders, kings, priests, and diviners. African traditional religions is a term referring to a variety of religions indigenous to the continent of Africa. It resides in the heart and lungs and is fed by the wind. The religion of the Yoruba is finding roots in the Islands of the Caribbean and portions of Central and South America. African Traditional Religion has sometimes been described as ancestor religion by scholars as if this is what defines this religion. [21][22] New world religions such as Santería, Vodun, and Candomblé, would be derived from this world. While some religions adopted a pantheistic worldview, most follow a polytheistic system with various gods, spirits and other supernatural beings. African continent as a unique continent in respect to culture and redefining the concept of sexuality and sacredness shifting the traditional norms and values, is one of the continents where many emphasis from group to individual erroneous perception of sex Introduction. It does not exist in a vacuum or up there in the blues but among humans. [23][24][20] San religion is generally non-theistic but a belief in a Spirit or Power of existence which can be tapped in a trance-dance; trance-healers. A believer's family still has influence over him or her even if they live far away. This community is made up of people who remember and share the same traditions. Mbaya asserts, "Traditional Africa does possess a coherent system of human rights, but the philosophy underlying that system differs from that which inspired [in France] the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen." Diverse traditional beliefs and practices of African people, Encyclopedia of African Religion (Sage, 2009). Religion is elusive in nature and this makes it difficult to have one universally accepted definition of religion. endobj When we speak of African Traditional Religion, we mean the indigenous religious beliefs ... many basic similarities in the religious systems—everywhere there is the concept of God (called ... 9 C. Bouquet, Man and Deity, Heffer, Cambridge, 1933, p.106. Also, this practice can also give rise to those in these trances uttering words which, when interpreted by a culturally educated initiate or diviner, can provide insight into appropriate directions which the community (or individual) might take in accomplishing its goal. B. Foundational Religious Practices. Everyone is welcome in the society because Africans are born into the religion. [10][11][12][13][14] The two Abrahamic religions are widespread across Africa, though mostly concentrated in different areas. He also notes that most modern African folk religions were strongly influenced by non-African religions, mostly Christianity and Islam and thus may differ from the ancient forms. Emefie Ikenga - Metuh, African Religions in Western Conceptual Schemes: The Problem of Interpretation (Studies in lgbo Religion) 2nd ed. There are generally no prohibitions against the practice. In this second edition, Dr Mbiti has updated his material to include the involvement of women in religion, and the potential unity to be found in what was once thought to be a mass of quite separate religions. The various divinities that are represented are in fact technically representatives or servants of the Supreme Being. B. Ellis, [16] and S. S. Farrow. Britannica Book of the Year 2003. … Besides all those mentioned above, totems were basically used to thank those who would have performed heroics for the families. Google Scholar Samuel, Vinay & Chris Sugden (eds.) Points of Contrast between African Traditional Religion and Christianity God The understanding of God normally needs some refining when one comes from African Traditional Religion to be a Christian. In this second edition, Dr Mbiti has updated his material to include the involvement of women in religion, and the potential unity to be found in what was once thought to be a mass of quite separate religions. stream Ray says, “It is true that that religion is neither an African word nor an indigenous concept.” Because the word is absent from the vernacular languages, scholars use the term to refer to something that Africans in a traditional setting do not recognize or experience. This builds skills at separating the feelings elicited by this mindset from their situational manifestations in daily life. <> Gods were either self-created or evolved from spirits or ancestors which got worshiped by the people. We now turn from examining the foundations of religious beliefs to the foundations of religious practices. Concept Clarified It is necessary to have the perception of the basic concept of the words Religion and Value before exploring the extensive area of Influence of Christian Religion on African Traditional Religion/Value Systems. Therefore, in African traditional set up, religion is almost synonymous with culture. The traditional African religions or traditional beliefs and practices of African people are a set of highly diverse beliefs that includes various ethnic religions. Raleigh, NC: SI. This paper gives a brief outline of concepts and practices on that theme, from the perspectives of African Religion. Africans who are notoriously religious who “eat religiously, drink religiously, bath religiously, dress religiously and sin religiously.”5 Cherish, nourish and sustain the institution … [32], Followers of traditional African religions pray to various spirits as well as to their ancestors. `��"����ѫT��d�[(.q��@�:)ceͅ�;ZY��)H\참��2 �ɷ�"�Q�q���/���أ� ��x��R��b}f���=�t1+E��%B����7����#=xt̃���P53 ��������l;j����W�FG���n�}Dd��u-�N�΄�}A���+�%��6JC�)��%��@���#�$�Z�*j@"��2��������8�! The Africans are known to be intensely religious people. Comparative Study of the Concept of Priesthood in Igbo Traditional Religion and Catholic Priesthood. [25], Some researchers, including historical ethnolinguist Christopher Ehret, suggest that certain monotheistic concepts, such as the belief in a creator god or force (next to other gods, deities and spirits) are ancient and indigenous among peoples of the Niger-Congo ethnolinguistic family (of much of West Africa and Central Africa) and date to the beginning of their history, in a form substantially different from the monotheism found in Abrahamic religions. Nowadays African Religion systems are at risk because of the changes in natural environments, cultural changes on a global scale, economic and political issues. It emphasizes on how man manages his life concerning both industrial and agricultural production. Encyclopædia Britannica, (2003), Index of African mythology and creation narratives, List of African deities and mythical figures, Traditional African Religion and other religions, Persecution of traditional African religion, "The world of spirits and the respect for nature: towards a new appreciation of animism", "Animism: Foundation of Traditional Healing in Sub-Saharan Africa", What is religion? [17] 24 It is expedient at this juncture to give attention to the African Traditional Religion with the Edo concept of sacrifice in focus. African traditional religions are difficult to research, as there is an absence of scriptures or the written word. In this state, depending upon the region, drumming or instrumental rhythms played by respected musicians (each of which is unique to a given deity or ancestor), participants embody a deity or ancestor, energy or state of mind by performing distinct ritual movements or dances which further enhance their elevated consciousness. This paper attempts to reappraise his views on salvation from a theological point of view. To recover what got lost in the fall, man has tried to appease God through sacrifices and offerings. In some traditional African religions, morality is associated with obedience or disobedience to God regarding the way a person or a community lives. Sections: 1) Preamble; 2) Concepts of God according to the three religions (African traditional religion - Christianity - Islam); 3) Contrastive analysis of the concepts of God (The existence of God - Who is God? "African Religions and Philosophy" is a systematic study of the attitudes of mind and belief that have evolved in the many societies of Africa. S. Mbiti, John (1991). According to Clemmont E. Vontress, the various religious traditions of Africa are united by a basic Animism. The most significant similarity between the African God and the Biblical God is the fundamental belief in a deity. Other factors include lack of indebt study of African religion leading to hasty conclusion. 17–19, Parrinder, Geoffrey. clearly points out that man was created by God (1996:80), while other like the Kikuyu of Kenya believe that their first ancestors walked down from Mount Kenya (considered to be heaven). The S… This left the African people with the idea that God could not handle the hostile spirits that attacked people on a daily basis. Apart from the Jewish religion, there are diversity of religious expression that has developed around the world over the past 6000 years. The Semitic Abrahamic religion of Judaism is comparable to the latter world view. H��Wk���>��"_vx6z��o�mR���b��@���h�ItHi\���\>4#J�`�����{�=��Ä%���w�������q�����߭��ϫ�������A������������}};���[�3����tŞ����ٳ�n�����j��m����������'��{�������=�v����������x���VfI����u�5�f��R�_��E��B4߄6�e���_U����.L���^˒�ȂW����5{>��p��s�,|��&>gȺ;�uG��+�*�����u�!�Q6F�{� kx��ɎI�v���D�.�W��[�sfB���|떼��,�B���1N��t�n�t�NBW��e{^vL��<>~���w�������n��\ʣ:/���t]�9lxm�@�:>�K��|��yz~��*��eΐ#��b��S���Jm�x�=����Qlp�C! The ancestors are generally believed to reside in an ancestral realm (spiritworld), while some believe that the ancestors became equal in power to deities.[29]. CONCEPT OF GOD IN AFRICA. 1 0 obj It deals with their cosmology, ritual practices, symbols, arts, society, and so on. They do not need to put them down in scripture or in texts or as tenets. [33] This includes also nature, elementary and animal spirits. This Ghanaian Adinkra symbol means \"except for God\" and symbolizes the supremacy of God. This facilitates better control and transformation of these energies into positive, culturally appropriate behavior, thought, and speech. African Religions and Philosophy is a systematic study of the attitudes of mind and belief that have evolved in the many societies of Africa. Diviner (also known as priest) are also sought for their wisdom as counselors in life and for their knowledge of herbal medicine. [] [35], Traditional African religions generally believe in an afterlife, one or more Spirit worlds, and Ancestor worship is an important basic concept in mostly all African religions. 3 0 obj Most African societies believe in several “high gods” and a large amount of lower gods and spirits. There are also religions with a single Supreme being (Chukwu, Nyame, Olodumare, Ngai, Roog, etc.). Ancestors (ancestral ghosts/spirits) are an integral part of reality. The symbol can be found throughout Ghana. Some sacred or holy locations for traditional religions include Nri-Igbo, the Point of Sangomar, Yaboyabo, Fatick, Ife, Oyo, Dahomey, Benin City, Ouidah, Nsukka, Kanem-Bornu, Igbo-Ukwu, and Tulwap Kipsigis, among others. To efficiently study the African Traditional Religion (ATR), one must also study the people who practice this religion. [40] With a long farming tradition, the Serer high priests and priestesses (Saltigue) deliver yearly sermons at the Xooy Ceremony (divination ceremony) in Fatick before Yoonir's phase in order to predict winter months and enable farmers to start planting.[41]. /ProcSet 46 0 R Emi (meaning "breath"), is a vital force that keeps man alive. The traditional values of the African includes among others: large family, love for and practice of the extended family system, respect for old people, ancestor worship, traditional religion, African loves nature and seeks harmony with it. Religion, which gives the African morality, is part and parcel of African customs and traditions, African life. By this label serious damage was done to the gospel in Africa. Politics and the traditional African religion. There is no demarcation between them. Last week, in a veiled comparison between African traditional religions and Christianity, which is the major religion in Jamaica, some of the key elements of African traditional religions were discussed using Kenya-born Professor John S. Mbiti, a well-known scholar and researcher of African religions, as the main reference. Religion in most African societies also supports moral order. [6][1] The role of humanity is generally seen as one of harmonizing nature with the supernatural. The term Priesthood is one of the oldest institutions of mankind all over the world. In this paper, we shall examine the African world view in order to locate the role of women in the traditional religion. In African traditional religion the spirits are always present, and requests and offerings are made to them for health, prosperity, and protection.36 African Traditional Religion 37. That is, African traditional religion or African traditional religions (Mbiti 1969, 1–2; Idowu 1973, 103; Booth 1977, 3; Ikenga-Metu 1987, 19; Alolo 2007; Ejizu n.d). Atheistic tendencies in Africa are minimal. These oldest religions of the world,have had their history and traditions handed down orally and preserved in the culture and religious artifacts of the African people. Cf. The religion does not separate believers from unbelievers. [8][9], Although the majority of Africans today are adherents of Christianity or Islam, African people often combine the practice of their traditional belief with the practice of Abrahamic religions. [34] Some recognize a dual god and goddess such as Mawu-Lisa. "Religions of South Africa" pp. Most religions can be described as animistic[4][5] with various polytheistic and pantheistic aspects. Keywords: Sexual relationship; African Traditional culture; Cultural globalization; Sacredness; Taboos Introduction From not a man any more” (Africa Religion …79). 4 0 obj >> In traditional African religion the community is the most important part of someone's life. Examples include social behaviors such as the respect for parents and elders, raising children appropriately, providing hospitality, and being honest, trustworthy, and courageous. Conflict is a reality. O. Imasogie, African Traditional Religion Ibadan (Nigeria : UPL 1982) 56. (16) Each one is aware of all the elements of religion and worship. �yD���xjm�5o=? Monotheism does not reflect the multiplicity of ways that the traditional African spirituality has conceived of deities, gods, and spirit beings. In the context of traditional Africa, people are surrounded not by things but by beings; the first in rank being GOD . In the case of African traditional religion, it can be traced back to the very beginning of the emergence of African peoples. - The unity of God - Intermediaries between Man and God - The relationship between Man and God - Attributes of God; 4) Conclusions. In the United States Vudon is more predominant in the states along the Gulf of Mexico. People could gain knowledge of it through different ways but primarily from their experience. Traditional Niger-Congo religion also included polytheistic and animistic elements. Such separation and subsequent contemplation of the nature and sources of pure energy or feelings serves to help participants manage and accept them when they arise in mundane contexts. [18], Traditional African religions can be broken down into linguistic cultural groups, with common themes. [38] Traditional African religions embrace natural phenomena – ebb and tide, waxing and waning moon, rain and drought – and the rhythmic pattern of agriculture. Meru is located at the eastern part of Mount Kenya. AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION Religion is a difficult subject to inquiry including attempts at definition and conception. worth. ��=N��#�k�Z�� pOX�v�mkV�] �I�cE�����/A+�"Z�aE����仾s���a�7�$������!����ID suLD� 2 0 obj An African understanding, The List: The World's Fastest-Growing Religions, "US study sheds light on Africa's unique religious mix", Ian S. Markham,(A World Religions Reader. The mole and man are to blame for the fall and the consequence of it [death]. While some religions adopted a pantheistic worldview, most follow a polytheistic system with various gods, spirits and other supernatural beings. Peavy, D., (2016). For Christianity, it is the first century AD, and maybe beyond; and for Islam the seventh century. It is necessary to have the perception of the basic concept of the word “conflict” before exploring the extensive area of conflicts between African Traditional Religion and Christianity. According to Gottlieb and Mbiti: The environment and nature are infused in every aspect of traditional African religions and culture. In addition to the belief in deity, the Supreme Being of Africa largely overlaps conceptually with the identity and work of the biblical God. It is unavoidable in human interaction. In the African traditional religions, ancestors were never considered demonic or as part of evil spirits (2007;383). Among Nilo-Saharan speakers is the belief in Divinity; evil is caused by divine judgement and retribution; prophets as middlemen between Divinity and man. There are more similarities than differences in all traditional African religions. Majority of people in Africa believe that spirits dwell in . Some African Religions even distinguish more than one spiritual essence residing within a person. [1] Generally, these traditions are oral rather than scriptural and passed down from one generation to another through folk tales, songs and festivals,[2][3] include belief in an amount of higher and lower gods, sometimes including a supreme creator or force, belief in spirits, veneration of the dead, use of magic and traditional African medicine. A spirit ceremony is held by the Fon people of Benin, Nigeria, to contact the spirit world. The term “African Traditional Religion” is used in two complementary senses. In this second edition, Dr Mbiti has updated his material to include the involvement of women in religion, and the potential unity to be found in what was once thought to be a mass of quite separate religions. Transcendence in African traditional religions Francis Rakotsoane1 Department of Theology and Religious Studies National University of Lesotho, Roma, Lesotho Introduction ‛Transcendence’ is derived from the Latin word transcendere, which means to ascend on or elevate oneself above (Mondin 1991:196). Because religion is a way of life, it relates to culture and society as they affect the worldview of the African people. Since Africa is a large continent with many ethnic groups and cultures, there is not one single technique of casting divination. <> Loosely, it encompasses all African beliefs and practices that are considered religious but neither Christian nor Islamic. Rubinga, Paluku (1986), ‘The Concept of God as Father in the Bible & in African Religion’ in Benson & Gitari (1986), pp. (1983), Sharing Jesus in the Two Thirds World , Papers of the First Conference of Evangelical Mission Theologians from the Two Thirds World, Bangkok, Thailand, 22–5.3.82 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans). The Benin Monarchy, Olokun & Iha Ominigbon. 3. People could notice that the new-born child, who was named after the one who died, [37] The deities and spirits are honored through libation or sacrifice (of animals, vegetables, cooked food, flowers, semi-precious stones and precious metals). endobj Man is however religious by nature, “Homo Religiosus”. African Traditional Religion is a thriving scholarly business, but a serious disconnect exists between contributions that celebrate a generalized African Traditional Religion and those that describe particular religions and aspects of religion on … "Kings, Magic & Medicine". In many cases, Africans who have converted to other religions have still kept up their traditional customs and practices, combining them in a syncretic way.[42]. The Concept of Health and Wholeness in Traditional African Religion and Social Medicine Onah Gregory Ajima* and Eyong Usang Ubana Department of Religious Studies, University of Calabar, Calabar CRS, Nigeria Abstract African Traditional Religion and medicine are integral parts of life and culture of the Africans and have greatly Totems are very important because they are used on specific occasions to respect each other. [26][20][21][27], Traditional African medicine is also directly linked to traditional African religions. Am. 4. ATR is the original religious belief and practice of the Africans. Introduction to African religion. Encyclopædia Britannica. THE SUPREME BEING IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION With this belief based on God’s revelation of Himself to the Africans, God became real, and every African community has a local name for God. Egwu (2001) observes religion not only because of the problem of objectivity one encounters in defining but is emotion laden, even more so because of the difficulty of penetrating the "inner essence" of religion. [1][7], Adherents of traditional religions in sub-Saharan Africa are distributed among 43 countries and are estimated to number over 100 million. Or driving drumming or singing only exists within the community and separation from it is first! ] P. A. Talbot, [ 14 ] P. A. Talbot, [ 16 and! Various spirits as well as to their ancestors and agricultural production to put them down in love draw... Of highly diverse beliefs that includes various ethnic religions are known to be no between. It resides in the States along the Gulf of Mexico in life and for wisdom. That attacked people on a daily basis are represented are in fact technically the concept of man in african traditional religion servants... 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