Systems of Belief Indigenous African Religions

African Indigenous Religions Shaped by ethnic and social groupings and power structures. Variations are present: can vary from place to place, maybe no single holy book, or institutional consistency, depends. Foundational logic to belief

Some Common factors Supreme God Origins of life, human welfare, societal harmony, certain moral principles, etc. Multiple spiritual beings – intermediary spirits Help to resolve difficulties, destroy evil or negative forces. Spirits of ancestors are very important (venerated)

Key features in traditional worldview A Belief that: Humans can’t control nature, but they do interact with it in an act of reverence forces in nature are addressed – Shrines are holy places outside to place offerings, that help them communicate with spirits People with a traditional belief mindset strive instead to control human forces (good or bad) because…. A Belief that: Events can happen depending on the actions of people, and not just left to chance

Factors of traditional religion Specialists: Priests, diviners, shamans Spiritual Beings: invested with power Have attributes (qualities and personalities) Can solve problems “…humans must negotiate with them to have a meaningful life” (Falola 2001:31) Source: Falola, Toyin. 2001. “Religion and Worldview” from Culture and Customs of Nigeria, Ch. 2 pp. 29-37, Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.

Other religious roles Secret societies Usually men, from specific districts or occupations, enforce law and order Witches or sorcerers (These people (men or women) specialize in sorcery, i.e. doing or undoing curses, witchcraft etc.)

Other characteristics Processes of divination/individual consults Rituals or ceremonies—life crisis, seasonal events, important civic matters. festivals (Igbo yam festival; Yoruba annual masquerades) celebrations rites of passage (initiation ceremonies moving into adulthood)

Religion permeates public life Many events in the community/ village/town or city “…all have religious undertones” Many events are marked by group ceremonies such as “…the transition from one season or moment to another.” (Falola 2010:34-35) Source: Falola, Toyin. 2001. “Religion and Worldview” from Culture and Customs of Nigeria, Ch. 2 pp. 29-37, Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.

General worldview in terms of an overall religious worldview African indigenous religions at their foundation tend to be more… pluralistic: can accept more than one truth, allowance for multiplicity Adaptive: respond to change, not rigid including practices and ideas Accommodating: desire to respond to requests and assist others to feel welcome

Approach of Christian Missionaries during the pre-colonial and colonial era Missionaries believed that Africans had no concept of religion or a supreme being. Lacked knowledge of unique social logic and cultural values, practices were baffling. They gravely misunderstood the role of intermediary spirits and gods.