Learning about the African religions made for a very interesting week. The aspect I chose that interests me the most was Animism in relation to Christianity in traditional African religions. Religion is closely related to the culture and society of an area. In Africa, many religions are practiced because they are accepting, tolerant of each other, and they can coexist in peace. Even though they differ, they all share in the belief of one supreme God who made heaven and earth.
I found a good article written by Jacob K. Olumpona, who was a Professor and a noted scholar of indigenous African religions. In 2007, he received the Nigerian National Order of Merit, which is one of the most prestigious honors that a person can be awarded. Some of the highlights he wrote about regarding traditional African religions is as follows:
African traditional religion is a way of life that is related to society and cultures and is
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Animism’s followers will suffer spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, if their god is unhappy. The difference between the Animistic and Christian ways of life is that Christians are to spread the word of God, be of service to others, and repent for their sins. In doing those things, they don’t need to fear God. Animists make sacrifices to their gods, and hope they are not angry with them. Most Africans believe their rewards and punishments come in this life, and not in the afterlife. If a person has broken a code, is a wizard, thief, or murderer, has suffered an unnatural death or had an improper burial, they may be punished in the afterlife and be a wandering ghost. They may be tortured by their ancestors for a period of time according to the things they have done wrong. This is much like the Catholic’s view of purgatory. For Africans to be cut off from their ancestors in death is the equivalent of hell in the Catholic