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Traditional African Religious Beliefs

Traditional African Religious Beliefs. Role of Religion in Africa. African Religions. SYNCRETISM----KNOW FOR TEST---Blending of Animism with Christianity “African Traditional Religions” = indigenous religions--- Animism Islam = introduced to sub-Saharan Africa in 11 th c.

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Traditional African Religious Beliefs

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  1. Traditional African Religious Beliefs

  2. Role of Religion in Africa

  3. African Religions • SYNCRETISM----KNOW FOR TEST---Blending of Animism with Christianity • “African Traditional Religions” = indigenous religions---Animism • Islam = introduced to sub-Saharan Africa in 11th c. • Christianity = introduced to West Africa in 15th c.

  4. Animism

  5. Animism • Before the introduction of Islam and Christianity, Africa had a very developed system of religion. • It was called Animism, which cannot be minimized to a specific set of beliefs, but most ethnic groups believed in: • One supreme god • Several other gods • Belief in spirits of ancestors • Sacrifice (child or animal) to secure protection • Need to undergo a Rite of Passage which is a “coming of age” ceremony or ritual

  6. Characteristics of Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-Saharan Africans are often polytheistic and worship many gods

  7. Characteristics of Sub-Saharan Africa They practice Animism: a religion in which spirits exist in nature and play a role in daily life

  8. Traditional African Religion ANIMISM 1.Belief in one remote Supreme Being. 2.A world of spirits (good & bad) in all things. 3.Ancestor worship. 4.Belief in magic, charms, and fetishes. 5.Diviner  mediator between the tribe and God.

  9. Diviners

  10. Religious Leaders • Diviners: • Served as interpreters • Job was to explain misfortune

  11. Diviners: Communication with Ancestors • They can speak to you in dreams • They can send signs to you in nature that can be interpreted with the help of diviners, spiritual specialists • Signs are sometimes interpreted by looking at the organs of sacrificed animals • Diviners can also contact ancestors for help with knowing the future.

  12. Griots

  13. African Griots Musician, Storyteller, Tribal Historian

  14. Griots, pronounced "greeohs", are storytellers of West Africa who use poetry and rhythm to teach villagers about their history. Their home is the territory of the Mandinke people in the country of Mali where their tradition is alive to this day. "Griot" is the French term for this class of musicians; the local term is jeli.

  15. Modern Role of the Griot • Historian • Genealogist • Orator, artist, musician • Counsellor • Spiritual Leader

  16. Islam and Christianity in Africa

  17. Religion • Indigenous religions tend to be animistic • The Introduction and Spread of Christianity • Entered northeast Africa around 300 A.D. • Coptic Christians - Ethiopia & Eritrea; other Christians in Sudan • Dutch brought Calvinism to South Africa in 1600s • The Introduction and Spread of Islam • Introduced about 1,000 years ago • Today, orthodox Islam prevails in most of the Sahel • Interaction Between Religious Traditions • Religious conflict most acute in northeastern Africa • Sudan: conflict between Muslims in north and Non-Muslims in the south

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