There
is a lot to learn about African traditional religions, and a lot of
interesting facts to explore.
It’s Highly Dynamic
African
traditional religions are not static but very dynamic, largely because
they are constantly reacting to various shifting influences such as old
age, modernity and technological advances.
They are Based More on Lived Traditions
African
traditional religions are not so much based on faith as they are based
on lived traditions. This is seen in the fact that they are more
concerned with rituals, ceremonies and lived practices, than they are
with doctrines and belief systems.
Concerns For Health, Wealth and Procreation are Central To The Core of African Religions
It
is because of this core concern that African traditional religions
develop institutions for healing, commerce and general well-being of
their own practitioners, as well as adherents of other religions.
It’s Not Based on Conversion
A
practitioner of African traditional religion is unlikely to attempt to
convert a non-practitioner into his/her religious beliefs and practices.
They simply believe in living their faith and attempting a peaceful
coexistence with others who are of differing religious traditions that
live among them.
Women Play Key Roles in This Religions
African
traditional religions have very profound internal gender relations and
dynamics. Women, as well as men, play key roles in African religions as
there many female goddesses, priestesses, diviners and other figures
revered in African religious traditions and practices. The reverence of
women, as well as men, in African traditional religions is so profound,
that many feminist scholars have used these traditions as reference
points to advocate for the rights of women in African societies. For
indigenous African religions, the role of gender is complementary in
such a way that a ‘confluence of male and female forces must operate in
harmony’.
It Provides Strong Linkages Between The Life of Humans and the World of Ancestors
As
a result of these strong linkages, African religions provide a platform
for humans to maintain constant and symbiotic relationships with their
ancestors. These ancestors are understood to be intimately concerned and
involved in their descendants’ everyday affairs.
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