african religions. native religions most african religions have a belief in a high god. this high...
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African Religions
Native Religions Most African religions
have a belief in a high god.
This high god is distant, retired, and uninvolved.
The Lesser Spirits Most African religions
are animistic, believing that the world is full of lesser spirits.
Lesser spirits rule creation and can be helpful or harmful.
Lesser spirits are subject to prayer, flattery, and sacrifice.
More on the lesser spirits Plants, animals,
weather, water, the Earth – all things are spirits or life forces
Lesser spirits are often personified in Gods or Goddesses
The most common worship is offering food and drink.
Ancestors The living consult, pray to the dead to
receive benefits and avoid harm The fear of gods is unimportant compared
to the fear of and respect for ancestors Ancestors enforce the moral code Ancestor spirits know and can control the
future
Sacrifice Most common is a
daily offering of food and drink
Animal sacrifice is practiced on serious occasions
Human sacrifice is rarely present in African religions
Marriage Chastity in marriage is
highly valued Polygamy is practiced
by elites of many societies
Death Making the dead comfortable in their new
existence to prevent hauntings Rapid burial Dead can point out who caused their
demise
Religious Leaders Generally a minimal need for priests
because rituals are performed by individuals
Some Western African religions have priests & priestesses for maintaining temples and altars
Prophets Speak the words of gods in times of crisis
Non-native African Religions Ancient Greeks religion influenced North
Africa and Egypt Christianity and Judaism have been
present in Africa since the 1st century Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism brought to
Africa by immigrants
African Religions Today Colonialism, artificial nation states,
urbanization, HIV/AIDS, political instability,and rapid population growth upset the traditional social orders of traditional religion
Traditional African religious practices have diminished, but have not been eliminated
Rise of Christianity & Islam challenges traditional African religions Lesser spirits and ancestors become
Christian Saints or Muslim Jinn Movements combining African Christian, and/or Islamic beliefs and rituals are increasingly present