African Traditional Religion

by Stella

Today most of Africa is Christian or Muslim, but there are still about 108 million people who practice what are known as African traditional religions, or ATR. They are very numerous and are different from each other, but still share many common themes.

In Africa, religion is a major part of the culture in a given community. African traditional religions are monotheistic, or of one god. However, certain religions believe that this Supreme Being is divided into parts. Another commonality is the belief in spirits of nature and the spirits of dead ancestors. The sacrifice and prayer involved in African traditional religion is thought to bring people closer to these spiritual beings.

African traditional religions usually involve a leader, who has special abilities. This leader is looked to for providing rain to grow crops, cures for sickness, and anything else the community might need. There are also believed to be witches or sorcerers, who can harm a person’s property, family or well-being. Spiritual leaders are supposed to protect those under their leadership from these people.

There are also many rites and ceremonies involved in African traditional religion. Children are greatly valued, and families are encouraged to have many of them. When they are born, a naming ceremony is held, and when they are old enough, another ceremony is performed to initiate them into adulthood. There are also special marriage ceremonies. In some African societies, polygamy is accepted and practiced. Music, especially drums, plays a large part in these ceremonies and is often accompanied by ritual dances.

Even though African religion isn’t as practiced as much anymore due to the spread of Christianity and Muslim, it is still very interesting to study and examine.

Works Cited
Friedenthal, Lora, and Dorothy Kavanaugh. Religions Of Africa. Philadelphia: Mason Crest, 2007. Print. Africa: Progress & Problems.