For centuries, African Traditional Religion in its myriad of forms was practiced by the majority of Africans, but in the last fifty years Christianity and Islam have become more prominent. It is impossible to generalize about concepts in African religions because they are ethno-religions, being determined by each ethnic group in the continent. The new political situation has created a context that is eminently favourable to the expansion of traditional African religion. Food is very important to the heritage and traditions across the cultures and religions in South Africa. Religion in most African societies also supports moral order. More than 100 million Africans still adhere to the traditional African religions. These traditions are not religious principles, but a cultural identity that is passed on through stories, myths and tales. In the days after the forum, a number of us decided to explore the state of Bahia, where over a third of all those who had been taken from Africa as slaves were brought. A cow, sheep or chicken is slaughtered and the ancestors are called to receive the offering and bless the gathering. After the eradication of apartheid system, religion, freedom, and protection in the country facilitated the growth of different religions. They undergo strict training and learn many skills, including how to use herbs for healing and other, more mystical skills, like the finding of a hidden object without knowing where it is. People have looked to religion to answer questions like "Where did the world come from? All of this contrasts with how African cultures are continuing elsewhere. People are also encouraged to learn about and respect different spiritual practices. It is often combined with elements of Christianity and Islam. What do the followers of this religion believe? But before those two religions arrived, there were several traditional religions practiced. This is a 3-hour summary lecture on the basic components of African Traditional Religions. African Religion evolved gradually as people experienced different life situations, raising questions and reflecting on such mysteries of life as birth and death, joy and suffering, the forces of nature, and the purpose of life. Its history is bound up with the history of each people or tribe, and goes back to prehistoric times. Some examples include the gods Oludmare of Nigeria and Katonda of Uganda. There are spiritual leaders, kinds of priests or pastors in most traditional African religions. To please these unhappy ancestors, usually offerings of beer and meat are made. Everyone is free to follow whatever faith they want to, or not to follow one at all. Some elements distinguish it from Christianity and Islam, the other major religions of Africa, while other elements resemble them. Today, South Africa is home to a diversity of traditional African practices, with roughly 5% of the population identifying with a traditional African religion. It is the opposite... […] Quran was written in the 7th century CE. Traditional African religions are the indigenous religious beliefs of the African people before the introduction of Abrahamic religions such as Christianity and Islam. Traditional African religion and culture is passed on from parents to children through stories. Origins of major world religions reflected in SA. for as long as they've been in existence. A diverse variety of African Traditional Religions of the early Khoisan and later Bantu speakers were practiced in the region prior to contact with European seafarers and settlers. During these events usually an offering is made to honour, please and thank the ancestors. African Traditional Religion: A Definition (1973), Omosade Awolalu in Yoruba Belief and Sacrificial Rites and John Mbiti in The Concept of God in Africa (1970) are a few examples of Preserving African cultures… in South America. Unlike Western mythology, African myths are not recounted as a single narrative story, nor is there any established corpus of myth. African Traditional Religions. Although traditional African religion recognises a Supreme God, followers do not worship him or her directly as they do not feel worthy enough. The West African area is important because this is where the majority of slaves departed for the New World. Today, Christianity and Islam are religions practiced by the majority of people living in Africa. Because of the African religions' dependence on oral stories, doctrine tends to be more flexible, changing in accordance to the immediate needs of religious followers. European and other foreign settlers brought most of these religions. It argues that since the coming of democracy this form of religion has occupied a more important position in civil society than ever before. It creates a sense of security and order in the community. South Africa is one of the optimal places to explore current debates over the status of traditional African religion(s) in a modern post-colonial state. The elders are the final authority and are trusted completely. At the time when colonialists were introducing Christianity during the apartheid period, there was a mass execution of the practitioners of the traditional African religions. All Christians are listed in one category regardless of their denominations. ", "Why are we here? Traditional African religions. Sangomas are part of spiritual traditions and are responsible for healing and telling the future. This person is essential in the spiritual and religious survival of the community. 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