The missionary expedition to Africa begun as early as in the eighteenth century. The period culminated into the establishment of Christian religion which effectively consolidated their rule in Africa. Western technology was introduced which gave rise to social economic upheaval for the people of the continent of Africa.
In effect, social amenities and infra-structure were established to hasten governance of natives by white settlers. Furthermore, European influence was nonetheless taking shape at an unprecedented proportion and African’s were beginning to loose grip of their culture, and more so, their en dared spiritual values. The bible took centre stage, and teachings based on European ideals and superiority begun to take their toll among the natives.
The white missionaries preached against deeply entrenched African way of life, and most importantly, the worship of traditional religion. Subsequently, African traditional ways had to be done away with and one practicing them was branded “pagan”. In the end, the entire structure of African way of worship was destroyed. Traditional thought and culture of the people was ultimately smashed and never regained recovery.
These and other reasons were main contributing factors that led to the conflict between traditional religion and Christianity.
Consequently, long before the advent of missionary exploration to Africa started, Africa was abundantly blessed with highly developed societies.
Kingdoms and ruler ship flourished at the very heart of African society.
Worship of the Most High God was at the very fabric of African way of life. The indigenous people knew there existed God-a Supreme Being, the creator of the universe and all that is in it.
The African built shrines and only the “Holy” had access to the shrine to offer supplications on behalf of the community as envisaged in the Book of Leviticus at which place Aaron the servant of the Lord offered sacrifices and entered the “Holy of Holies” to offer sacrifices on behalf of the Israelites (Lev. 6:24-30).
In African setting, each homestead erected an Altar of sacrifice which in essence demonstrated beyond doubt how deeply entrenched religion was in the everyday life of the natives. More importantly, this worship arrangement of the altar was central in their contact with the Most High God. The same practice was reminiscent of the Abrahamic era (Genesis 12:8; 35:7). In short, sacrifices and offerings reflected a meeting place between man and God and thus met the minimal requirement and definition of a Church in the Christian sense!
Furthermore, the continent of Africa played a leading role in the fulfillment of Gods plan to mankind.
This can be attested by the fact that certain biblical events happened in Africa which realized this divine plan.
For example, when famine struck in Canaan, Abraham with his wife Sarah sought solace in the land of Africa (Egypt).
In addition, Moses was sent by God to free the children of Israelites from their bondage in Africa (Egypt). (By the way Ancient Egypt was inhabited by a black race).
Joseph the son of Jacob governed the land of Egypt before his family came to settle in Egypt.
Furthermore, Solomon sent merchant ships in Africa to acquire gold and other precious items in Abyssinia Ethiopia.
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More importantly, Joseph and Mary sought refuge in Africa at the height of King Herod’s killing of babies born during Jesus’ birth.
Also Simon from Cyrene who was a native of Africa helped carry the cross of Jesus to Golgotha. Math 27:32-33
Therefore, Africa must wake up from the slumber of marginalization, and regard itself as equal partner vis-as-vis the rest of the world –Africa must strive to regain it’s lost spiritual independence.
This brings to question that our educational system is geared towards knowing more about European culture, with less attention given to our own historical background. s a result we have become captives of European thought.
In comparison, those who have kept their spiritual values originating from their identity have prospered the most, countries like Japan, China and India have not shied away from their original identity. And no doubt they are among the leading world economies.
Therefore, Africa is challenged to re-invent itself and deservedly seek more importantly, spiritual identity.
Ultimately, what is required today is the desire to remove from our minds all traces of negative attitude of perceiving non-Christian religions as “pagan”. Primarily, recognize the fact that God has revealed himself in African traditional religions, that traditional religions legitimately have a prominent place in biblical Christianity.
Contemporarily, Christians should be bold enough to give careful study to non-Christian religions, to have an insight, so that they may be in a position to make sound judgment on their counterparts.
That African traditional religion should be treated without reservation as “complementary effort in the pursuit of an understanding of God!
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