Reassessing African Religion: Misconceptions, Marginalization, and the Impact of Western Thought

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ridwan Ishola Mogaji
Adewale Oluwaseun Motadegbe
Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
10.30470/phm.2025.2055755.2662
Abstract
This paper explores the nature of African religion and the role of the role of Western misconception in influencing it. Historically, African religion has served as a yardstick of the values, principles, and philosophies that shape the daily lives and ethical frameworks guiding the African societies. It embodies a unique belief system, a reverence for a Supreme Being, and a deep connection to community and nature, among many others. However, the advent of Western institutional religion significantly altered this dynamic. Western thought systems often dismissed African religious practices as fetishistic, primitive, and inhumane among many other negative attributes, thereby marginalizing their religious practices and replacing them with Western Christian practices. Hence, this influence has as a result alienated and marginalizing the African people from their indigenous religion, which as well alters their Identity. Ironically, these Western practices promoted values and principles similar to those inherent in African philosophy but classified superior, so as to strip the Africans of their identity for easy control. In it on this note that this seminar paper critically examines these narratives, highlighting the authenticity, richness, and sanctity of African religion. With the intension of exposing the original nature of African religion, employing the method of conceptual and critical analysis, this seminar paper argues that African religion, far from being fetishistic embodies the totality of the reality of the African people; it is a sophisticated embodiment of moral principles, belief systems, spirituality, and a deep connection to the world.
Keywords
Africa
African Traditional Religion
Religion
Westernization
Subjects
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