Do you agree that when Africa was "ruled" by European authority, is when christian religious values became widespread? Do you also agree that this is the reason why most African-American communities are the most "deeply religious"? If so, then why are most not practicing or acknowledging their previous beliefs?
2006-11-26 03:43:57 · 9 answers · asked by ? 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thanks guys, puts a little more perspective on it!
2006-11-26 03:59:03 · update #1
Africa was not merely ruled by European authroity.
European authority 'invaded' africa and offered the africans education, health and food facilities in exchange for african resources (oil, cocoa, gold) and religion.
European religion was more or less forced on the africans to gain control over them.
Slaves who were taken out of africa had their indigenous tradutional religions taken from and many were baptised into the european religion (christianity) forcibly.
Of course, when these africans and slaves were made to go the churches, instead of seeing the christian saints and gods, they saw their own traditional gods. This is how voodoun evolved and grew. Even now voodoun devotees will pray to christian saints along with their own voodoun gods.
Yes, a lot of africans got converted and became deeply religious. But we now have a lot of africans (and even non-africans) returning back to the old religions of africa - ifa, orisha, voodoun, candomble and others
2006-11-26 03:56:35 · answer #1 · answered by ladyP 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a very risky subject that I find difficult to discuss without stepping on any toes, so to speak. I have found that the manner in which "mainstream" religious values became widespread leave a lot to be desired and we are guilty of the "holier than Thou" attitude. The African cultural way of worshiping was condemned as idol worship at best or wizardry and there still is a great level of stigma associated with cultural beliefs and practices. I have tried to compare what I know of Christianity with the little I could find of my cultural beliefs in creation and commandments and I find there is more common ground than differences. God created all that is and therefore all creation is a facet of the Creator. I choose to be religious but shun sectarianism. I think it would be more beneficial if we stopped thinking in terms of ours and theirs and instead concentrate on the essence of humanity which you will find unites us all. What is done is done and hope lies not in digging up the past but in trying to forge ahead... united. After all, religion is about forgiveness and love.
2006-11-26 12:41:37 · answer #2 · answered by kahahius 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually at one point European ruled some of it. Actually its not Christianity but Islam that covers most of Africa, North Africa and West Africa. In the Southern and some east countries it is protestant religion mainly of Angelican(english) or German protestant. Yet some still practice their original beliefs in some areas, like central Africa, and others have combined their old beliefs with Christian or Islam beliefs much like the natives in Mexico and South America who made day of the dead. Yet some missionaries are making progress in various countries, mostly the one in the southeast.
2006-11-26 11:55:26 · answer #3 · answered by wranderer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't have to be the reason we are deeply religious. I mean I'm not. But Europeans did spread Christianity to Africa and Asia too. The reason why is because a lot of us don't think of it that deeply. A lot of us also are caught in Western ideals and other reasons. There are black people that do chane their names to african or arabic names and adopt african culture and dress.
2006-11-27 15:40:26 · answer #4 · answered by Shea Butta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the Africans were brought over here long before Europe had establish a foot hold in Africa, Christianity was forced on African Americans by their slave owners.
2006-11-26 11:49:37 · answer #5 · answered by LONGINUS 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is true that Africa is very Christian orintated. Hypocracy is widespread all over the world!
Calling yourself a Christian does not make you one; following Jesus example does. Jesus was jewish till the day he died. He did not create a new religion; his followers did. They are the ones who brainwashed people into believing the wrong things. Many things Jesus is SuPPOSED to have said, he never said or what he said was misunderstood. 'The truth shall set us free', he said so I guess he was telling us that WE WILL FIND THE TRUTH, but only if we really want to find it and not just find a confirmation for what we believe. Truth is stranger then fiction....
2006-11-26 11:58:39 · answer #6 · answered by mo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mother before she passed away last year was a Baptist in the early 70's and then became a Jehovah's Witness in the late 70's and was still one before she died. My father is a full-time Methodist now. I'm a atheist/agnostic. Although I was exposed to both their forms of Christianity as a kid growing up, I had no desire to stay with any of them. It depends on the individual.
2006-11-26 11:54:48 · answer #7 · answered by Daemon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well christians would come with missionaries and convert everyone and since africans are the ones that have to work the hardest to get food this makes them devout
2006-11-26 11:47:38 · answer #8 · answered by Red Eye 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think so.
2006-11-26 11:47:00 · answer #9 · answered by Desperado 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋