Impressions of the Meaning and Significance of African Religion

In his book African Religions and Philosophy professor John Mbiti continually explains that all African cultures and societies, regardless of differences in national origin, language, or ethnicity are deeply religious. African traditional religion is so much a part of the African traditional heritage that it is found in every aspect of life. Traditional religion for the Africans is the normal way of looking at the world and experiencing life itself. Therefore, as Mbiti interprets, "A study of these religious systems is, therefore, ultimately a study of the peoples themselves in all the complexities of both traditional and modern life." (p.1). This statement, along with many others similar to it in the first few pages of chapter one provided me with a whole new perspective of the extremely integral role religion played in everyday African society.

I live in a society where religion is practiced on many different levels. The extent to which one decides to follow or study his or her religion is determined by the individual. Some choose to lead all aspects of their lives in strict accordance with the teachings of their religious faiths while others, even though they may actively practice a certain religion, live their lives according to their own person values. It is because I live in this society that I did/do not completely understand how significant and meaningful religion is to African people. From past readings I have done on the subject of religion in Africa I was aware that all of the world's larger religious traditions were celebrated in Africa. The largest most likely being Christianity and Islam, with many others celebrating other such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism. However, after reading the first three ch...

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... religious meaning, remembering deceased relatives from time to time with certain rituals (lighting a large candle and saying prayers in the Jewish faith; pouring out parts of their drinks and leaving bits of food for them for Africans), and not seeking to win converts through missionary style activities.

Facilitated by professor Mbiti's writing, as well as the similarities I feel I have experienced within my own religious participation/association, I now have a greater understanding of the extremely significant role African religion plays in the all aspects of the lives of those who celebrate them. Moreover, as a result of the centrality of religious beliefs and traditions in African societies, the study of African religion is also greatly important in constructing a better understanding of African peoples, cultures, and societies, and of events in Africa.