African Religions

Traditional African Religion

PHILO105-013 WORLD RELIGIONS

By: Luciene Harrison

3/8/2016

 It has been told that the first man was found in Africa.  Many would say that Africa is the birthplace of human culture. Within this continent, there are many different lifestyles which are lived. There have been blames the variety of lifestyles on western influence. The truth is that different existences began thousands of years before the west even had influence on Africa. African’s regimes revolve around what is called “triple heritage.” Triple heritage entails traditional African beliefs, Islam beliefs, and the beliefs of western cultures. Due to different heritages, the African people speak Swahili, Arabic, and English.

   One of the major differences within these cultures is the argument between being monotheistic or polytheistic. Monotheistic is the belief in one and only one god, while polytheistic is the belief of having multiple gods. For example, some people of Africa worship many aspects of nature believing that a god is in charge of every aspect of nature. Another difference is the role of women. Within traditional African beliefs, the women are full of diversity and very important to the men, while in other cultures, they may not have as much respect. Even within the African beliefs you can find some tribes in which the woman do not receive the respect deserved.

 The theory of time is influence to the interpretation and understanding of African religion. Time is a configuration of events that have happened, those that are taking place, and those which will occur. Time falls into three sub-categories. These include; potential time, actual time, and no time. Potential time is defined as what is certain to happen, or what falls within the rhythm of natural phenomena. Actual time is what is present and what is past. It moves “backwards” rather than “forward”, and people set their minds on what has taken place, not the future. No time, in turn, is defined as what has not taken place or what has no likelihood of an immediate occurrence.

     Understanding time is important in understanding the thoughts and beliefs of the African people. Understanding ontology is important as well. As defined by Webster’s ontology is “a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of being.” Ontology is the way in which the Africans believe. Expressed ontologically, God is the origin and creator of all things. A number of societies find God to be omniscient. Omniscient is the faith that God knows all, hand is the almighty. It is also the belief that though he is the almighty, he himself, is very forgiving. Due to Him being omniscient, God has the highest possible position of honor and respect.