Download Have you thought about what it`s like to have a mix of religions in a

How Religion Changed Africa
Cultural Study
Religion has shaped the lives of the people around the world. In the United
States and many other countries, there are protections for the freedom of
religion. In some countries, wars have been waged over differences in religion.
Africa has long had a mix of religions. How has religion changed life for the
people of Africa? Is it possible for people with different religious perspectives to
coexist?
Polytheism
Polytheism is one type of belief system found in Africa. There are many
different polytheistic religions, but they all share a similar trait. People who
follow polytheistic religions believe in, and worship, more than one god. The
first part of the word, poly, means “many,” and the second part, theism, means
“a belief in god.” In addition to worshipping many gods, polytheistic religions
also have many traditional beliefs and practices. Traditional African
polytheistic practices include the honoring of family ghosts, animism, sorcery,
witchcraft, healers, seers, and king-like figures. Many of the practices of
traditional polytheistic religions help keep people connected to their past, as
they are practicing the same beliefs as their ancestors.
Although the idea of ghosts may sound somewhat scary, it is common in African
life. Family ghosts traditionally have been viewed as communicators between
living family members and the gods. Animism is the belief that the souls of
plants and animals are everywhere and that they interact with spiritual powers.
People who practice animism believe in a deep connection between the spirits
and nature. Healers are involved in
performing rituals and creating
healing agents, such as tonics and
salves from various herbs. Seers
usually interact with spirits. The
spirits are believed to be everywhere
and involved in all parts of life,
including family disputes, fertility of
people and land, protection against
bad weather and natural disasters,
choices in marriage, and farming.
For this reason, many people in
Mansa Musa helped spread monotheistic
Africa developed strong connections
beliefs in Africa. He is shown here as the
to the spirits. To express this
seated figure holding a gold nugget.
connection with the spirits,
polytheistic cultures often developed
songs, dances, and rituals to please the gods.
Discovery Education Techbook
© Discovery Communications, LLC
1
How Religion Changed Africa
Cultural Study
Monotheism
Many places in Africa saw a shift to monotheism when foreign trade and
missionaries came to the continent. Monotheism is the belief in just one god, as
opposed to many different gods. Many people were converted to Christianity
and Islam, which are monotheistic religions. Yet even in modern times, many
Africans of Christian and Muslim faith continue to openly practice the beliefs of
their ancestors, which include polytheistic elements.
Have you heard of Mansa Musa? He was one of the most well-known rulers in
Africa and the first Muslim king of Mali. He ruled in the 1300s. Musa traveled
almost 4,000 miles to make his pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. He gave
very freely and plentifully to others. Historians have recorded that Musa’s giftgiving actually lowered the value of gold in Egypt. Musa is credited with
advancing architecture, education, the arts, and politics by bringing architects,
scholars, and government officials back with him from Mecca, Cairo, and other
Muslim cities. His show of power and demonstration of Muslim learning helped
monotheism spread in Africa.
Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther of Nigeria is another important religious figure
in African history. British missionaries rescued Crowther (then Ajayi) from
slavery. They made his education their personal mission. After completing his
education, Crowther started working with others to eliminate the slave trade.
Crowther was eventually named Bishop of Niger. Crowther also had goals for
Christianity, and taught this religion to Africans. He hoped that once Africans
learned about Christianity, they would teach their children and pass on the
belief system.
The Impacts of Belief
Polytheistic perspectives in Africa have an impact on how people live their lives.
in many cultures, these practices honor local traditions and connect people to
their families and neighbors. Because many animist traditions focus on
honoring ancestors, followers of these traditions have a strong connection to
the past. Many of the polytheistic belief systems also guides followers to
respect others and the land, highlighting the importance of harmony between
the nature spirits, such as the spirits of the forest, the wind, the rain, animals,
and the earth.
Monotheistic religions also have an impact on the ways people live. When
millions of people across the world worship the same god, using similar sacred
texts and rituals, they can form a global community. Travelers from around
Africa and Asia shared their interpretations of the Quran with each other.
Many prayed in the same Arabic language. This created a network of people
Discovery Education Techbook
 Discovery Communications, LLC
2
How Religion Changed Africa
Cultural Study
who shared religious, cultural, and scientific ideas across regions. Some people
who practice monotheistic religions believe it is important to spread their faith
to others. This is called proselytizing, and it can lead to people changing their
beliefs and adopting a new religion, such as Christianity or Islam.
Africa has an interesting religious history. Perhaps this history can guide Africa
in the present. Respect for past traditions might help Africans deal with issues
that arise in the future. Africa today is a diverse continent, with many different
groups of people and a mix of beliefs. Do you think there is still room for
polytheistic belief systems in Africa today, or do you think Africa will become
more monotheistic?
After reading the passage, answer the following questions:
1. Which monotheistic religion spread throughout Africa?
A. witchcraft
B. animism
C. Islam
D. Hinduism
2. Which of the following is an example of animism?
A. speaking to the souls of trees and other plants
B. creating medicine from herbs and plant roots
C. believing in only one god
D. converting people to a different belief
3. Which statement best illustrates the legacy of polytheism in Africa,
according to the passage?
A. In most countries, polytheism is replaced with monotheism to
avoid conflict.
B. In many regions, polytheism is practiced with monotheism in
an open way.
C. In some areas, polytheism is practiced in secrecy to avoid
discovery.
D. In some countries, polytheism is practiced to avoid
government punishment.
4. There are advantages to each type of belief system discussed in this
passage. Describe some ways that each system can help people. Use
details from the passage to support your answer.
Discovery Education Techbook
 Discovery Communications, LLC
3