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By African Traditional Religion (ATR), missionaries and Western people (white people) when they came to Africa, looked at what black people did in Africa and called it evil. They sarcastically termed it African Traditional Religion because they said it was a black man's religion. ATR looks at how Africans live, their culture and customs as well as how they worship. Worship or religion in Africa is centered on a Deity commonly referred to with different native names which conveys the idea of a Grand Designer, Creator, Maker, etc The religion is very complex, there is priestcraft, the way to go to God is via the ancestors and there are certain designated places or shrines where God is worshiped. In most cases, the praying in ATR involves singing to the ancestors, offering prayers through the anscestors (some have argued that Africans worship their ancestors, but this is quite contrary. They worship God through the ancestors). The reasoning is that the departed ancestors are now close to the far removed God (Deism) who can only be approached by the ancestors, so it is these ancestors that are more feared in the worship than God himself.
There are also some dances, but depending on the peoples, some dances turns to be sexual, while in some cultures, sexual dances are a taboo. ATr thus has many forms and ways of worship, but the common ground of belief is in the ancestors. One does not convert to ATR as is in Islam or Christianity or proselytizer as in Judaism. One is born an African and as an African has the freedom to be able to participate in the worship of the ancestors. However, with the advent of Christianity in Africa, many embraced Christianity and forsook ATR, while others chose to remain in ATR, others became syncretists (they embraced the two religions). There are a number of belief systems as well as worldviews in ATR, certain doctrines and creeds, etc. however, most of those things have not been written from ancient times but has passed from generation to generation through oral tradition or customs and culture.
Frances Nicolas
African traditional refers to the customs, beliefs, practices, and cultural heritage that have been passed down through generations in African societies. It encompasses various aspects of life, including spirituality, rituals, art, music, dance, and social structures. African traditional beliefs often emphasize the interconnectedness of humanity with nature and the spiritual world.
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∙ 12y agoBy African Traditional Religion (ATR), missionaries and Western people (white people) when they came to Africa, looked at what black people did in Africa and called it evil. They sarcastically termed it African Traditional Religion because they said it was a black man's religion. ATR looks at how Africans live, their culture and customs as well as how they worship. Worship or religion in Africa is centered on a Deity commonly referred to with different native names which conveys the idea of a Grand Designer, Creator, Maker, etc The religion is very complex, there is priestcraft, the way to go to God is via the ancestors and there are certain designated places or shrines where God is worshiped. In most cases, the praying in ATR involves singing to the ancestors, offering prayers through the anscestors (some have argued that Africans worship their ancestors, but this is quite contrary. They worship God through the ancestors). The reasoning is that the departed ancestors are now close to the far removed God (Deism) who can only be approached by the ancestors, so it is these ancestors that are more feared in the worship than God himself.
There are also some dances, but depending on the peoples, some dances turns to be sexual, while in some cultures, sexual dances are a taboo. ATr thus has many forms and ways of worship, but the common ground of belief is in the ancestors. One does not convert to ATR as is in Islam or Christianity or proselytizer as in Judaism. One is born an African and as an African has the freedom to be able to participate in the worship of the ancestors. However, with the advent of Christianity in Africa, many embraced Christianity and forsook ATR, while others chose to remain in ATR, others became syncretists (they embraced the two religions). There are a number of belief systems as well as worldviews in ATR, certain doctrines and creeds, etc. however, most of those things have not been written from ancient times but has passed from generation to generation through oral tradition or customs and culture.
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The what formed the basis of African society?
The family unit and kinship ties formed the basis of African society. These relationships were central to social organization, economic cooperation, and political governance in traditional African communities.
Does Okonkwo in things in things fall apart by Chinua Achebe represents the larger African society?
Okonkwo in "Things Fall Apart" can be seen as representing certain aspects of African society, particularly the emphasis on traditional masculinity and the struggle to adapt to changing times. However, he is also an individual character with his own flaws and complexities that may not fully encapsulate the diversity of experiences within African societies.
Are majority Africans Muslims?
No, not all Africans are Muslims. While Islam is one of the major religions in Africa, there are also many Africans who practice Christianity, traditional African religions, and other faiths. The religious landscape of Africa is diverse and varies from country to country.
What was the African social structure based around?
African social structure was often based around family networks and kinship ties, where extended families or clans held significant importance. In many societies, lineage and ancestry played a crucial role in determining one's social status and responsibilities. Additionally, traditional African societies often had hierarchical structures with chiefs or elders holding authority over the community.
Who started the African traditional religion?
The African traditional religion has been practiced for thousands of years and does not have a single founder. It developed organically within various African ethnic groups and has been influenced by their cultures, beliefs, and practices over time.
What is the traditional headpiece worn by an African bride?
A gele is a traditional headpiece worn by an African bride.
What is an African traditionalist?
An African traditionalist is an adherent of an African traditional religion.
What does traditional African medicine mean?
Traditional African medicine is a holistic discipline involving extensive use of indigenous herbalism combined with aspects of African spirituality.
What was unique about Aaron Douglas's art?
It blended traditional African and modern ideas.
What is south africans traditional clothes?
traditional south african clothing.
How did African religion affect art?
The traditional African religion influenced most African art, but Christianity influenced Ethiopian art.
What is Adumu?
Adumu is an African traditional Dance.
What does traditional medicine mean?
Traditional African medicine is a holistic discipline involving extensive use of indigenous herbalism combined with aspects of African spirituality.
Traditional African art had had the greatest influence on?
Traditional African art had had the greatest influence on 20th century sculpture and painting.
Why is the topic of African traditional culture a complex one?
The topic of African traditional culture is a complex one because there are so many varied elements of African culture. Also, there are hundreds of African tribes, each with their own unique culture.
When was the traditional African religion founded?
Traditional African religions do not have a specific founder or single moment of creation. They have evolved over many centuries through the beliefs and practices of various African cultures and communities.
What is the birth of the African traditional religion in Liberia?
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