THE RELIGIOUS RESPONSE TO THE IMPACT OF COLONIALISM IN POST-COLONIAL AFRICA

Abstract

After the fight for the liberation of most African states from the alien dictatorship of colonialism, the African states were disenchanted when they discovered that the economic, political, and cultural exploitation of the continent continued. African nations are faced with enormous problems and challenges due colonial legacy. This development spans decades. There are scholarly works that address some of these problems. However, the religious response to the impact of colonialism is missing. So, the recognition of these problems has inspired the writing of this paper, which argues that transformative religious values could influence individual behaviours, which has a direct impact on the social, political, and economic institutions. This will give a new lease on how to face these problems. Historical approach, archival materials, and secondary materials from existing literature were used, in addition to demonstrative examples drawn from around the continent. It was noted that religious values remain a crucial component that could contribute to social, political, and economic well-being and transformation in Africa. Also, Africans should initiate and implement programmes for the development of the continent.