African Traditional Religion and Christian Religion: Any Compatibility?

Abstract

The study sought to find out if there is any compatibility between African traditional religion and Christian religion. The researchers adopted the expository method. Contemporarily, an average Nigerian fanatic Christian has neglected and considered the African traditional religion as a barbaric religion that has nothing to do with the Christian religion. African traditional religion has been downgraded by some Christians as an archaic religion that is woefully harmful to the human person. However, the researchers are of the opinion that the two religions are compatible. The researchers' conclusion will enable the readers to understand that there is in the cultures of the African people a certain perception and the recognition of a conceived divine power that the people name the Supreme God and address as a Father. The process of contextualization must acknowledge that cultures differ in their conception of God and life, requiring other forms of expressions and understanding. Recommendations were made at the end of the work, among which are the following: the elite should educate people in various churches to understand, appreciate and accept the positive contribution of African traditional religion. Unbiased teachers/lecturers should teach some relevant courses on African Traditional Religion both in schools and outside schools. And at the same time, they should be able to practice what they teach.