PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE NATURE AND SOURCES OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION

Abstract

African Traditional Religion like other religions of the world has its own meaning, nature and sources. There are negative perceptions that exist regarding African Religion. This paper examines the meaning, nature and sources of African traditional Religion and points out some of the derogatory terminologies directed towards African Religion. The study adopts descriptive approach and relies on secondary sources. The study reveals that, African traditional religion has been largely responsible for shaping the character and culture of African people. To understand the religious life properly, one has to know their language. It is important because, worship, prayers, sacrifices, offerings, blessings, curses, etc. are all done in the local language by men and women who are trained for that purpose. These pass on their knowledge to people in general and through training others to carry out the religious life of their community. Even though certain derogatory terminologies are used in referring to the African Religion, such are works of those who lack the knowledge of what African religion is or know just a little about it. Thus, the paper argues that there is need for objective and phenomenological approach to African Religion. This helps in understanding better the religion of the African peoples.