Elements to admire in African Traditional Religions

[Jacuma]

IN THE RELIGIOUS SPHERE

1. There is widespread belief in a supreme God, unique and transcendent.
2. Africans have a sense of the sacred and a sense of mystery; there is high reverence for sacred places, persons and objects; sacred times are celebrated.
3. Belief in the afterlife is incorporated in myths and in funeral ceremonies.
4. The invisible world of spirits and ancestors is always present and the intentions of these spirits can be ascertained; care is taken to ascertain the will of the spirit to whom sacrifices may be due or from whom protection may be sought.
5. Religion enfolds the whole of life, there is no dichotomy between life and religion.
6. Ancestors mediate between God and man.
7. Belief in the efficacy of intercessory prayer is widespread.
8. Bodily purification is required before one may approach to offer sacrifice to God; there are nevertheless provisions for spiritual purification also.
9. It is believed that sin harms the public good, hence there are periodical purification rites in order to promote public welfare.
10. Worship requires a fundamental attitude of strict discipline and reverence.
Pardon is final and acknowledged by all: an offence, once forgiven, is never recalled.


IN THE RITUAL SPHERE

1. Rites form an essential part of social life.
2. Ancestors and the dead are invoked by rites.
3. The seasonal cycles and the stages of life are sanctified by ritual action. Ritual attention is given to crisis situations.
4. The whole person, body and soul, is totally involved in worship.
5. In worship and sacrifice there is co-responsibility each person contributes his share in a spirit of participation.
6. Symbols bridge the spheres of the sacred and secular and so make possible a balanced and unified view of reality.
7. Rites of passage, of initiation and of consecration are widespread.
8. There are many rites of purification of individuals and communities.
9. The sick are healed in rites which involve their families and the community.
10. Religious sacredness is preserved in ritual, in dress and the arrangements of the places of worship.
11. Some of the traditional blessings are rich and very meaningful.


IN THE RELIGIO-MORAL SPHERE:

1. There is respect for life: children are treasured, abortion is an abomination.
2. The sacredness of human life is guarded by taboos and rituals.
3. There is respect for the dignity of man; each man has his own inalienable chi ("selfhood", "destiny").
4. To be faithful in undertakings is regarded as becoming a man.
5. That life makes moral demands is accepted, and this is shown among other things by the sense of the person and attachment to life itself.
6. Sin is perceived in both its personal and communal dimensions.
7. Moderation in the use of alcohol is inculcated: only adults may drink. Drunkenness is shameful. Indeed moderation is required in every aspect of human behaviour.


IN THE RELIGIO-CULTURAL SPHERE:

1. Attention is given to locating man within his environment and making him feel at home in it.
2. Tradition is handed down through stories, poems, hymns, proverbs, riddles and art.
3. The whole community is involved in the training of the young, and education itself has a necessary community and social aspect.
4. The moral education of youth is taken seriously.
5. Life has a festive dimension and is celebrated in adequate rites.
6. Old folk are held in high esteem. The community regards their wisdom as prophetic, that is, as able to give direction for living in the circumstances of the present day.
7. Silence is treasured as a value.
8. Marriage is an alliance between families and persons; cultural provisions are made to uphold its stability.
9. Youth is give a gradual initiation to life and society.
10. Blood alliances bind with a bond that is rarely broken.


IN THE RELIGIO-SOCIAL SPHERE:

1. Hospitality is a duty and is the most common value in African Traditional Religion all over Africa.
2. Between kith and kin and people of the same clan there is a very strong sense of sharing and of solidarity and belonging.
3. Efforts are made to secure and promote justice and peace within the community.
4. The nuclear family and the extended family have been the pivots of the African social system.
5. Respect for authority, sanctioned by the ancestors, is strong and represents the common will.
6. The poor and the sick are taken care of, widows and orphans are looked after.

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6 Indigenous African Religions Practiced in West

Togo/Ghana/Benin -- Vodun/Mami Wata
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Haiti -- Vodou (Voodoo)

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Yoruba - Orisa/Santeria etc..

* Africa/USA influences -- Orisa'Ifa
(try to practice as close to african as possible)
* Africa/USA -- Anago
(try to practice as close to african as possible)
* USA/Africa -- Oyotunji
(will not accept any ethnicity except for African, including latinos etc. try to practice as close to african as possible)
* Cuba -- Lukumi /Santeria
* Brazil -- Candomble / Umbanda
* Trinidad -- Sango Baptiste


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Central Africa/Pan-American -- Kongo / Palo Mayombe

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Ghana/Togo -- Akan

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Nubia/Kemet (Egypt) -- Ausar Auset Society:

(A spiritual system that stems from "classical" African history, not "traditional" Africa for you history buffs. Resurrected in 70s/80s in USA, but has roots in Africa. Deemed only legitimate manifestation of Kemetic spirituality in world, as it is only system that can actually invoke and possess its priesthood with Kemetic deities and speak in ancient tongues during this period.)

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Caribbean/ Central Africa -- Obeah


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Roots and Rooted
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