Affiliation:
1. Department of Information Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa
2. University of South Africa, South Africa
Abstract
This research delves into the repercussions of colonialism on African Traditional Religion (ATR), particularly focusing on the phenomenon termed “Dejesusization” which is a philosophical process of reconstructing African religion. A critical examination reveals that the disparaging portrayal of ATR has rendered it unpalatable to many Africans, prompting a public disassociation from the practice while some maintain clandestine adherence. The study scrutinizes the historical origins of certain terminologies used to describe ATR, which inaccurately depict the religion and serve as a catalyst for resistance. Furthermore, the personal nature of religious experiences underscores the need to discourage racially biased depictions such as “juju,” “paganism,” “savagery,” “heathenism,” and “ancestral worship,” as they are inappropriate and perpetuate cultural stereotypes.
Reference68 articles.
1. Language in Worship: An Examination of Christianity and African Traditional Religion (ATR).;J. E.Amaechi;Language,2020
2. Awolalu, J. O. (1976). “What is African traditional religion”? Studies in Comparative Religion. Retrieved from: www.studiesincomparativereligion.com
3. BenyeraE. (Ed.). (2020). Breaking the Colonial” contract”: From Oppression to Autonomous Decolonial Futures. Lexington Books.
4. BloodJ. (2001). APHEDA Library Project-National University of East Timor, August 2001. APHEDA.
5. Stages of Colonialism in Africa: From Occupation of Land to Occupation of Being