Chapter 9 'African Religion'.

In Africa, there are three principal religions - Christianity, Islam and Animism (the belief that trees, mountains, and the sky, have souls); which are categorized as being Monotheistic or Polytheistic. Monotheistic religion is the belief in one God, for example Christianity and Islam; while Polytheistic religion is the belief in several gods. There are several different denominations among the African nations. Monotheistic beliefs are the mostly used type of religion practiced in Africa. Christianity and Islam- in our present society religious beliefs and practices play an essential role in Africans daily rituals. Praises and worship is done on daily basis so that God can continue to bless the tribe more abundantly. Guidance, protection and health (or healing) is some of the commonly asked blessings of a Christian. Depending on the faith and actions of the christian, prayer request may or may not be granted since God is believed to know what is best for each individual. These responses never usually have a time frame attached to them, but as the Christianity faith teaches all things will come at the right time.




Here are a few videos showing the how the christians/islamic worships are done.

The Polytheistic type of religion is the worship of many gods and this type of practice through prayer and sacrifice to a spirit, ancestor, or some other divinity. They are represented by earthly structures such as trees, a huge rock ,water and even animals that has there specific function with the higher gods. For example, the people of the tribes would associate sickness and dead crops to some type curse from a bad spirit that another African cast on them or an angry ancestor who is not pleased with that person. Religion that is practiced in such a manor has a spirit to mediate to the supernatural God for whatever blessing or curse to be cast or counteract.

Polytheism although uncommon to the younger generation, it is practiced in the more uncivilized areas of Africa due to lack of exposure and education. This belief is often passed down by traditional teachings. Animism religious practices can be found along with Christianity and Islam like Benin, Togo and Nigeria. Voodoo is one Animism ritual that is still prominently used in Africa and around the world.


A Senegalese Muslim asking for help from the spirits that he believes in.