Slaves and Slave Holder’s Religions, Essay Example

The Slave trade was prominent in Africa during the colonialization regime and facilitated the spread of religion. Most Africans were captured and transported to America against their will, which brought suffering to their families. During this time, Africans had dedicated their lives to the practice of the African Traditional Religions before their masters introduced Christianity alongside other religions. The interaction, however, spearheaded the spread of the slave holder’s religion. At first, the Africans rejected the new religion since it threatened their own beliefs and practices. However, an analysis of the slaves and the slave holder’s religions exhibit close relationships despite the perceived differences. This essay shall highlight the close relationship between Christianity and the African Traditional Religions (ATR).

The slave and the slave holder’s religions believe in the existence of a deity who created all things in the universe. In the ATR, God is viewed as a creator and controller of the entire universe. He is the overall head of the spirit world and remains active even with the silence of ancestors as believed by the Yoruba people of Nigeria (Adamo, 2011). Despite the distinct cultures and their beliefs on creation stories, the central point still reflects on God as the leading creator of human beings. Under Christianity, God is equally professed as the originator of human beings and their environments. The creation stories narrate how he established the entire universe in seven days and created Adam and Eve to take care of the creation at the Garden of Eden.

Another close relationship between the slave and slave holder’s religions is the belief in messengers. The ATR acknowledges the existence of spirits who communicate through their religious leaders in their shrines. Besides, the spirits can also appear to people in departed ancestors and give instructions on various issues. The Yoruba people acknowledge Orisania as one of the divinities who occupies a high rank (Adamo, 2011). Looking at Christianity, angels are embraced as messengers who communicate with people on God’s will. For instance, Angel Gabriel appears to Mary, the mother of Jesus, to deliver a prophecy. Besides, the LORD angel appears to the wise men to warn them concerning striking a deal with King Herod, who had a hidden agenda. In both religions, the spirits act as intermediaries between God and humanity.

Another principle that draws similarities among the true religions is the aspect of offering sacrifices. The slave religion involved appeasing their gods by offering sacrifices (Adamo, 2011). They also gave sacrifices as a form of protection from evil. It involved the shedding of animal blood to portray the seriousness in restoring a broken relationship and avoid punishment for committed crimes. The case is not different under the Christianity religion since the Israelites offered animal sacrifices as an atonement for their sins and restoration of their relationship with God. Abraham also offered a sacrifice in obedience to God’s commands after the angel provided a lamb, stopping him from sacrificing his son.

Moreover, life after death emerges as another facet establishing a close relationship between the slave and the slave holder’s religion. The ATR’s strongly believe in after-life after death (Adamo, 2011). They believe in the existence of ancestors and the living dead, who communicate with the people and guide them. Therefore, they hope to join the ancestral world after death, which they view as a transition phase into the spiritual world. Similarly, Christianity supports after-life belief. They believe that they are entitled to everlasting life with no more trouble than the current world. Besides, they acknowledge that Jesus died and rose after three days, which means he conquered death, assuring them that they too shall resurrect after death into new body forms.

According to Ndemanu (2018), ATR embrace a morality and associate it with God. The young people are taught about evil and the right to avoid God’s wrath. A code of ethics guides members of each culture and religion, hence a peaceful co-existence. Besides, those who disobeyed faced the disciplinary committee of elders and were regarded as outcasts in severe cases. Christianity equally advocates for virtues and disregards vices. Those who fail to comply with the rules become outcasts and attract God’s wrath. The religion encourages people to love one another and show kindness to everyone. Such principles enforce a peaceful co-existence among believers.

The above discussion highlights the close relationship between the slaves and the slave holder’s religion, just like a coin’s two sides. The two religions are perceived as different. However, an in-depth analysis confirms their relationships. Believe in a supreme being as the creator, intermediaries, and offering sacrifices are among the primary issues that connect these religions. Similarly, Christians uphold moral values and use the Bible as a guide in all their operations. They repent their iniquities and seek mercies from God. On the same note. The ATR practitioners repent their sins at their shrines to avoid punishment. The existence of a moral code also promotes respect for the leaders and ensures peace in the community.

References

Adamo, D. T. (2011). Christianity and the African traditional religion (s): The postcolonial round of engagement. Verbum et Ecclesia, 32(1), 1-10. Doi: 32. 10.4102/ve.v32i1.285.

Ndemanu, M. T. (2018). Traditional African Religions and Their Influences on the Worldviews of Bangwa People of Cameroon: Expanding the Cultural Horizons of Study Abroad Students and Professionals. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 30(1), 70-84.