Question

Write a summary/reaction style paper reviewing Traditional Religious Beliefs pages 45-51 using Khapoya, Vincent B., The African Experience: An Introduction, 4th ed. Molefi Kete Asante OR Cheikh Anta Diop. (meaning write something about one of these people and give the citation)

Answer 1

Religious beliefs of a group explain the position of the people and their relation to the universe and what their behavior should be during their stay on Earth. Many of the Beliefs still followed around the world in different Religions are very close and similar to the African Traditional Beliefs. The African Traditional beliefs are mostly regarding Ancestral and General Spirits. Along with that, a few other beliefs that they follow are:

• The belief that sacrifices to ancestors or spirits will keep them safe and protected.
• The belief in the protective power of charms or amulets, shrines and other sacred objects and collectibles.
• The belief in the evil eye i.e., the existence of people with the ability to cast curses or spells.
• The belief in reincarnation, which may relate to the traditional beliefs of ancestral spirits.
• The belief of consulting traditional healers when a member of the household falls sick.

"A serious analysis of any religion must recognize that religious beliefs are determined by social and cultural conditions of a people, the physical environment in which they live, their past experiences, and their collective needs and goals as a people.'' (Vincent B. Khapoya, The African Experience)