Question: How were “African Traditional Religions” changed as a result of the colonial encounter? Of what use were they in articulating visions of African liberation?

Expert answer

African Traditional Religions (ATRs) were changed as a result of the colonial encounter in several ways. First, ATRs were syncretized with Christianity and Islam, resulting in new hybrid religious traditions. Second, many ATRs were marginalized or suppressed by the colonial authorities. Third, some ATRs underwent reformation movements in response to the challenges posed by colonialism. Finally, ATRs were used by African nationalists to articulate visions of African liberation.

The process of syncretism led to the emergence of new religious traditions that combined aspects of ATR with Christianity or Islam. For example, in Nigeria the Aladura movement emerged as a result of syncretism between Yoruba religion and Pentecostal Christianity. Similarly, in Senegal the Mouride movement combined aspects of Islam with ATR. These new religious traditions provided Africans with a way to hold on to their traditional beliefs while also accommodating the demands of the colonial regime.

ATRs were also marginalized or suppressed by the colonial authorities in many parts of Africa. For example, in Sierra Leone the British authorities banned all forms of ATR practice. In other parts of Africa, such as Kenya and Tanganyika, ATR practitioners were subjected to various forms of discrimination. This marginalization had a significant impact on the ability of ATRs to function as a source of resistance to colonialism.

In response to the challenges posed by colonialism, some ATRs underwent reformation movements. For example, in Nigeria the Yoruba religion