The Sacred Pathways: Foundational Religious Practices in African Traditional Religions

Moving from the bedrock of religious beliefs, we now explore the tangible expressions of faith: the foundational religious practices. Indeed, deeply held religious beliefs invariably give rise to corresponding religious practices and behaviors. The interconnected web of beliefs examined earlier lays the theological groundwork for the traditional religious system. Consequently, these beliefs have shaped the development of specific religious practices, which we will now briefly outline. The traditional religious system is both informed and driven by these core beliefs and their associated practices, behaviors, and emotions.

The foundational religious practices in traditional religions can be categorized into four key areas: (1) the practices aimed at forging connections, fostering relationships, and establishing close ties with the cosmic, mysterious, mystical, and spirit powers and forces; (2) the diverse religious and social rites, rituals (including sacrifices and offerings), and ceremonies; (3) the practices involved in establishing various spiritual and mystical communications with the spirit world and spirit beings; and (4) the religious and social practices related to the diverse activities of traditional African specialists.

By describing these various religious practices that span a wide range of religious and social concerns, our primary objective is to identify and define the underlying theological foundations of traditional religious practices and behaviors. This will establish a theological framework for understanding and interpreting these practices and behaviors. For further insights, refer to the works of Steyne (1992) and Gehman (1989).

Establishing Sacred Links: Connecting with Cosmic, Spiritual, and Mystical Powers

In the enduring human quest to establish connections and relationships with spiritual and mystical powers and forces, individuals in traditional African contexts have developed a rich array of religious and social practices, rituals, and ceremonies as pathways to achieve this profound aim. Two primary types of religious and social practices are employed in traditional Africa to forge these links: (1) practices focused on “exercising control” over the realm of mystical and spiritual powers, and (2) practices aimed at restoring spiritual harmony and balance.

Fundamental questions arise when considering this pursuit of connection: Firstly, what do these spirit and mystical powers offer to individuals in traditional Africa? What specific spiritual and mystical energies are they seeking? For what purposes are these powers utilized? Secondly, what are the means by which these links and relationships are established? How are these means acquired? From whom and where can they be obtained? Are there inherent rules and regulations governing their use? What are the consequences of violating these guidelines?

These probing inquiries are essential for illuminating the deep and often veiled theological foundations underpinning religious and social practices involving spiritual and mystical powers and forces within the African worldview. The two primary means of linking and communicating with these powers are explored below.

Means of Exercising Mystical and Spiritual Control

In the human endeavor to exert mystical and spiritual influence over their world, individuals in traditional Africa have cultivated a diverse range of religious and social practices, rituals, and ceremonies. The means of acquiring or gaining access to these powers and forces are multifaceted, each governed by its own distinct set of rules and regulations that must be diligently observed. The chosen means becomes paramount as it dictates the specific religious behaviors and the necessary rites, rituals, and ceremonies to be performed to achieve the desired outcome. The means, therefore, exerts a significant influence over behavior, practice, and even, to some extent, feelings and expressions.

The entities that grant and distribute these sought-after commodities often assume a position of immense power, while those who receive them become devoted followers. Mystical and spiritual control can be pursued through practices such as: (1) the use of incantations and the power of prayer; and (2) prophetic pronouncements and actions. However, African traditional religious foundations also recognize the existence of negative powers, often attributed to malevolent entities and practiced by individuals with harmful intentions. These include: (1) the power of symbolism (manipulating symbols to achieve desired effects); (2) the power of magic (employing supernatural techniques to influence events); (3) the power of charms (objects believed to possess inherent power for protection or harm); (4) the power of fetishes or “juju” (objects imbued with spiritual power and used for various purposes); and (5) the power of witchcraft and sorcery (using supernatural abilities for malevolent purposes).

The condemnation of the practices listed in the latter section is prevalent in both traditional religions (often involving specific prohibitions and abominations) and the Holy Bible. Despite biblical condemnation, the potency and powers often manifested in this realm are acknowledged as real. The Bible does not necessarily deny their existence but rather condemns their practice, use, and belief in them as alternatives to God.

The central theological issue here transcends the mere act of prohibition. It rests on two fundamental aspects: (1) the belief in the efficacy of such powers and the associated means and practices of obtaining them, and (2) the act of self-dedication or submission to the authorities or entities that underpin these powers. A robust biblical theology should address: (1) the nature of these powers and, if obtained, the ethical implications of their intended use; (2) the specific practices, behaviors, and feelings involved in the pursuit of these powers; and (3) a clear discernment of the ultimate source of these powers – whether they originate from God or from other spiritual forces.

While some of these practices may be sanctioned or prohibited within different traditional religions, it is crucial to understand their relationship to biblical standards. True power, according to Christian theology, ultimately originates from God. Those who seek power from malevolent sources are often condemned within African traditional ethics as well. It is important to recognize that while divinities may play a role as messengers or intermediaries (consistent with some biblical understandings of angels), they are not substitutes for God, as some Christian teachings might suggest. In the Bible and Christian theology, God alone exercises ultimate power and control over the universe, often working through angelic beings who can be seen as analogous to some traditional understandings of divinities operating within God’s created order.

Means of Restoring Spiritual Harmony

The delicate interactions between humans and the spirit powers and forces are often governed by specific rules and regulations, which manifest in particular religious practices. Individuals in traditional African contexts are acutely aware that things can go amiss, and their expectations and needs are not always fulfilled. When imbalance occurs, there is a perceived need for correction through reconciliation, restoration, and the establishment of peace. Spiritual harmony can be sought and restored through practices such as: (1) sincere spiritual prayers, and (2) prophetic intercession and guidance.

The spiritual beings are understood to be perpetually in charge of the spirit realm. It is the responsibility of humans to take specific actions to restore harmony, peace, and fellowship when these are disrupted. What types of offenses, wrongs, violations, and sins do humans commit against the spirit world or the spiritual order? When such transgressions are acknowledged, what fears, feelings of unease, or guilt do they generate? Who is ultimately affected when humans err or sin? Why is the maintenance of harmony and order considered essential for human well-being? What specific religious practices, sacrifices, and offerings are deemed efficacious in acts of reconciliation and peacemaking between humans and the spirit world?

Christianity must engage with these profound theological questions and offer biblically grounded solutions. In the Bible and Christian theology, God alone is the ultimate means of restoring spiritual harmony throughout His entire creation. A Christian theology of reconciliation, centered on the atoning work of Christ, becomes particularly relevant in this context.

Practices Relating to Rituals and Ceremonies

Ritual practices in traditional African religions are diverse and numerous, varying according to their specific functions. Some rituals are communal, tied to fixed annual seasons, and thus ceremonial in nature, often marking important agricultural cycles, initiations, or commemorations. Others are more private or do not adhere to a fixed annual calendar, being practiced as specific needs or circumstances arise, such as rituals for healing, protection, or guidance. Rituals and ceremonies play profoundly significant religious and social roles in African societies, reinforcing communal bonds, transmitting cultural values, and mediating relationships with the spiritual realm.

Traditional rites, rituals, and ceremonies are all rooted in foundational beliefs and possess underlying theological bases. Understanding the intended purpose of such practices is crucial. Furthermore, the entirety of what is involved in the practice, including any accompanying rules and regulations, must also be comprehended. These practices, rules, and regulations often serve as the very means by which traditional Africans connect with the spiritual powers and forces they believe in. A Christian theological approach should respectfully examine the specific religious practices, rules, regulations, and the spiritual powers and forces that are being invoked or solicited within these traditional frameworks.

Theological models for approaching and engaging with traditional religious practices, rituals, festivals, and ceremonies are richly developed in both the Old Testament (particularly the Pentateuch with its detailed instructions for worship) and the New Testament (especially the apostolic teachings on the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system in Christ and the nature of Christian worship).

Practices Relating to Spiritual and Mystical Communication

Various practices facilitate spiritual and mystical communication with the spirit world, including (1) the interpretation of dreams, (2) the seeking and interpretation of visions, (3) the undertaking of vision quests for spiritual insight, and (4) the use of divination and ordeals to discern spiritual truths or resolve disputes (Steyne, 1990). The deep-seated desire to communicate with mystical and spirit powers finds its origin in the fundamental traditional religious beliefs and associated practices.

Why is communication with the spirit world considered so vital? With whom is this communication sought, and for what reasons? What are the accepted means of communicating with the spirit world within these traditions? What is the typical content of this communication, and what outcomes are generally expected or hoped for?

The Bible offers extensive perspectives on this area: (1) the means of communication must be examined through a theological lens, discerning whether they align with biblical principles; (2) the content of the communication must also be evaluated for its theological significance and truthfulness; and (3) the identity of the entity being communicated with is paramount. Both the act and the means of communication, as well as the methods of receiving these communications, must be examined theologically. In many traditional beliefs and practices, communication is ultimately directed towards the Supreme Being, often mediated through spirits and other spiritual entities.

Theological models for approaching and understanding practices related to spiritual and mystical communication are well-articulated in both the Old Testament (with its emphasis on prophetic communication and divine revelation) and the New Testament (which highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers and the importance of discerning spiritual gifts).

Practices Relating to Traditional African Specialists

Traditional African societies recognize a diverse array of specialists who are highly skilled professionals in their respective fields. These include (1) priests and religious leaders, (2) medicine men and women (traditional healers), (3) diviners and mediums, as well as, in some contexts, sorcerers, witches, wizards, and midwives who may also operate within a spiritual framework. Each profession typically has its own set of beliefs, rules, regulations, practices, and rituals. Each must be examined in terms of its theological foundations, practices, and underlying moral and ethical principles. Some of these professionals and specialists draw upon perceived mystical and spirit powers, while others rely on accumulated human ingenuity and wisdom, and unfortunately, some may engage in deception. The sources and methods of acquiring and utilizing these powers must be examined theologically, and clear distinctions must be made between practices that align with a biblical worldview and those that do not.

Theological models for approaching and understanding the practices associated with traditional African specialists are also present in both the Old Testament (which distinguishes between legitimate religious leaders, healers, and false prophets or sorcerers) and the New Testament (which emphasizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit for service and discernment while condemning harmful spiritual practices).