Reaffirming the Credibility of African Religion in the Face of Western Discrimination

The issue of discriminating against African religion by western authorities has long prevailed, which has affected its identity. Going by history, African religion has served the purpose of being the bedrock that the African system rests on. By nature, it is responsible for the values, principles, worship, and philosophies that guide the affairs of the people. However, with the advent of westernisation through colonialism and all sort of oppressive relation, African religion became discriminated at and considered unideal for the people, thereby depriving them of their identity as a people. Their identity (Religion) was dismissed on the basis of being fetishistic, primitive, superstitious, and inhumane, reinforcing a narrative that delegitimizes indigenous spirituality while promoting Western Christian practices as superior. This systematic mischaracterisation has alienated Africans from their religious heritage, thereby eroding their identity in the process. Ironically, many of the practices embedded in the African religion are equally present in the Western religious practices. However, one considered superior over the other to facilitate cultural domination and control. In response to this historical distortion and injustice, this paper critically examines these narratives, reaffirming the authenticity, richness, and sanctity of African religion. Through conceptual and critical analysis, this paper exposes the original nature of African religion to reclaim its credibility and highlight its significance in restoring the African identity. It argues that African religion is far from being a mere collection of superstitious practices; rather, it is a system of morality, spirituality, and interconnectedness with the world, which defines the identity of the people.