African Religious Traditions

Traditional African Religions that Mobilized African People

Film Focus: In this video, the question of whether African religions have mobilized their adherents to action in the same manner as the Abrahamic faiths have is examined. Three traditional African religions are studied to see what the answer will be.

Text Focus: Pages 522–530

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the three things that all the African religions discussed in this video have accomplished?
2. Discuss some of the main points in the history and beliefs of the Kingdom of Nri.
3. Explain some of the ways in which King Piankhi indicated that he intended to fight a holy war.
4. Explain how the Shona viewed their god, Mwari. What is an element of this story that is echoed in other religions?

*Ave Maria Press has requested permission to link to this video for use in the classroom as part of the accompanying lesson. If for any reason, the producer does not wish this video to be included on this site, Ave Maria Press will remove it posthaste.