POLEMICAL EXCERPTS OF ACADEMICS ON THE APPROPRIATENESS OF AFRICAN RELIGION OR AFRICAN RELIGIONS?

Abstract

African Religion is the religious tradition passed down from generation to generation and based solely on African culture. It is practiced at home and abroad. The analysis revealed academic debates over whether African Religion or African Religions is the right word. The
study included ethnographic, historical, cultural, analytical, comparative, and phenomenological methodologies. Field observations and book readings provided data. The research found that scholars' views on African religion or religions remain polemical academic debates, which they promote in both written and spoken sources. The research also shows that western, indigenous, and non-African scholars unanimously, erroneously, and derogatorily call various African religion sects 'African Religions' without respecting the
indigenous faith as an authentic faith practiced in Africa and the diaspora. African religion should be respected and studied objectively and passionately like other singular faiths with multiple sects now and in the future, according to the paper. The research found that African Religion is one sustaining aboriginal faith despite different sects practiced across African countries and cultures at home and abroad. The existence of many sects or beliefs and practices in African Religion does not define it as African Religion. African religion is a single faith passed down from their ancestors and practiced as an original single faith with multiple factions at home and abroad.