Between Veneration and Condemnation: How Christianity and Islam Reconfigured African Ancestral Beliefs in West Africa.

Key Points

• This research examines the impact of Christianity and Islam on African Traditional Religion in West Africa.
• Analytical review of historical context from the 14th to 20th centuries.
• Comparison of beliefs among converts to Christianity and Islam with traditional practitioners.
• Examination of syncretic practices combining various religious elements.
• Many converts fully adopted the principles of their new faith, leading to a division in beliefs.
• Some communities created syncretic practices that blended Islamic, Christian, and ancestral traditions.
• The introduction of these religions sparked significant social and religious controversies.