Concise Summary of African Spiritual Practices and Adaptations in Christianity

Missing Aspects of Western Religion

  • Slaves had to adapt Christianity while hiding their own beliefs beneath Mary's skirts.

Slavery in Africa

  • Existed before European involvement and was different in nature.

  • Slaves sometimes gained freedom through marriage; diverse tribes shared customs.

  • The slave trade began along the West Coast, impacting Gambia to Angola.

European Slave Trade Dynamics

  • European powers (French in Senegal, English in Gambia) took slaves from numerous tribes.

  • Around 20 million Africans were forcibly transported.

Cultural Commonalities Among Slaves

  1. Dialects of Kwa and Bantu languages.

  2. Shared beliefs in nature worship and ancestor reverence.

Spiritual Conflicts after Transplantation

  • Africans faced forced Christianity and unfamiliar native religions.

  • Parallels found between African spiritual beliefs and Native American shamanism.

Adaptation of African Practices

  • African slaves adapted their deities with Catholic figures (Mary equated with Yemonja).

  • Integration led to the creation of new religious practices like Macumba, Candomblé, and Voudou.

The Role of Tricksters and Magic

  • Trickery viewed as essential for survival in oppressive conditions.

  • Magic practices aimed at hexing enemies, protecting oneself, and acquiring luck or love.

Reevaluation of African Religions

  • Past views framed African religions as 'foolish superstitions.'

  • Superstition described as beliefs whose origins are lost or conflict with dominant culture.

Synchronization of Beliefs

  • Many Afro-diasporic religions show slight differences but retain core similarities, influenced by factors like African group origins and indigenous beliefs.

The Seven African Powers

  • Significance of the Seven Powers in maintaining African spiritual connections through Catholic correspondence.

  • Notable powers include Elleggua, Obatala, Yemaya, Oya, Oshun, Chango, and Ogun.

Rituals and Altars Specifics

  • The altars for each power incorporate their attributes and serve as focal points for spiritual practices and communication.

  • Rituals reflect core qualities like transformation, beauty, and strength, directly corresponding with daily life challenges.