Paper short abstract:

Religion of the Africans have been defined and assigned character by the West, but with the resurgence of interest in the religions of the Africans, it is important to know whose voice is louder in the debate.

Paper long abstract:

Discourses about the religions of the Africans have often been dominated by the perspective of the West; there was first the denial of religions for the Africans, then an acceptance of religions that are of less character compared to religions of the West. This tone of discourse has defined whose voice is heard and impactful in defining the nature and character of the religions of the Africans. Western scholars hold the view that some key concepts used in general religious discourses such as, baptism, redemption, heaven, etc. do not have religious relevance in the religions of the Africans; just as there are some concepts used in the religions of the Africans such as, ancestors, initiation, sacrifice, reincarnation, etc. that lack universalizable character. This paper will discuss selected religious concepts and compare the understanding and meaning in Àdìmúlà (Yoruba religion) with views of Western scholars as these concepts pertain to Christianity to show who determines what is believed and accepted about the beliefs and practices in African religions. These selected specific concepts will be hermeneutically reviewed as contained in Christian literature and will also be discussed in interviews with selected practitioners of Àdìmúlà in Southwest Nigeria. The views will be compared to highlight meaning and positions in Àdìmúlà. The study will help to show that religions are equal, and concepts can be applied across religious divides even though the methods of achieving religious ends may be different.