Does the African emphasis on spirituality contradict, differ, or conflict with orthodox religion?
The short answer is no. The traditional African belief that everything is spirit does not differ from the foundation of orthodox religion. In fact the African belief in spirit allows for an appreciation and a respect for every religious tradition. Often, people confuse the African recognition that western religion was used to oppress and colonize African people with being against religion. One having a belief in African spirituality does not mean that one has to reject his/her religion. There is no conflict. To the contrary, it is probably because of the African’s sense of spirit that African people are amongst the most religious people in the world.
