Define the term conversion and write on the causes of conversion that took place within African tradition before the coming in of the missionaries.
Conversion refers to the process of changing one's beliefs, religion, or worldview from one system to another. In the context of African tradition before the arrival of missionaries, conversion primarily involved the embrace of indigenous religious beliefs and practices. It was a significant aspect of social and religious transformations within African societies.
Causes of Conversion within African Tradition before the Arrival of Missionaries:
1. Interactions and Cultural Exchange: African societies had extensive interactions with different communities, cultures, and religions through trade, migration, and warfare. These interactions often led to the exchange of ideas, beliefs, and practices, which influenced the conversion process.
2. Political and Social Factors: Several political and social factors contributed to conversion within African tradition. For instance, the rise of powerful empires often promoted the spread of specific religious beliefs and practices, as the ruling elite embraced a particular religion and imposed it on conquered territories. As a result, some individuals and communities converted to align themselves with the ruling power.
3. Economic Interests: Economic opportunities resulted in conversion as well. For example, individuals who wanted to participate in trade or gain access to specific resources often adopted the religious beliefs and practices of the communities they sought to engage with. This was a strategic move to strengthen economic ties and secure favorable trade relations.
4. Cultural Assimilation: Conversion sometimes occurred due to cultural assimilation. For instance, through marriage or other forms of intermarriage, individuals would adopt the religious beliefs of their spouse, leading to conversion and acceptance of new practices.
5. Crisis and Conflict: Wars, invasions, and other crises played a role in the conversion process within African tradition. In such situations, individuals and communities sought to align themselves with stronger powers or entities to ensure their survival, often adopting the religion and customs of the dominant group for protection and security reasons.
6. Personal Choice and Spiritual Seeking: Individual seekers of spirituality played a role in conversion within African tradition. Some individuals were dissatisfied with their existing religious beliefs or felt a spiritual calling toward a different belief system, prompting them to convert.
It is important to note that the causes of conversion within African tradition were complex and varied, varying from region to region and across different communities in Africa.