Native American and African Traditional Religion Beliefs: Kikuyus

Native American and African Traditional Religion Beliefs
Student Full Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Full Name
Instructor Full Name
Due Date
Native American and African Traditional Religion Beliefs

Prior to the arrival of European settlers in Africa, Missionaries had already made inroads into Kenya, where some churches were already established. In 1908, Thomas Watson of the CSM set up a mission center at Tumutumu (present-day Nyeri) by persuading locals to relinquish, donate, or sell land to allow mission settlement and expansion. Nyeri forms part of the larger central region (or province) dominated by the Kikuyu tribes. Kikuyus are the most dominant tribe in Kenya and perhaps the most advanced in politics and wealth because of their proximity to Nairobi (the capital city) and their early encounters, both friendly and violent, with the European settlers. The arrival of Christian missionaries (Gathogo, 2008) in the country played a crucial role in shaping the current religious practices in the Kikuyu Community.

Historical Religious Beliefs and Practices

            Traditionally, and before the arrival of European settlers, Kikuyus were predominantly monotheists. In other words, they believed in a unique and omnipotent God whom they referred to as Ngai (or Mungu, Murungu, and Mulungu) (Karangi, 2013). Interestingly, the word that described God in Kikuyu is an adaptation from across the African region, from places like Zambia and Congo. What this shows is that the Kikuyu community was religiously connected with other communities across Africa. According to the Kikuyu religious folklore, Ngai is the creator, giver, and protector of life and everything supporting it. Also known as Mwathani, Ngai is just the greatest ruler, but he is also the divider of the universe and the lord of nature. Thus, he gave birth to the human community and created the first Kikuyu community.

            Like in Western cultures that refer to God as He, the Kikuyu community believes God is male. However, unlike in Western cultures, the Kikuyu tribe believes that while God is invisible, He manifests himself through celestial bodies: the sun, moon, stars, and comets, among others. The most important way God manifests Himself to this community is through the great fig trees and Mt. Kenya (the tallest mountain in Kenya) (Karangi M. M., 2008). Thus, the Kikuyu consider the fig tree a sacred place and the mountain as the resting place of God. They therefore either worship under the fig tree or while facing Mt. Kenya.

Influence of Dominant Culture

            However, the arrival of Christian missionaries was a critical juncture to changes in how the Kikuyu community worshiped. The ultimate change came following the arrival of missionaries in the country. Kenyan history shows that while many communities resisted colonialism, the Kikuyu community was th...