THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND AESTHETIC APPEALS IN MAKING IGBO CONVERTS: PRIORITIZING INDIVIDUAL CHOICES OVER COMPULSION

Abstract

Making the “right” choice in religion is a deeply personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It involves exploring different faiths, understanding their teachings, and ultimately choosing what resonates with one’s values and beliefs. When it comes to choosing between Christianity and African Traditional Religions, many Igbo converts appear to find it difficult to make clear decisions, which may have contributed to the high rate of syncretism in Igboland. The researchers also discovered that hundreds of thousands of Igbo converts embraced Christianity from their indigenous religion due to the psychological and aesthetic appeals employed by European missionaries. Furthermore, some Igbo Christians today have not fully decided whether to commit to Christianity or continue practicing African Traditional Religion. Some attend church merely out of compulsion. This research adopts a qualitative approach to examine how compulsion, personal life events, and religious influences shape Africans’ decisions to convert to Christianity. The researchers recommend exploring the teachings and values of both Christianity and African Traditional Religions, as well as engaging in mutual dialogue with the leaders of these faiths. Such engagement is considered crucial in making informed and personal religious choices. Above all, fostering open and respectful dialogue between Christians and practitioners of African Traditional Religions can promote mutual understanding, respect, and the freedom to make personal choices.