‘Making the Gods obey’: Assessing the adaptation of African traditional religious contents in propagating charismatic Catholicism in Igboland

Abstract (English)

The research seeks to establish different ways in which Igbo people interact with their gods by embracing sensational worship. It explores, first, the complex intersection between African spiritual heritage and Catholic religious expressions in charismatic worship and, secondly, how the intersection has influenced charismatic Catholicism in Igboland, resulting in a shift from Catholic orthodox worship. The study integrated qualitative and ethnographic research designs to capture an in-depth analysis of traditional religion and charismatic Catholicism in Igboland. It provided measurable answers to the changing patterns of ritual worship in Igboland. While various studies address the conflict between ATR and Christianity, unveiling the discourse on the worship blend of charismatic Catholicism with African spirituality is a rare and critically important area that this study addressed. The findings of the study will expand academic scholarship in religious studies, social anthropology, theology, and other related fields and will also be informative to religious leaders and practitioners on the significance of inter-religious encounters in promoting cultural heritage.