Do you believe religion is a setback in African development?

[Gracejoy]

Religion has been a part of African history for centuries. For many people, it has been a source of guidance, comfort, and community. Yet, there are some who believe that religion is a major setback in the development of African nations. This is an excellent topic that merits discussion.

On the one hand, there is no denying that religion has been used to oppress people, especially women and other marginalized groups. Religious beliefs have been used to justify discrimination, and many people feel that certain religious tenets are outdated and no longer applicable. On the other hand, religion can also be a powerful force for good in African societies. It can provide comfort to people in difficult times and bring communities together.

Ultimately, whether religion is a setback in African development is up to the individual. Some may see it as a hinderance, while others may view it as a source of strength and hope. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide for themselves how to view religion and its impact on African development.

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[BADecker]

Are you wanting to start a "United States of Africa?" Africa is a very large place. In Ethiopia alone there are loads of variations on religion, every tribe having its own denomiation. Some of these religions are forceful and violent. Others are loving and kind. Determining the best religion for Africa is going to be as difficult as for any other country.

[OgNasty]

Are you wanting to start a "United States of Africa?" Africa is a very large place. In Ethiopia alone there are loads of variations on religion, every tribe having its own denomiation. Some of these religions are forceful and violent. Others are loving and kind. Determining the best religion for Africa is going to be as difficult as for any other country.

This is along the lines of what I was thinking.  Africa is such an enormous continent, it would be difficult to get so many people in such a wide geographic area to all believe the same thing.  More likely, they will eventually find freedom of religion (I'd like to believe every place will someday) and there won't be a single organized religion that all of the people take part in.  I'll admit I have no idea what religions in Africa look like currently, but I believe there are probably many tribes with their own way to practice religion that aren't really concerned with what outsiders are trying to push on them.

[Spaceman1000$]

Religion as described by Karl Marx, "is the opium of Man", from what I have found out, religion in Africa has been used as one of the tool used to keep the people impoverished, to make them believe in a system that there is an afterlife  of enjoyment, where they will be living in paradise, when the current life they are living is filled with nauseating poverty, unemployment, underdevelopment, high level corruption of theirs leaders etc. so they are made to fast and pray for basic things, like jobs, electricity, housing, when ordinarily they are supposed to protest, and continuesly seek for equity and justice for all. So I believe religion has contributed in bringing underdevelopment to Africa coupled with other factors.

[uchegod-21]

Ultimately, whether religion is a setback in African development is up to the individual. Some may see it as a hinderance, while others may view it as a source of strength and hope. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide for themselves how to view religion and its impact on African development.

I am an African from Nigeria and I can say that religion has set Africa (Nigeria as a case study) back more than it has set it forward if it ever did.
In Nigeria we have 3 major religions namely;
1. Muslim
2. Christianity
3. Traditional beliefs.
Apart from Traditional religion which is part of Africa that originated from Africa which is fast fading away, the other two religions that was taught us was used to scam us and rob us of our natural resources.

The version of Christianity that was taught us is not the version that the owners of Christianity practice.
They taught us not to fight or war that the God of Israel will fight for us but Israel has all the ammunitions fighting for themselves.
All these inconsistencies weakened our reasoning power and now many criminals are in suit scamming us and calling themselves pastors. Asking us to sow seed (give them all our monies ) and go sleep, that the God of Israel will replenish the money.

[o48o]

Religion has been a part of African history for centuries. For many people, it has been a source of guidance, comfort, and community. Yet, there are some who believe that religion is a major setback in the development of African nations. This is an excellent topic that merits discussion.

On the one hand, there is no denying that religion has been used to oppress people, especially women and other marginalized groups. Religious beliefs have been used to justify discrimination, and many people feel that certain religious tenets are outdated and no longer applicable. On the other hand, religion can also be a powerful force for good in African societies. It can provide comfort to people in difficult times and bring communities together.

Ultimately, whether religion is a setback in African development is up to the individual. Some may see it as a hinderance, while others may view it as a source of strength and hope. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide for themselves how to view religion and its impact on African development.

I am an atheist but i don't see religions themselves other then tools. Tools that in best cases can provide comfort and community and on the other hand this tool can be used and often s being used for discrimination like you said. Disctimination doesn't however need religion to thrive. It's just one vessel to spread it with.

When you talk about religion, i am guessing you are talking about some specific religion in Africa. Is it christianity? And if so, what kind of christianity? There are lot's of diversity on religions in africa and i am guessing you are not suggesting that religious diversity is the cause of problems.

[BADecker]

Religion has been a part of African history for centuries. For many people, it has been a source of guidance, comfort, and community. Yet, there are some who believe that religion is a major setback in the development of African nations. This is an excellent topic that merits discussion.

On the one hand, there is no denying that religion has been used to oppress people, especially women and other marginalized groups. Religious beliefs have been used to justify discrimination, and many people feel that certain religious tenets are outdated and no longer applicable. On the other hand, religion can also be a powerful force for good in African societies. It can provide comfort to people in difficult times and bring communities together.

Ultimately, whether religion is a setback in African development is up to the individual. Some may see it as a hinderance, while others may view it as a source of strength and hope. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide for themselves how to view religion and its impact on African development.

I am an atheist but i don't see religions themselves other then tools. Tools that in best cases can provide comfort and community and on the other hand this tool can be used and often s being used for discrimination like you said. Disctimination doesn't however need religion to thrive. It's just one vessel to spread it with.

When you talk about religion, i am guessing you are talking about some specific religion in Africa. Is it christianity? And if so, what kind of christianity? There are lot's of diversity on religions in africa and i am guessing you are not suggesting that religious diversity is the cause of problems.

The religion of atheism is a tool. How? By the way it is often used to bypass religious moral principles, and steal from and rape the people of a country.

Claiming to be followers of a formal religion doesn't make the claim to NOT be a lie. It's only when the followers of a religion live it that the religion counts.

The Christian religion has ONE major goal... eternal life for the believers. Living a good Christian life  is part of what makes it attractive so that unbelievers will want to convert, and receive eternal life.

[Hispo]

It is not about religion, it is about superstition.
In my personal opinion, there is nothing wrong about following a religion. Actually, Christianity for example usually teaches about the value of working hard and living a peaceful life.

However, it is different when people opt for practices which could be categorized as "magic", they expect to success in life just because some alleged shaman or witch medic told them to partake in a ritual or consume a certain kind of plant. Africa does not need cults and idols, it needs work and solve social problems and that can be reached with the proper religious values for those who need spiritual guidance.   

[Die_empty]

Are you wanting to start a "United States of Africa?" Africa is a very large place. In Ethiopia alone there are loads of variations on religion, every tribe having its own denomiation. Some of these religions are forceful and violent. Others are loving and kind. Determining the best religion for Africa is going to be as difficult as for any other country.

This is along the lines of what I was thinking.  Africa is such an enormous continent, it would be difficult to get so many people in such a wide geographic area to all believe the same thing.  More likely, they will eventually find freedom of religion (I'd like to believe every place will someday) and there won't be a single organized religion that all of the people take part in.  I'll admit I have no idea what religions in Africa look like currently, but I believe there are probably many tribes with their own way to practice religion that aren't concerned with what outsiders are trying to push on them.

Currently, Africa has two major religions, Christianity and Islam. The population of Traditional religion practitioners is reducing drastically because of civilization. The problem Africa has is not the religion but the application of the teachings of the religion. Because many Africans are not educated, and hence cannot read the Holy Books of some of these religions, this has allowed many religious leaders or teachers to use religion as a manipulative tool. Africans are no longer controlled or influenced by the teachings of the Holy Bible or Koran but by the words of these influential teachers that are sometimes selfish and corrupt. They have always used religion to manipulate people socially, economically, and politically.

[o48o]

The religion of atheism is a tool. How? By the way it is often used to bypass religious moral principles, and steal from and rape the people of a country.

Claiming to be followers of a formal religion doesn't make the claim to NOT be a lie. It's only when the followers of a religion live it that the religion counts.
The Christian religion has ONE major goal... eternal life for the believers.

Well this is just a bunch of incoherent nonsense without any point.

Living a good Christian life  is part of what makes it attractive so that unbelievers will want to convert, and receive eternal life.

Spot on, i feel it's the only reason for the christianity to exist, people can't handle their mortality and invent a religion to comfort them. Few people like the idea of mortality and lot's of people feel the need of having alternative made up reality where their lives make sense and have some sort of bigger purpose where some divine being is interested about their lives. I am guessing this in many cases replaces ther absent father figure.

It is not about religion, it is about superstition.
In my personal opinion, there is nothing wrong about following a religion. Actually, Christianity for example usually teaches about the value of working hard and living a peaceful life.
However, it is different when people opt for practices which could be categorized as "magic", they expect to success in life just because some alleged shaman or witch medic told them to partake in a ritual or consume a certain kind of plant. Africa does not need cults and idols, it needs work and solve social problems and that can be reached with the proper religious values for those who need spiritual guidance.  

Religion doesn't really differ from this "magic" you speak about. Religion is just heavily organized superstition.

[Maestro75]

Religion has done more harm in Africa, especially my country Nigeria. Whichever form it takes, whether islam, christianity or the native traditional religion they have all made Nigeria backward. Leaders of this are merchants who exploit their people and hide the truth from them. Everything we do in Nigeria now is based falsely on religion. Someone comes to you and presents himself as a christian or moslem but will end up scamming or harming you. Those who follow this religious sects also do it blindly without studying and understanding what is written in their religious books. Our politicians are either christians or moslems but they are mostly dishonest people.

[rahmad2nd]

I am not african.

But believe me without religion humans still have morals, still have conscience and can also be empathetic to each other even to all living things that exist on this earth. in my country, religion becomes opium, becomes a tool of propaganda even if it's one belief but if they have different understandings, then they will be alienated. religion makes people compartmentalize between other religions, making it a faction and divided group. really irony, with what happened in my country. especially when religion is used as a tool, yes, a political tool, to sell identity in order to gain more votes and not even hesitate to indoctrinate to elect leaders who share the same religion.

I do not hate religion, in fact I also believe in it. religion is love, religion is a container to make humans more civilized. but, nowadays religion is getting obsolete. obsolete damaged by people who have an interest in it, whether it's their own interests, groups or classes. I really don't like it when religion is used as a deviant tool, indoctrinating with wrong understandings.

and in the end, 50 or 100 years later, religion will likely become part of an ancient tradition that is slowly being abandoned by its adherents.

[Merit.s]

People have hide at the back of religion to do so many evil in my country,religion is a means in which people use to scam or deprive the right people to be in authority. It all depends on every individual on how they understand their religious faith,sometime people are been brainwashed from the right thing in other for them not to know the truth. Religion is suppose to put love peace and harmony between the people to live a better life for the development of the country but religion has lost his value and people uses religion to enrich themselves and forget about the needy.

[Hispo]

-snip-  

Religion doesn't really differ from this "magic" you speak about. Religion is just heavily organized superstition.

I won't turn this thread into an argument about Atheism vs Theism.
Even from the atheist point of view, there are teachings and values from major religions which can be beneficial to a country or community in general. Atheism can also be good if does not lead to nihilism. The point is getting people to work, improve and living the best life possible in an honest way.

When I was child for example, it was usual for our grandparents to tell us to work hard an study so God will bless us.
An atheist family could encourage their children to work and study because other obvious reasons.

[o48o]

Religion doesn't really differ from this "magic" you speak about. Religion is just heavily organized superstition.

I won't turn this thread into an argument about Atheism vs Theism.

Yet you immediately did so i will respond.

Even from the atheist point of view, there are teachings and values from major religions which can be beneficial to a country or community in general. Atheism can also be good if does not lead to nihilism. The point is getting people to work, improve and living the best life possible in an honest way.

I am always baffled how people think any good values must come from religion, yet religions often have horrible values and history of brushing their crimes horrible crimes under a mat.
Nihilism has nothing to do with believing one less god then someone else.

When I was child for example, it was usual for our grandparents to tell us to work hard an study so God will bless us.
An atheist family could encourage their children to work and study because other obvious reasons.

Yes i am well aware that some parents want to outsource their responsibility and parenting to some all seeing god. I was a victim of that too.

[zaki12]

Religion is not the cause of decline in development in Africa. In my opinion, conflicts of interest are the main cause, so that the stability of the country is disturbed. If the stability of the country is disturbed, there will be no development that can be carried out. This is where we learn the lesson, that without the stability of a country, there will be no progress of a nation and state and even setbacks and poverty will occur. Africa can progress if:
1. There is a settlement of the existing political conflict
2. Long-term investment in the economy and education
3. Reduce dependence on foreign aid budgets
4. Changing the economic system into an intrusive system, which means that everyone has equal opportunities to compete in the market.

[Lordhermes]

Religion has brought so many sad events in Africa, from crises and sentiment. Africa is in sorry state because of religion. We have much churches and Muslims than companies in Africa. Yet immortality is at high rate in Africa, poor educational system, poor health care,poor infrastructures and many more issues facing Africa, as a result of religion practices. The people of are uses five days in a week for religion activities, infact they place their fortune and misfortune on their gods.

Developed countries place less empathize on religion, they tend to use their hands to create things for themselves, to improve in Their immediate environment.

Africa,needs to shift more attention on religion matters and focus on reality

[Freeveto]

Yes, Religion has been one of the major setbacks in African development . More especially in west Africa. Religion has caused division among Africans, Blacks hating and discriminating fellow blacks because of Religion, Africans killing each other on the basis of religious crises, properties destroyed, Businesses destroyed, our land most times is no longer safe because of religious killings and crises thereby causing an unsafe environment for development and business.
Some of our religious heads inculcating hatred into their followers, Africans can’t vote competent leaders without considering someone who shares same religion and beliefs with them. Religion is a serious setback to African development.

[BADecker]

^^^ Note that all setbacks or advancements in Africa are personal as well as being societal.

Everybody dies, both the religious and the non-religious.

Without religion, personal setbacks are great. Why? because there is no hope of eternal life in Heaven. Without religion, there can only be eternal life in Hell... though many people without religion don't realize this.

With the right religion there will be life in Heaven after death (after the Resurrection). So, there is at least advancement rather than setback for some.

Advancement for Africans in this life, with no religion at all, means setback for eternal life for all Africans. Keep the religions, because some will be saved that way.

[Dewchim]

Religion is a big setback in Africa, especially in my country, Nigeria. Churches are major factory you will see in Nigeria now; even the owners have private jets and own schools, but the average member of the church can't pay the school fees. But this school has been built with offerings from the church.