African Traditional Religion(s) and Inter-religious Dialogue Sheasby Gondo,

Abstract

Dialogue is from the Greek words dia and logos. These words can translate to having a conversation or talking to each other. The study of interreligious dialogue is an attempt to engage for better understanding and cooperation. It is “primarily a conversation between believers of different faiths or religious traditions”.1 It aims at assessing the barriers to communication between religious groups. More precisely, it is a means by which different parties can bypass these barriers. Notably, African Traditional Religion (ATR) is a segment that deserves an opportunity for dialogue with other religions. ATR is an indigenous response to the Supreme Being and his proxies. Considering the significant success of missionary activities in their deliberate and systematic effort to wipe out ATR. It is salient that Christianity re-engages to promote mutual respect. This article shall point out ways in which interreligious dialogue can
assist one in forming informed and better relations with ATR. It shall point out and assess some negative attitudes towards ATR and how their elimination results in good dialogue.