Project – The impact of Christian missionary activities on Tiv tradition religion in Obi LGA Nasarawa State.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The influence of Christian missionary activities on African traditional religions has been a subject of much scholarly debate. Specifically, in the context of the Tiv people of Nigeria, Christian missionaries have had a profound impact on their traditional belief systems, social structures, and daily practices. Several scholars have explored how the Tiv, like many other indigenous African groups, encountered Christianity through both colonial and post-colonial missionary efforts. These missionary activities often led to the marginalization and, in some cases, the outright rejection of traditional belief systems. Missionaries aimed to “civilize” and “Christianize” the Tiv by promoting monotheism and undermining the polytheistic nature of their indigenous religious practices. However, scholars argue that rather than eradicating Tiv traditional religion, these missionary activities led to complex syncretisms and changes in Tiv religious practices (Targema, 2010).

One key aspect of missionary work among the Tiv was the introduction of Christian theology and the establishment of churches in Tiv communities. As documented by scholars such as Ajaegbu (2015), missionaries used educational systems, churches, and medical services as avenues for religious conversion. The Tiv, who had a deep connection to their traditional religious practices such as ancestral worship, divination, and rituals involving spirits and deities, found themselves in direct conflict with the Christian worldview. Missionaries often painted these practices as primitive and sinful, encouraging Tiv converts to abandon them in favor of Christianity’s monotheistic worship. However, despite efforts to completely replace Tiv traditional religion with Christianity, many Tiv people continued to maintain elements of their ancestral beliefs, subtly blending them with Christian teachings (Iyor, 2012).

In terms of social and political organization, the Tiv traditional religion is structured around a decentralized system where religious leaders play significant roles in guiding the community. The arrival of Christianity disrupted these leadership roles as the missionaries sought to create new forms of authority through the church. As noted by Olaniyan (2018), missionaries set up ecclesiastical hierarchies that were foreign to the Tiv’s political systems. The Tiv religious leaders, known as Tiv ‘ngwa (diviners) and Ior (priests), who played a central role in maintaining social cohesion and mediating between the people and the spirits, found their influence diminishing in the face of the Christian church’s growing authority. This shift in leadership structures is one of the enduring impacts of missionary activity, with long-term consequences for Tiv society’s internal dynamics (Targema, 2010).

Furthermore, the missionaries’ portrayal of Tiv religious beliefs as “heathen” and “barbaric” created a sense of inferiority among Tiv converts. According to Nwankwo (2017), the Christianization of the Tiv involved more than just religious conversion; it was also a process of cultural assimilation that sought to erase or discredit Tiv customs. Missionaries often discouraged Tiv people from participating in traditional ceremonies, such as initiation rites, festivals, and offerings to the spirits. This exclusion of indigenous practices led to a significant transformation in Tiv identity, as converts began to question the value of their cultural heritage. Despite this, some scholars, including Ajaegbu (2015), argue that Tiv traditional religion was not entirely eradicated, but rather underwent transformations that allowed for its survival in modified forms, creating new hybrid religious identities in the process.

The impact of Christian missionary activities on Tiv religious beliefs also extended to the worldview of Tiv converts. Missionaries emphasized the importance of the Bible as the ultimate source of authority, sidelining indigenous sources of wisdom such as oral traditions and ritual practices. According to Iyor (2012), the Tiv adopted certain Christian values such as individualism, personal salvation, and a focus on the afterlife, which contrasted with the community-based, ancestral-oriented views of traditional Tiv religion. The Tiv traditionally believed in the interconnectedness of the living, the dead, and the spirits, with a strong emphasis on communal rituals and celebrations that maintained the social fabric of the community. Christianity’s individualistic theology disrupted this collective worldview, introducing a new moral code and a different understanding of life and death (Olaniyan, 2018).

In conclusion, Christian missionary activities had a transformative, though often contentious, impact on Tiv traditional religion. While missionary efforts led to the decline of many traditional religious practices, they also paved the way for syncretic religious expressions that combined Christian teachings with Tiv cultural values. As the Tiv people adapted to the Christian faith, they negotiated their religious identity by incorporating elements of both belief systems. As highlighted by scholars such as Nwankwo (2017) and Targema (2010), this process of religious adaptation demonstrates the resilience of Tiv cultural and religious practices despite the pressures of external missionary influence. Today, Tiv religious life reflects a dynamic blend of traditional and Christian elements, which continue to evolve in response to both internal and external influences.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The relationship between Christian missionary activities and the traditional religions of African communities has been a subject of much scholarly inquiry. Among the Tiv people of Nigeria, the advent of Christian missionaries significantly altered their religious practices, beliefs, and social structures. The primary problem addressed in this study is the profound and lasting impact of Christian missionary activities on the Tiv traditional religion. Missionaries, driven by the goal of spreading Christianity, introduced a new set of religious doctrines that not only contested but often undermined the indigenous religious practices of the Tiv people. The extent of this impact, including the displacement, transformation, or syncretism of Tiv religious beliefs, remains insufficiently explored. Thus, understanding the exact nature and scope of the changes brought about by these missionary activities is crucial for a comprehensive analysis of religious adaptation and survival among the Tiv.

One of the central issues arising from the missionary encounter with Tiv traditional religion is the systematic marginalization of indigenous religious practices. Missionaries portrayed Tiv beliefs, such as ancestral worship, spirit veneration, and divination, as primitive and incompatible with the Christian faith. This often led to the abandonment or suppression of traditional rituals, which had been integral to the Tiv people’s identity and social cohesion. The conflict between these two belief systems has not only led to the decline of certain cultural practices but has also prompted debates regarding the preservation of Tiv religious heritage in the face of external religious pressures. There is a need for a detailed investigation into how the Tiv navigated the challenges of maintaining their cultural and religious practices while simultaneously engaging with Christianity.

Another problem is the role of the missionary-led educational system in reshaping the Tiv worldview. Missionary education, often the first point of contact with Christianity, taught Tiv children and adults not only to read and write but also to adopt Christian values and principles. This process led to the internalization of a new moral code that conflicted with traditional Tiv values. The education system promoted individualism, personal salvation, and an afterlife focused on Heaven and Hell, which were foreign concepts to the Tiv’s communal worldview. The problem here lies in understanding how this educational framework disrupted traditional Tiv social structures, and whether it led to generational divides in religious adherence or understanding.

Moreover, the introduction of Christianity led to shifts in the political and social leadership structures of the Tiv. Traditionally, religious leaders, such as diviners and priests, played an essential role in the governance and spiritual life of the community. However, the missionary activities often replaced these traditional leaders with Christian pastors, resulting in a reconfiguration of authority and power within Tiv society. This disruption in leadership roles has implications not only for religious practices but also for the overall social and political organization of the Tiv people. An exploration of how the Tiv adapted to these changes in leadership and how it affected their social fabric is crucial to understanding the broader implications of missionary influence.

The study also seeks to address the issue of religious syncretism that emerged as a result of missionary activities. While many Tiv people formally converted to Christianity, many also maintained elements of their traditional religious practices, blending them with Christian teachings. This syncretism has led to the development of hybrid religious identities among the Tiv. The extent and nature of this syncretism, including how Tiv Christians incorporate traditional beliefs such as ancestor worship and spiritual rituals into their Christian practice, is a key problem that requires further examination. Understanding this syncretic process is essential for understanding the persistence and resilience of Tiv traditional religion.

Finally, the problem of religious identity and cultural continuity among the Tiv people remains central to this study. As missionary activities have influenced not only the religious practices but also the cultural and social identity of the Tiv, it is important to explore how the Tiv have reconciled their traditional religious beliefs with the pressures of Christianization. Has the missionary impact led to the dissolution of Tiv religious identity, or has it resulted in a dynamic cultural synthesis that continues to evolve? This question of cultural and religious survival in the face of external religious pressures is vital for understanding the broader consequences of Christian missionary activities in African societies.

In summary, the problem addressed in this study is the complex and multifaceted impact of Christian missionary activities on the Tiv traditional religion. This includes the suppression of indigenous practices, the reshaping of social and political structures, the development of syncretic religious identities, and the continued relevance of Tiv religious beliefs in a predominantly Christian society. The problem is significant not only for understanding the historical trajectory of the Tiv people but also for broader discussions on the interaction between indigenous African religions and Christianity during the colonial and post-colonial periods.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of Christian missionary  activities on Tiv tradition religion in Obi LGA Nasarawa State. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the historical background of Christian missionary activities in the Tiv community.
2. To assess the practices and beliefs of Tiv traditional religion in Obi LGA.
3. To analyze the influence of Christian missionary activities on the decline or preservation of Tiv traditional religious practices.
4. To investigate the attitudes of Tiv community members towards the integration of Christian beliefs with their traditional religion.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the historical background of Christian missionary activities in the Tiv community?
2. What are the practices and beliefs of Tiv traditional religion in Obi LGA?
3. How has the influence of Christian missionary activities impacted the decline or preservation of Tiv traditional religious practices?
4. What are the attitudes of Tiv community members towards the integration of Christian beliefs with their traditional religion?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Christian missionary activities have no effect on the decline or preservation of Tiv traditional religious practices

H1: Christian missionary activities have effect on the decline or preservation of Tiv traditional religious practices

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to a deeper understanding of the interaction between Christianity and indigenous African religious traditions, specifically in the context of the Tiv people of Nigeria. By examining the impact of Christian missionary activities on Tiv traditional religion, this study offers insights into how religious change occurs in response to external influences. It contributes to the broader field of African religious studies by highlighting the complexity of religious adaptation, survival, and transformation. The findings can help scholars understand the dynamics between religious conversion, cultural preservation, and the challenges faced by indigenous religious communities during periods of colonial and post-colonial missionary expansion.

One of the key contributions of this study is its potential to illuminate the process of religious syncretism, which often occurs when indigenous African religions encounter foreign belief systems. In the case of the Tiv, the interaction between Christian missionaries and traditional Tiv religion led to the blending of beliefs, practices, and rituals, resulting in hybrid religious identities. Understanding how these syncretic religious forms develop is important for unraveling the complex nature of African religious responses to external influences. This study will provide a nuanced perspective on how the Tiv have negotiated their cultural and religious identities in response to the pressures of Christianization, which may be applicable to other African communities undergoing similar experiences.

The study is also significant in that it explores the impact of missionary activities on the social and political structures of Tiv society. Missionaries did not only alter religious practices; they also influenced Tiv political leadership by replacing traditional religious leaders with Christian pastors, thereby reshaping authority structures within the community. This has important implications for understanding the intersection between religion and politics in African societies. By examining how the Tiv adapted to these shifts in leadership, the study will provide valuable insights into the ways that religion can influence political authority and social cohesion. It will also contribute to broader discussions on the role of religious institutions in the governance and social organization of African communities.

Furthermore, this study will shed light on the role of missionary-led education in reshaping the worldview of the Tiv people. The introduction of Christian education not only influenced religious beliefs but also had a significant effect on social norms and values. By focusing on the educational aspect of missionary work, this research will contribute to our understanding of how colonial education systems impacted African societies in terms of identity formation, moral development, and the transmission of cultural knowledge. The study will highlight the challenges faced by the Tiv in reconciling Christian teachings with their traditional ways of life, especially in terms of moral and ethical beliefs. This has important implications for understanding the broader consequences of missionary education in Africa.

Additionally, the study holds significance for the preservation and revitalization of Tiv cultural heritage. While missionary activities have led to the erosion of certain traditional practices, the persistence of Tiv religious beliefs in modified forms suggests a resilience in the face of cultural disruption. By examining how Tiv people have adapted their traditions and incorporated aspects of Christianity into their religious practices, the study will contribute to ongoing conversations about cultural survival in the face of globalization and religious change. It will provide a framework for understanding how indigenous religious traditions can continue to evolve while maintaining their core values, offering lessons for other indigenous groups whose traditions have been similarly impacted by missionary activities.

Finally, this study is significant because it addresses a gap in the literature regarding the specific experiences of the Tiv people during the missionary encounter. While much has been written about the impact of Christian missions on various African groups, there is a lack of detailed research focused on the Tiv. By filling this gap, the study will provide a comprehensive and context-specific account of the Tiv’s engagement with Christianity, enriching the existing body of scholarship on African Christianity, indigenous religions, and colonial history. The findings will not only be of academic interest but will also have practical implications for contemporary religious and cultural dialogue, as well as for the ongoing efforts to preserve indigenous religious traditions in a rapidly changing world.

1.7.  Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of Christian missionary activities on Tiv tradition religion in Obi LGA Nasarawa State. The study is limited to some selected Churches in Obi LGA Nasarawa State.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Impact: The term “impact” refers to the effect or influence that an event, action, or process has on a person, group, or system. In the context of this study, impact refers to the consequences or changes resulting from Christian missionary activities on Tiv traditional religious beliefs, practices, social structures, and cultural identity. It explores how the introduction of Christianity has shaped, altered, or transformed the religious landscape of the Tiv people.

Christian: Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life, teachings, and beliefs about Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. It is based on the Bible as its sacred text and emphasizes themes such as salvation, grace, and eternal life. Christianity is one of the world’s major religions and was introduced to the Tiv people by missionaries during the colonial era. The Christian faith, with its doctrines and practices, contrasts in many ways with indigenous African religious beliefs, particularly in its monotheistic outlook and focus on the afterlife.

Missionary Activities: Missionary activities refer to the efforts made by individuals or groups (often religious organizations) to spread their religious beliefs and practices to people in different geographical areas or cultures. Missionaries typically aim to convert people to their faith through preaching, establishing churches, providing education, and offering social services such as healthcare. In the context of the Tiv people, missionary activities involved the introduction of Christianity, the establishment of churches, schools, and medical clinics, and efforts to replace or reform indigenous religious beliefs and practices.

Tiv Traditional Religion: Tiv traditional religion encompasses the indigenous spiritual beliefs and practices of the Tiv people, an ethnic group primarily located in central Nigeria. This religion is characterized by a belief in a supreme deity (Aondo) and the reverence for a variety of spirits, ancestors, and deities that govern natural and spiritual forces. Rituals, sacrifices, divination, and the role of religious leaders (such as priests and diviners) are central to Tiv traditional religious practices. It emphasizes the interconnectedness between the living, the dead, and the spiritual world, with rituals designed to maintain harmony, protect the community, and ensure the wellbeing of individuals. This traditional religion coexisted with, and was later influenced by, the arrival of Christianity through missionary activities.

Project – The impact of Christian missionary activities on Tiv tradition religion in Obi LGA Nasarawa State.