IFANGELISM: EFFORTS AT COUNTERING PROSELYTISM ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN RELIGIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper thematically discusses Ifangelism as a concept denoted in the efforts at countering the proselytism activities of the foreign religions practiced in Nigeria (Islam and Christianity). It is a known fact that making converts is a feature of nearly all the religions practiced globally and not an exclusive preserve of the so called “Missionary religions”. Though African Traditional Religion is indigenous to the people, the proselytism activities of the foreign religions have brought about massive conversions from it. Adopting practical and theoretical methods in gathering information from adherents of the Indigenous religion, the paper establishes the origin, goals, purpose and strategies of Ifangelism. It examines its positive aspects. The paper argues that African Traditional Religion is alive among the people despite several attempts to portray it in bad light. On a final note, the research work recommends that adherents of African Traditional Religion should be more zealous like those of the other religious traditions in Nigeria in their efforts at ensuring the continuous survival of the faith even in modern times.