In the heart of Africa’s vibrant spiritual traditions lies a profound connection between the living, the divine, and those who came before us—our ancestors. They are not just distant memories; they are an integral part of our existence, guiding and protecting us. Yet, across communities, a dangerous narrative persists: that our ancestors, once they transition to the spiritual realm, become demons or malevolent beings.
This distortion of truth is a form of spiritual violence, a tool used to alienate us from our heritage, our identity, and our faith. It forces us to question the sanctity of those we once held dear—our grandparents, parents, and loved ones. These were the people who raised us, nurtured us, and loved us unconditionally. How, then, do we reconcile this love with the notion that they transform into something evil once they pass?
Our ancestors are not demons. They are children of God, just as we are. They were made in God’s image, walked this earth with dignity, and left behind legacies of love and wisdom. To demonize them after their passing is to deny the beauty of their humanity and the divine plan of their existence.
We must ask ourselves: if we loved and cherished them while they were alive, why do we now view them through a lens of fear and mistrust? The truth is simple yet powerful—our ancestors remain a part of God’s creation. They are closer to the divine, acting as intermediaries who guide and protect us, not as beings of destruction.
To address this misconception, we must first understand the difference between religion and spirituality.
Religion is an organized system of beliefs, often tied to institutions, doctrines, and rituals. It offers community and structure, helping individuals navigate their relationship with the divine.
Spirituality, on the other hand, is deeply personal. It transcends structure, focusing on an individual’s direct connection with God and the universe. It is where we experience God in the quiet moments, in nature’s beauty, and in the whispers of our ancestors.
African spirituality is unique in that it embraces both God and ancestors, seeing them not in opposition but in harmony. There is no contradiction between loving God and honoring the spirits of those who came before us. For us, spirituality is not separate from daily life—it is woven into the fabric of who we are.
African spirituality teaches us to see our ancestors as part of God’s divine order. They are not deities, but they are closer to God and act as messengers and guides. To honor them is not to worship them but to acknowledge the sacred role they play in our lives.
Colonialism and foreign religious ideologies sought to strip us of this understanding. They labeled African practices as evil, barbaric, and unworthy. This was a deliberate attempt to sever our connection to our roots and our spirituality. But our love for God and our ancestors cannot be diminished.
To love God is to honor the totality of His creation, including the spirits of those who came before us. Our ancestors are not to be feared but embraced as part of our spiritual journey.
Spiritual violence feeds on fear and ignorance. It alienates us from our roots, turns us against our heritage, and isolates us from the divine wisdom of our ancestors. This violence is not just an attack on our spirituality but on our identity as Africans.
Breaking free from this cycle means reclaiming our narrative. It means rejecting the falsehoods that seek to divide us and embracing the truth that both God and our ancestors are sources of love, strength, and guidance.
Our African spirituality reminds us that "we are because they were." This is not a rejection of God but an affirmation of His divine plan. By honoring our ancestors, we deepen our connection to the Creator and to the legacy of those who paved the way for us.
Let us rise above the lies that seek to diminish our heritage. Let us honor our ancestors not as demons but as the children of God they have always been. In doing so, we honor ourselves, our families, and the sacred bond between the living and the divine.
"The greatness of a tree lies not just in its branches but in the strength of its roots." Let us nurture those roots, standing tall in our faith, our love for God, and our reverence for our ancestors. Together, we can break the chains of spiritual violence and walk boldly into a future rooted in truth, love, and harmony.
