Faith, Religion And Communication: The Communication Pattern In Traditional African Religion

Communication is an exchange or the sharing of information or message, it requires certain basic components - the source from whom the message originates; the medium through which the message is conveyed; the audience who receives the message; and the feedback which is the reaction of the receiver to the message. Traditional African Religion (TAR) or African Traditional Religion (ATR) on the other hand is a system of information, a procedure of imparting or transmitting values of the indigenous community to members or intending members. Thus, this paper examines three major aspects: religion, faith and communication in African tradition religion. In trying to establish the nexus between communication and African traditional religion, the study adopts the qualitative research method in examining the various concepts. The paper argues that if the four basic elements – sender, message, channel and the receiver are present is the communication process in traditional African Religion, we can then say authoritatively that there is a link. We can therefore conclude that there is a communication pattern in traditional religion based on the sharing of language and meaning among members. The paper recommends that in every communication, the effort should be intensified to achieve a common meaning understood as such by all parties involved. It also recommends that the contents religious message must not be provocative and not convey the superiority of one religion over the other.