sundiata discussion post
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Clayton State University *
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2111
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Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by SargentTitaniumSquirrel26
In 2-3 well-developed paragraphs discuss the topic listed
below. After you have posted your discussion, respond in
detail to the Discussion Topic posts of at least two other
classmates.
Syncretic religious practices as found in
Sundiata
:
Many characters in
Sundiata
simultaneously follow both
traditional African and Islamic tenets of faith; that is, their
beliefs are syncretic. Discuss how one character from this epic
combines different religious traditions. Be specific. In what
ways is this character successful or unsuccessful at doing so?
Are there deeper values common to both faiths? Where might
these beliefs conflict? More generally, where else have you
seen syncretic religious practices (perhaps other books you
have read, TV shows, movies
One character from the epic Sundiata that shows syncretic
beliefs is Sogolon Kedjou. She is Sundiata’s mother, and she
has a strong connection to both Mande and Islam cultures and
religions. She shows her connection to her Mande side by her
use of divination and her devotion to that religion’s spirits and
religious traditions. She embraces the Islamic culture by
becoming a devoted Muslim and raising her son to become
Muslim as well. She combines these religions successfully by
showing her ability to use her Islamic prayers and rituals while
showing also showing her respect to her traditional Mande
spirits and traditional ways of healing. Her religions syncretic
beliefs are put on display well when she seeks guidance from
Islamic priests as well as the village’s god.
Sologon Kedjou is successful in her syncretic approach. It
allows her to gain strength from multiple religions, which
includes many deeper values that are common with both
practices. Both her Mande and Islamic cultures share the
values of community, moral conduct, and the common
religious belief of higher gods. There are a few things that
could possibly cause tensions between the two. One of these
is the Islamic practices would be offerings to the spirits, which
is only supported by her Muslim traditions.
Syncretism in religion can be found across the world. One old
syncretic religion is Gnosticism which combines Judaism,
Christianity, and Greek practices. One example of syncretic
religion in recent times was in the Pixar film called “Soul”. In
this kid’s movie, you see an incredible clash of many religions
when the main character goes into the afterlife. There are
many different traditional beliefs shown in “The Great Beyond”
that souls go to when they die.
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