Ibo culture and Christianity clashing?

This collision of cultures occurs at the individual and societal levels, the Ibo tribe initially is very critical towards the Christians and labels them as "foolish” for their way of going through life. The Africans' misperceptions of themselves and of Europeans need realignment as much as do the misperceptions of Africans by the West. With the example of the evil forest, in Umuofia putting twins inside a jar and leaving them in the forest to die is what they believe is the right to do in their beliefs, “Nneka had had four previous pregnancies and child-births. But each time she had borne twins, and they had been immediately thrown away. Her husband and his family were already becoming highly critical of such a woman and were not unduly perturbed when they found she had fled to join the Christians. “ although, with Christianity that would be against Christian beliefs and morals.

Since Ibo culture and Christianity have many different beliefs and morals it is very difficult to have the two join together. The Ibo are always careful to avoid committing sins against the fear of vengeance that might wipe out the entire generation. Sins to the Ibo gods is defined as a crime against the gods, if sins are performed, punishment is taken into actions; “Some of these prisoners had thrown away their twins and some had molested the Christians.” for example animal sacrifice, exile, or even death. The Igbo lifestyle is very straight-forward and highly stylized, as well as spiritual. Respect and knowledge of one’s role in their society is an important feature. Christianity is also a spiritual lifestyle but it is not as stylized and strict such as the Ibo but sinning in Christianity is a normal thing and is not that bad of an act and it is okay to do.

                           -Rebecca Jones