THE INFLUENCE OF MODERNITY ON IGBO TRADITIONAL RELIGION AND CULTURAL VALUES

Abstract

Great changes have taken place in Igbo traditional religion and its cultural values. The influences of modernity have altered the Igbo way of life. The spirit of community life, hospitality and human relations which were part of Igbo cultural heritage and values have been shattered. Their traditional religious belief and pattern of worship to their gods and divinities have been thwarted. Things are no longer the same. Thus, this paper x-rayed the influence of modernity in Igbo traditional religion and its cultural values. Phenomenological research approach was adopted for optimal result. The paper maintained that to large extent modern factors such as Christianity, education, urbanization, industrialization to mention but these have greatly influenced the Igbo traditional religion and its cultural values. In order to address and protect the Igbo traditional religion and cultural values from bastardization and extinction, this paper recommended among others that Igbo people should embrace their cultural heritage and treat western cultures as alternative way of life.