Throughout History there has been a desire for main stream white culture
to explore and expand to new areas with many different objetives in mind.
Many were looking for new lands that had untold riches while others were
spreading cultural or religious beliefs in an attemped to gain support for
their beliefs. Some times this was a welcomed addiction to foreign
societies bring them new technologies and ideas to improve there life. But
it was just as likely that these new additions to their culture and
society would have a negative effect causing many peoples lives to be
changed for ever. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe was a perfect example
of what effect new ideas and technology can have on societies that have
been isolated for generations and have created a unique culture and
society because of it. There were many changes that occured when white
explores came to Niger.
Umuofia Mbantu and the other local clans have been living in an isolated
society and culture for generations giving them plenty of time to adapted
and live in there envornment efficently. They had developed many
different religious beliefs that were different from the white Christian
culture that settled the area.
"You say that there is one supreme God who made heaven and earth," said
Akunna on one of Mr. Brown's visits. " We also believe in Him and call
Him Chukwu. He made all the world and the other gods." (Achebe, 179).
Even when trying to understand the Christian faith their religious
beliefs are so ingrained that they create cominalities that are not
really there. Akunna continues to talk about how the many gods they
worship are helpers of Chukwu because he can not do everything alone. But
that is were the problem is. By creating these gods to help Chukwu they
are creating false ideals to worship witch is against the christian faith
because they strictly believe in one God. " There are no other gods,"
saud...