Presleigh and Pedro- paired essay

           Talking with Pedro and comparing his country of Mozambique to mine here in the United States proved to have been one of the most interesting and rewarding conversations I have had.  Through listening and learning about different cultural traditions he practiced at home, I became much more aware of the traditions practiced here as well.  Although we had spent hours talking about many different aspects of his culture and mine, I decided to focus this essay more on the similarities and differences of the religion traditionally practiced in Mozambique of Animism versus the religious practice of a majority of Americans of Christianity.

            About two-thirds of the population in Mozambique follows Animist customs and rituals.  The traditional belief system of Animism places high importance on a connection with the spirit world and one’s ancestors. While Christians believe in one God, “The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4 and 1 John 5:20), Animists believe that spirits and gods are found in animals, plants, rocks, the moon and sun, rivers, and stars.  These spirits and gods may bring about bad luck or sickness to those who do not please them.  They think that if a bigger god does exist, that he is too far away from humans and doesn’t worry about their daily needs.  Christians, however, believe that God is not far from them and that He individually cares for each and every one of us, no matter our performance.  Animists believe that witch doctors and shamans have a great and special understanding of the spiritual world.  They are whom animist go to for protection, help, and healing.  Individuals practicing Christianity believe that witchcraft is not pleasing to God and cast their cares upon Him.  Upon more research after my conversation with Pedro, I found that Animism is often mentioned in the Bible, commanding that Christians do not practice it.  I also came to realize that a lot of Christians unknowingly do practice some form of animism, placing great value and “worship” in things and objects above God.

            Christians typically attend a church service once a week on Sundays to worship and learn about our Savior.  More devout Christians may join a small group Bible study in which they read and discuss different chapters in the Bible more in depth.  Some also read their Bible and worship God every day.  The ultimate goal of every Christian is to let God become the center of their life, letting every decision they make be rooted in Christ.  God leads your life if you let Him.  Worship of the Lord can also include music and dance.  There is typically music before and after church services in which everyone sings along.  Animist rituals also involve music and dance, but to a more extreme degree.  Drums and wind instruments are used as men perform a dance involving mapicos, or large masks.  These dances usually represent an attack from demons on villagers and usually last many hours.  The masks that are worn are carved in secret and the women are not allowed to touch them.

            Although there are significant differences between the religious practices of Pedro and I, we do both believe in something, or someone, which gives us both spiritual fulfillment.  Pedro doesn’t necessarily practice all of the above descriptions of Animism but says it is definitely present amongst different cultures in Mozambique.  Like I implied earlier, talking with Pedro has opened my eyes to a better understanding of a religion other than my own, as well as developing a friendship along the way. He wants me to come visit someday saying that he would love for me to experience first-handedly the religious customs to obtain a deeper understanding.