Christianity and its powers; destroying or guiding?
Achebe in Things Fall Apart, illustrates the diversity of religion and how it affects the culture in Umuofia. Religion represents order in both societies, but they are demonstrated and practiced differently. Gods in Umuofia are more frightening because clan members are at mercy due to the natural cycles for their livelihood. The nature of the Igbo beliefs is contradictory to the Christian religion encouraged by the missionaries. The disruption of culture, in this novel, can both guide and destroy a society. Religion is controversial because of the differences included in each culture. Religion is intertwined with order, relationships, and civilization. Religion and culture are symbolically …show more content…
Christianity brought a whole new world and perspective to those that converted from Igbo. They no longer had to fear their gods because they were taught and proven they were not existent. “Your gods are not alive and cannot do you any harm. They are pieces of wood and stone” (Achebe 157). The white men 151 established a government that gave further structure and discipline. For example, Okonkwo committed a horrible crime when he caused the morality of Ezeudu’s son. His “most severe” consequence was to be sent away to Mbanta. Additionally, Okonkwo committed another crime where he also triggered the morality of one of the messengers, he was ordered to be hung. His second punishment is thought to be ordinary in the typical government, and it was a necessary penalty. The Christianity provided them with faith to live their lives in the proper way. They no longer thought it was flawed to raise twins, and they did not have to fear a powerful entity. “They said I would die if I took care of twins. I am still alive” (Achebe 157). Life was unchallenging for the new Christians, other than the remaining Igbo
Achebe in Things Fall Apart, illustrates the diversity of religion and how it affects the culture in Umuofia. Religion represents order in both societies, but they are demonstrated and practiced differently. Gods in Umuofia are more frightening because clan members are at mercy due to the natural cycles for their livelihood. The nature of the Igbo beliefs is contradictory to the Christian religion encouraged by the missionaries. The disruption of culture, in this novel, can both guide and destroy a society. Religion is controversial because of the differences included in each culture. Religion is intertwined with order, relationships, and civilization. Religion and culture are symbolically …show more content…
Christianity brought a whole new world and perspective to those that converted from Igbo. They no longer had to fear their gods because they were taught and proven they were not existent. “Your gods are not alive and cannot do you any harm. They are pieces of wood and stone” (Achebe 157). The white men 151 established a government that gave further structure and discipline. For example, Okonkwo committed a horrible crime when he caused the morality of Ezeudu’s son. His “most severe” consequence was to be sent away to Mbanta. Additionally, Okonkwo committed another crime where he also triggered the morality of one of the messengers, he was ordered to be hung. His second punishment is thought to be ordinary in the typical government, and it was a necessary penalty. The Christianity provided them with faith to live their lives in the proper way. They no longer thought it was flawed to raise twins, and they did not have to fear a powerful entity. “They said I would die if I took care of twins. I am still alive” (Achebe 157). Life was unchallenging for the new Christians, other than the remaining Igbo