CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN IGBO SOCIETY: THE CASE OF IHIALA

Abstract

The Igbo traditional religion, was satisfactorily functional and provided the basis of behaviour and conduct among the people. It determined and controlled all facets of human behaviour, be they socio-economic, political, group or inter-group relations. It provided the spiritual cement that bound the individuals in the society. But Christianity reinforced by colonialism introduced new beliefs and value systems which tended to weaken and undermine the basic structure and roots of the society. The extent to which the Ihiala Society was altered and changed by the forces of Christianity is the focus of this paper. It contends that despite the apparent massive acceptance of Christianity and its ideals, most of its adherents and non-4dherents alike still revere and uphold aspects of the traditional society. It argues that Christianity did not bring about a total departure or break from the past of the society.