The Problem Confronted
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One of the most troubling aspects when it comes to studying indigenous religions is its lack of written documents, and, because of this, many have had to rely on an outsider’s opinion. In the past, many scholars often formed opinions about an indigenous religion before ever experiencing it for themselves. As the article “What is African Traditional Religions?” explains, “There were theorists who have never been in Africa but who regarded it as the ‘Dark Continent’ where people had no idea of God and where the Devil in all his abysmal, grotesque and forbidden features, armed to the teeth and with horns complete, held sway.” Many did not know what really went on in these religions because there was no solid foundation to study. Even when explorers would go off to these lands, they held their own beliefs and saw the practices of native people as savagery. Due to the lack of any scriptures, many scholars would have to search for unbiased research or visit the lands for themselves.