One of the main themes in Things Fall
Apart, is that of the conflict between western culture and Igbo culture. One of the
ways this is manifested in the text is with religion. Missionaries come with the Christian
message of one God, and one way to Heaven, through faith, not works. This was an immediate
contradiction to the Igbo religion. They participated in ancestral worship and sacrifices, used
protective amulets to protect against the evil spirits and were very into the iconic and visual
when it came to their belief system.
Much of the Igbo religion was
about following tradition and custom, which many of the younger generation wanted to rebel
against. The Christian missionaries often converted the young and the mothers, who would do
anything to protect their children from the evil spirits. Unfortunately, this division within the
tribe caused much violence and strife.
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