Ghana Journal: Ashanti Christianity

For Ghanaians, the intersection between Ashanti and Fanti religions and Christianity is actually very close. Like Christians, these traditional religions believe in a supreme being. Ashantis and Mfantsis (the proper name for the Fanti) believe in a supreme being that cannot be addressed directly, but must be approached indirectly through the intermediaries of lesser gods and ancestors, much like Catholics pray to saints. The other day in my Fanti class Rose was discussing politeness in Ghana culture when she meandered into a story about her family. What struck me was how she did not see any conflict between her Fanti beliefs and her beliefs as a Pentecostal evangelical Christian.