A Critical Examination of Socio-Religious Interaction between Christianity and Ibibio Culture of Akwa Ibom State

Abstract The Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom State possess a rich cultural heritage embodied in their traditional religious beliefs, and culture while their indigenous worldview centred on Abasi Ibom, ancestral veneration and belief in spirits. With the advent of Christianity in Ibibioland in the 19th century, through the activities of early missionaries, a dynamics of process of cultural encounter, conflict, accommodation as well as transformation were initiated. This study underscored the socio-religious interaction between Christianity and Ibibio culture of Akwa Ibom State. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative with historical designs. Data was gathered through in-depth interview and participant observation approaches. The finding revealed how Christianity has influenced and reshaped core aspects of Ibibio socio-cultural life, and on the other hand, how Ibibio culture has influenced the practice of Christianity in the area. Thus, Christian presence in Ibibioland has led to decline in certain practices considered incompatible with her doctrine but has not totally eradicated Ibibio culture. The study concluded that the interaction is not of total conflict but of continuous negotiation which prove certain elements of inculturation and syncretism resulting in Africanized Christianity. It is strongly recommended that a balanced inculturation approach that preserves positive Ibibio cultural values such as traditional language, arts, music, among others be maintained while promoting Christian moral principles for sustainable development of Ibibioland.