Religious Diversity

I chose to attend First Afrikan Church with my cousin near Decatur,GA. I primarily chose this service because it was convenient and because my older cousin was performing that day.  One of the main differences that I automatically spotted was the attire. Some people dressed in the traditional African attire or Dashiki’s and others just dressed in their Sunday’s best. Instead of automatically opening in prayer they opened in an ancestor worship ceremony where the congregation acknowledges the ancestors who have greatly impacted them. As each person shouted a name the guy would pour water into a plant. I believed that water symbolized the ancestors and the living generation was the plant. The ancestor’s aid in our growth and like the water stimulates new life the ancestors do the same with strong willed values, beliefs and lasting memories. This was a very personal and intimate part of the service and I thought it was very much I time to thank those who have passed away.

Another thing that stood out to me was the music. The Hymns and songs were the same but the main differences were the instrument. The only instruments used were Djembe and Dunun drums which are African hand drums. The people playing the drums displayed great talent I was very proud of my older cousin in her performance. Overall I thought the service was awesome and the preacher spoke on a great message. I thought I would feel awkward going to a different religious service, but once I got there I was completely comfortable.

I think it is important to be exposed to different types of religion and religion practices. One because I think diversity aids in the growth of knowledge. Second as a Christian I was highly interested to see how other people who share core beliefs partake in their daily services.  Child psychologists have to be trained in religious diversity to properly support their clients. The training helps build self-awareness helps realize the impact of faith as well as human experience. (Mark McMinn 2014). The psychologists also have to participate in clinical training. This involves them going to religious meetings on campus, researching religious current events and issues on other hands on activities. Overall I enjoyed my visit to First Afrikan Church and I have attended a home going service since my initial visit. I am very grateful that my cousin invited me and will be more than happy to attend more services.