INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY ON THE CULTURAL HISTORY OF ITAM PEOPLE

ABSTRACT

The study examines Influence of Christianity on the Cultural History of Itam People, in which there have been various misconceptions on the influence of Christianity on cultural history of Itam people by some researchers. Before the practice of Christianity, culture has been in existence. Culture is the regimented way in which a set of human beings conduct their lives. The Itam people have embraced Christianity and Western culture which have displaced the traditional religion in its organized form yet the traditional religious beliefs and practices still rule the minds of many Itam Christians. The main objective of the study was to examine the influence of Christianity on the cultural history of Itam people of Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted descriptive and analytical research methods. Information was gathered from primary and secondary sources. The study found out that the Itam culture was rich and intact before the advent of Christianity, but the growth of Christianity with its education in the area introduced religious and social changes, which affected the people positively as well as negatively. One of the positive impacts of Christianity on Itam culture was the abolition of killing of twins. Conclusively, the study also shows that the influence of Christianity brought about both negative and positive changes to the social institutions of the traditional Itam people. This has modified and transformed the practice of title taking, the filial obligation and traditional system of marriage, slavery, human sacrifice and education.

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