African Belief Systems, Ember Months and Demonic Forces in Nigeria: The Pentecostal Influence

Dr Nduka Udeagha presents 'African Belief Systems, Ember Months and Demonic Forces in Nigeria: the Pentecostal Influence'

African Belief Systems, Ember Months and Demonic Forces in Nigeria: The Pentecostal Influence

Dr Nduka Udeagha will present one of two papers at a special research event co-hosted by the Centre for Religion and Public Life and the Centre for Philosophy of Religion and Theology.

THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2024, 11:30 - 13:00.

The focus of Dr Nduka Udeagha's presentation is on the perception of ember months in Nigerian religious communities. The months between September and December of every year are known in Nigeria as “ember months.” These months are associated with evil forces and disastrous incidents. As a result, towards the beginning of this span of months,  there is always some panic, apprehension, and unrest among much of the populace. The presentation aims to interrogate the role of Nigerian Pentecostalism in shaping the concept of ember months and their attendant demonic forces. It draws from observation, interviews, and textual analysis to argue that Pentecostalism, with its emphasis on spiritual awareness and deliverance from demonic forces, gave rise to this seasonal spiritual ideology. The ideology also leverages some essential elements of African indigenous belief systems to facilitate propagation. 

The presentation includes the observation that the ideology has become commonplace in Nigerian spirituality, cutting across faiths and populations. Much of Nigerian society, the public and private sectors, especially security operations and management, demonstrate this through awareness campaigns and preparations against the evils that are associated with the ember months. The vibrant Pentecostal movement has continued to exert profound spiritual influence in Nigeria, shaping beliefs, religious practices, and social dynamics.

The second presentation is by Dr Tim Judson, 13:30-14:50.

Both presentations will be held in Botany House 1.03. Light refreshments provided.