THE ENCOUNTER OF RELIGIONS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM OF RELIGION IN SOUTHERN SUDAN, 1899-1983

This study focuses on the relationship of Christianity and Islam with African traditional religions of Southern Sudan. It is concerned with the missionary activities of Christians and Muslims in the region. Both Islam and Christianity came to the Southern Sudan in the nineteenth century, though the presence of Islam in the region was earlier. However, during the reign of British Colonialism in the Sudan, Christianity was supported while Islam was suppressed. Irrespective of the role played by the British Southern Policy in encouraging Christianity or discouraging Islam, it seemed, the nature of contact on the part of the adherents of Islam and Christianity with the local people had played an important role in the processes of Islamization and Christianization in Southern Sudan.;After analyzing the African traditional religions, this study provides a historical background for the advent of Christianity and Islam in the area, and surveys the processes of Islamization and Christianization with their positive and negative factors. It then describes the ongoing missionary activities of both faiths, and seeks to assess their future in the Southern regions of Sudan. Towards solving some of the problems created by the missionary movements in Southern Sudan, this dissertation suggests some guidelines, both in the methodology and management of religious mission. However, these suggestions derive their value from the context of inter-religious encounter and dialogue which gave them birth.;The Southern traditional people received the Muslims and the Christians with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the natives viewed the newcomers with hatred and opposition, and regarded them as "unwanted aliens". At times, this attitude was so intense as to bring about the killing of Christian missionaries or the burning of their missionary stations. On the other hand, the local population showed some interest in these new strangers. Above all, the Southerners were curious about the aliens' "goods" and "ways" which they had never witnessed before. Gradually, through contact with Muslims and Christians, the Southerners started to imitate the newcomers and in time, they began to adopt the ways of Muslims and Christians, particularly the cultural aspects such as religion, language, and customs. Consequently, some became Muslims; while others joined Christianity. However, the majority of the population continued to practice their own archaic religions and remained loyal to their indigenous traditions.