To a discerning and keen observer, paganism as practiced in Pre-colonial Igbo and Christianity are too sides if the same coin. Both share too many similarities. The only difference being Satan which was erroneously construed to be Ekwensu by the imperialist-colonialists.


These point of convergence includes but not limited to:

** Both belief systems has one supreme being ditto Yahweh or Chukwu. From whom all creation originated as recounted by the creation fables and Chukwu Okike  (the God that creates)


** Both belief systems had provision for medium of communication between God and man. Jesus Christ for Christianity and oracles, diviners and sorts for pre-colonial Igbo. The Igbos believed that  Chukwu assigned areas of jurisdiction to these lesser gods while he oversee the whole operation. Hence we have gods like Amadioha manning the skies, Ani in charge of land/fertility and Ahiajoku lording harvest, etc


** Both believed in the concept of  guardian angels - cue chi - personal god in Pre-colonial Igbo.  One's chi confers on his behalf in the spirit realm and determines to a great extent his fortune or misfortune. Just as one's guardian angel can alter his fate as recounted in the bible experiences of Abraham and Jacob


** Both believe in life after death. While the righteous go to heaven, the envy ends up in hell for an eternity of anguish. Pre-colonial Igbos believed the good becomes ancestors, maintaining ties and interceding on behalf of their living offsprings.


** Both believed in blood sacrifices - be it that of man or animal or son of God




These similarities I believe paved way for the quick acceptance of Christianity by the Igbos. The early missionaries probably bamboozled them with their technological advancements in a bid to convince them that his God was superior.

Pre-colonial Igbos can be pardoned for failing for such bare-faced hoax.  For today's christians, I'm bereft of word.


Christianity and paganism are like six and half a dozen.


If you must believe fables,  I think it's more honorable you believe those concocted by your forebears.