“While, on the one hand, religion has brought harmony, strengthened the bonds of brotherhood among peoples of the world, and fought racism and oppression, it has, on the other hand, fostered injustices (as was the case with slavery, colonialism, and apartheid), and reinforced global polarizations.” (Azevedo, p. 537)

Review chapters 22, 23 and any other relevant source on religious traditions of people of African descent e.g. Christianity, Rastafari, Islam and African traditional religion. Focusing on at least one of the following regions: Africa, South America, the Caribbean and the United States, examine the roles of religious traditions and write a 2-page response to the following:

1. Why and how was religion been used to promote oppression and to support social justice during the era of slavery and/or colonization?
2. To what extent was it effective in advancing both oppression and justice?
3. In your opinion what role should religion play shaping the social and political issues of a nation?

Note: You must indicate sources of your information