An Insight on the Theme of Religion in Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Religion all around the world can be considered to account for many habitual activities in people's daily lives. Chinua Achebe, the author of Things Fall Apart, gives insight on this matter in the eyes of the Igbo people by demonstrating how their set of beliefs dictate the life they lead. When examining the religious doctrines and traditions of this community, most would conclude that decision making and the typical protocol of ordinary living is impacted in an outstanding way.
Before going into depth about the importance of religion to this society, one must first understand the significance of what it is they keep their hope and faith in. According to the reading in the novel, most of the gods and spirits are manifestations of nature and other events that it offers as shown is the quotation: "It was deeper and more intimate than the fear of evil and of capricious gods and of magic, the fear of the forest and of nature.." This excerpt signifies the relationship between the gods and the natural world, because it is made evident that the fear of the forest and of nature have as much of a valid influence on the way a character may feel toward the subject as the gods would. Along with providing the reader with evidence of the value earth holds to the Igbo tribe, this also exemplifies the apprehensive behavior they have when it comes to the wrath of deities. The supreme beings' vengeance may be revealed by a sudden, drastic change in nature such as a drought. For instance, Achebe illustrates the magnitude of power in which the gods possess when he states, "The story was told in Umuofia, of how his father, Unoka, had gone to consult the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves to find out why he always had a miserable harvest." This statement demonstrates the extensive knowledge the gods have possession of and ability to foretell the past, present and future. Oracles are considered to be speakers of the higher power to the ordinary townspeople, because the gods never come in direct contact with the people. All in all, in this particular society nature has affected religion momentously.
Once properly acquainted with the values and concepts practiced in the Igbo religion, it is evident that the religious practices would be held above all else. When discussing the Igbo tribe, nature is the primary source of all life and the group would no longer survive without the agriculture which is highlighted in the statement "During the planting season Okonkwo worked daily on his crops from cock-crow until the chicken went to roost." This passage represents the time and effort invested in the character's harvest, which would not be made possible without the gods' assistance. By enlightening the reader with the necessary information to determine the up most significance of nature in the daily lives of the Igbo, Chinua Achebe also establishes the essential connection between religion and ordinary living. Furthermore, it is said, "That year the harvest was sad, like a funeral, and many farmers wept as they dug up the miserable and rotting yams." This quote emphasizes the need for cultivation within the community, because without a plentiful harvest there is no food or trade opportunities. These two factors could lead to a possible collapse of the society from starvation and a crumbling economy. Therefore, religious beliefs are practiced daily, because this tribe's survival is dependent upon nature and agriculture.
In the final analysis of religion's impact on the Igbo culture, it is not difficult to conclude that the belief system connects directly with their daily activities and customs especially when considering the immense influence from agriculture. This society's foundation for religion ties in with the key to survival, so therefore the religious actions become relevant to their everyday lives which explains the importance of it among the community. In conclusion, Chinua Achebe depicts the association of religion to nature and cultivation, which creates an inseparable bond that makes the base of Igbo culture and their day to day lives.