Final answer:
African beliefs, as presented by John Mbiti, originate from a shared worldview grounded in cultural practices and the concept of 'ubuntu,' with roots in ancient African religions and the spread of Bantu philosophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Mbiti, along with other African scholars and theologians, suggested that African beliefs have their roots in a shared worldview derived from proverbs, stories, art, music, and cultural interactions, distinct from the Western understanding of God and the universe. They highlighted the concept of ubuntu, which emphasizes human interdependence and a community-centric philosophy. Notably, African beliefs are deeply influenced by the belief in a supreme God and the sacredness of life forces, as described in ancient African religions as well as in the reflections on the Bantu philosophy stemming from the extensive Bantu migrations. These beliefs coexist with and have been influenced by the diffusion of monotheistic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam within Africa over the centuries.
This concept highlights the deep natural interdependence among human beings, where individuals are mutually dependent on one another for their existence. Mbiti and other African scholars studied African proverbs, stories, art, and music to explore and describe this shared worldview, rejecting stereotypes of African beliefs as magic, animism, and ancestor worship.