Which ethnic group is described as having many members who converted to Islam and Christianity, yet still retains indigenous beliefs?

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Study for the University of Central Florida REL2300 World Religions Exam with questions to test your knowledge. Engage with multiple choice and flashcards designed to enhance your understanding and readiness for the exam.

The Yoruba ethnic group is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and significant interaction with various world religions, including Islam and Christianity. While many Yoruba individuals have embraced these faiths, they often maintain a connection to their indigenous beliefs, particularly those related to traditional worship and practices. This duality allows them to preserve aspects of their ancestral spirituality alongside new religious identities.

In Yoruba culture, traditional beliefs often intertwine with Islamic and Christian practices, leading to a unique syncretism. For example, Yoruba religious figures and deities are sometimes integrated into the worship practices of Islam and Christianity, demonstrating a fluidity in their religious expression. This characteristic distinguishes the Yoruba from other ethnic groups such as the Hopi, Cherokee, or Navajo, who may not exhibit the same level of religious syncretism or have different historical contexts regarding conversion and the retention of indigenous beliefs.