Can You Practice Ifa and Christianity Together?

Many people who come to Ifa from Christian backgrounds ask whether it is possible to practice both traditions simultaneously. This post examines how Ifa and Christianity approach God, divinity, sacrifice, and divination, highlighting where their beliefs overlap and where they differ. While some practitioners do integrate both systems, doing so requires discernment to avoid confusion or conflict. This article outlines what that integration can involve and what should be considered before determining if it’s right for you.

Updated on January 6, 2026

Can You Practice Ifa and Christianity at the Same Time?

Some people who convert from Christianity to Ifa wonder whether it is okay to practice both spiritual systems together. While there is no universal rule governing this decision, there are important considerations to weigh before attempting to integrate the two.

The Ifa tradition is practiced in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. It is one of the oldest spiritual practices in Africa. Orunmila, the oracle of wisdom and divination, is said have created or founded the tradition. It was established to help people better understand themselves and their future.

Ifa devotees believe in many gods and goddesses, or Orishas, who possess different powers and responsibilities. Ifa priests (Babalawos) and priestesses (Iyanifas) help people communicate with these forces through divinatory insight and various ritual work, including sacrificial offerings, spiritual medicine (akose), and more.

How Are Ifa and Christianity Different?

Christianity is a monotheistic religion founded by Jesus of Nazareth. It focuses on the teachings and life of Jesus as recorded in the New Testament. Christianity teaches that Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of humanity, who died for the sins of the world and was resurrected from death, thereby providing humans with eternal life. The Christian faith has significantly impacted Western culture, particularly in Europe, where it has played a significant role in shaping Western civilization.

Divinity Beliefs

The similarities between Ifa and Christianity include their belief in one God, Heaven, and the concept of evil. There are also intertwined beliefs in lesser deities or spirits referred to as Orishas in Ifa and angels in Christianity.

Both religions adhere to strict moral codes and dietary laws. However, dietary laws in Christianity apply to all believers, whereas dietary restrictions in Ifa are primarily based on individual, familial, or communal taboos, which are sacred restrictions.

Sacrifices and OFFERINGS

Sacrifice is a vital part of the Ifa tradition. Without it, there would be no rebirth, cleansing, or release of old patterns. Sacrifices are offered to the Orisha to support health, fertility, prosperity, and overall well-being. Certain Ifa rituals involve animal sacrifice as part of prescribed ceremonial practice, while offerings of plants and other natural materials are also used in ritual contexts.

In Christianity, sacrifice is understood primarily through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is viewed as a final and sufficient offering for humanity. Because of this belief, physical sacrifice is no longer practiced in most Christian traditions. Instead, sacrifice is expressed symbolically through prayer, repentance, obedience, and moral discipline. The emphasis is placed on internal transformation rather than ritual offerings.

Divination

Divination plays a central role in Ifa as a structured system for guidance, diagnosis, and decision-making. Through Ifa divination, practitioners seek insight into their destiny and the appropriate actions needed to restore balance or address challenges they may be facing.

In Christianity, divination is generally rejected and is often associated with forbidden practices such as witchcraft or false prophecy. Guidance is instead sought through scripture, prayer, and reliance on God’s will rather than through formal divinatory systems.

Monotheism vs. Polytheism

In Ifa, there is one Supreme Creator, often referred to as Olodumare. This force oversees emissaries known as Orisha, who serve distinct roles in maintaining order, balance, and harmony between the heavenly and earthly realms.

Orunmila, in particular, is understood as the witness of destiny and the channel through which divine knowledge is revealed. However, he is not the sole intermediary between man and Olodumare. Instead, Ifa engages multiple divine forces as functional expressions of creation.

In Christianity, belief centers on one God with Jesus Christ as the sole divine intermediary between God and humanity. Christianity emphasizes a singular mediating figure through whom salvation and access to God are achieved.

Can You Practice Ifa and Christianity Together?

It is possible for someone to practice Ifa and Christianity together, and many people do. However, integrating both systems requires careful understanding, as each tradition approaches divinity, authority, and guidance in different ways. Without that understanding, combining the two can lead to confusion or internal conflict.

CAn African Traditions Coexist With Christianity?

Many people have historically practiced Christianity alongside Hoodoo. A number of adherents have found that practicing these religions together has helped them grow spiritually, develop their connection with the divine, and feel more fulfilled in their spiritual journey.

Hoodoo is a form of folk magic derived from African Americans in the southern United States. This practice can be traced back to the West African tradition of Vodun, which shares many aspects of Ifa. Hoodoo uses an assortment of spells and charms activated by Biblical scriptures and Christian prayers.

However, Hoodoo is not connected to Orishas or deities in the same way as the Ifa tradition and other diasporic traditions. Hoodoo comes from various traditions that make up this distinct African-American spiritual practice.

Though spellbinding is against the Christian faith, Hoodoo practitioners reconcile their beliefs in various ways. Hoodoo rituals center around Christian concepts and ideas, but practitioners use these principles to create and cast spells. In fact, the Bible is a primary source of conjure in Hoodoo folk magic.

Hoodoo practitioners simply reconciled and synchronized their beliefs with Christianity, which demonstrates that it is possible to integrate an African traditional religion with Christianity. Thus, it is possible to practice African spirituality with Christianity in this regard.

Where Do Ifa and Christianity Conflict?

However, the lines between Ifa and Christianity are not as easily blurred. Practicing Christianity and Ifa simultaneously can be conflicting and confusing. Some people recommend that you only practice one religion at a time. It is difficult to determine which practice should be prioritized when combining two religions. And the Bible teaches that you can’t serve two masters.

Many people are interested in combining their traditions with other religions to get the best of both worlds. Some find certain rituals meaningful from both faiths, but they may contradict one another. This dichotomy can result in confusion and frustration for the average person, not to mention ostracization from their spiritual communities.

Some people recommend that you only practice one religion at a time, but others say practicing two or more systems is fine in moderation. The choice is ultimately up to you. Navigating both paths requires honesty, discernment, and an understanding of the commitments each system demands.

Ready to Start Your Ifa Journey?

Questions about practicing Ifa and Christianity together often come up during periods of reflection or transition. As outlined, while some individuals choose to engage both systems, doing so requires understanding how each tradition functions and where conflicts may arise.

If you are interested in learning how to start your Ifa journey, explore our How to Start Practicing Ifá: Beginner Questions Answered guide for foundational context and next steps.

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Want more guidance on starting your Ifá journey?

To discover more about beginning your Ifá practice, explore our resource library:

• How to Start Practicing Ifá
• How Do You Start Working with the Orisha?
• Beginner’s Guide to Ifá Concepts and Beliefs
• Starting Your Ifá Journey Series

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