EKWE JONAL

This study, "Cultural Encounters: Python and Bible as Symbols of Religio-Cultural Conflict in Achebe's Works," explores the symbolic conflict between indigenous spirituality and colonial imposition in Achebe's “Things Fall Apart” and “Arrow of God”. The research analyses the Bible as a symbol of colonial power and the python as a symbol of Igbo spirituality, highlighting how these symbols represent broader religio-cultural tensions within the texts. The Bible, associated with Western missionaries, symbolisescolonial domination and the disruption of Igbo traditions, while the python, revered in Igbo culture and connected to fertility and the earth goddess, represents indigenous beliefs, cultural continuity, and resistance to colonial influence. This symbolic opposition reflects deeper struggles over power, authority, cultural identity, and the survival of traditional values in the face of colonialism. By addressing a gap in existing literature, the study offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of religious and cultural conflict in Achebe's works and contributes to postcolonial studies, African literature, and religious studies. The findings benefit scholars, learners, students, and educators in these fields, offering insights into the complex relationship between colonialism, religion, culture, and power dynamics.

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