“Empty barrels tend to be louder than filled ones…”
God is not a name.
It is merely a description assigned to an entity considered superior. We have Germans to thank for this interesting word but, what did Germans mean when they say “Gott”?
“God” is a rather nebulous word that is universally assigned to the idea of a divine entity but germans would ascribe the same word to a human. It goes without saying that we must be careful when we latch on to foreign concepts. We must be aware of equivalence error that arises from trying to equate concepts between cultures.
Everytime you use this word, you have to remind yourself that this word is not a magical password. Yes, it is simply just a word. Some have even suggested that god is an anagram from dog.
Some amongst us are even prepared to crucify anyone who uses a small letter (g) instead of a capital letter (G). It is disturbing the way and manner some of us go about pontificating on the subject of the divine.
My Yoruba ancestors taught us that there is a Supreme Creator who is the architect of life. They described this entity as “Olodumare” - Olodu ikoko to n tan osumare” which means “the owner of the mysterious pot out of which the rainbow exudes”. In a manner of speaking, they were describing the Almighty as Light. It shouldn't be a surprise that many others say the same concerning the unseen Creator.
In their description of the Most-High, Yoruba ancestors did not tell us whether or not this entity is male or female or a group (unified or disparate) but they left us several clues to suggest that this entity have both feminine and masculine characters. This entity is also described as “Olorun” which means “Owner of the Skies or Heaven”.
See, unlike Germans who would use the word ‘god’ for humans, Yorubas will not do this. Olorun is a word used exclusively for the supreme creator. I am highlighting for the umpteenth time the difference between Yoruba Thought and European Thought. Let us recognise our differences and respect them.
The Yoruba word for human being is “Eniyan” which is “Eni ti a yan” meaning “The Chosen One”. My Yoruba ancestors affirmed that we as part of the larger human family are chosen and that others are chosen too. This sacred and collegiate philosophy undergird the Yoruba point of view. It is the foundation of the quintessential Yoruba ideology called ÌSÈSE.
Read more about ÌSÈSE via the link below
What is Ìsèse?
Ohun tí eye bá je ní eye n gbé fò For the hungry bird can hardly cruise in flight; we all essentially fall back on our core I do not intend for this to be a long submission. In this piece, I will attempt to convey my understanding of what is a rather nebulous concept. While it is thoroughly misunderstood by many, Ìsèse is the heart of the Yoruba personho…
The human experience is chequered with a lot of ups & downs, highs & lows and in-betweens. We are constantly seeking to resolve the big questions that underpin our finite existence. One of those big questions is the question of the identity of the “Almighty Creator - Tani Olorun? (Who is God?)
Many people have come to agree that the world in which we live is a product of an intelligent designer. The vast panorama of our planet, the universe and the multiverse at large clearly attests to the unassailable evidence that our existence is not accidental. Even those who claim to be atheists (if they are not dishonest) would seldom have to ponder the wonder that we call life.
As a Creationist, I admit my bias that all I see and do not see is a testimony to an intelligent life force. I also acknowledge that I do not have a complete overstanding of the true nature of the Designer. I am willing to change my mind on the subject of who the Creator is or are. Yes, for all it is worth, many things that many of us claim to know about the Almighty Creator may very well be proven to be mere conjectures and imaginations of the heart. I mean, think about it very well - Who amongst us has seen the Almighty Creator?
According to conservative estimate, there are more than 4,000 religions in the world each with divergent views on the subject of the divine. While there are dominant religions, there are several practices in the fringe with adherents who profess distinct beliefs. Each of these groups all believe that their path offers hope to humanity and will defend the sanctity of their faith.
Credit: Visual Capitalist
Within some of these religions that share common lineage, you will find divergent theologies e.g the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) all affirm Abraham / Ibrahim as the father of their faith but they disagree on many fronts. The disagreements vary from the names they call “God” to the tenets of faith. While adherents of Judaism and Islam uphold polygyny, Christians are forbidden to have more than one wife (especially if you wish to be bestowed with an official title such as a Bishop or Deacon). This is just one of several points of divergence. Jews do not believe in Jesus because their Torah makes it abundantly clear that there is none besides their YHWH.
Although the interpretation varies, one fascinating thing in all religions is the relative concept of “Karma”. All religions bar none seem to propose that there is a reward for our choices. The idea is that a human being should strive to “do the right thing”. Now, the definition of what is right and destination also varies, but each of these systems have a point of view on what is right. Some religious forbid the sacrifice of animals while others uphold it. To each his own.
Some religions espouse the idea of a supernatural abode (heaven, hell, and purgatory) while others speak of life as a never-ending cycle where spirits are embodied to reincarnate.
It takes a certain level of arrogance to think that you (a mere mortal) have all the answers concerning the divine. I think we ought to be a lot more humble and graceful in the way we go about trying to advance what we think is true.
Sigh…
Who amongst us has seen the Almighty Creator?
Who amongst us have been to either destinations (heaven, hell and purgatory) and can prove it?
To whom has the Intelligent Designer revealed the truth to?
What is the Truth?
Who is that clown that thinks it is honorable to fight for God?
I mean, you (a mere mortal) think it fitting to fight for the Almighty?
Let such a joker who thinks such be remanded to a mental assylum.
I speak for myself when I say that I do not have the answers concerning the true nature of the divine. I have enough gumption in me to respect the humanity of others. If the path I have chosen for myself inspire others to be kind and to be honoring of the sacredness of life, so be it.
I pray for the wisdom to not forget my own divinity and my humanity and that of others.
It is a popular saying amongst the ancients that “Empty barrels tend to be louder than filled ones”. On this wise, shouldn't we be circumspect in how we engage with life?
Live and let others live will you?
Ire Kànkà
Àkànjí