[size=19pt]Christianity vs. the old gods of Nigeria[/size]

ACHINA, Nigeria - Born to a family of traditional priests, Ibe Nwigwe converted to Christianity as a boy. Under the sway of born-again fervor as a man, he gathered the paraphernalia of ancestral worship — a centuries-old stool, a metal staff with a wooden handle and the carved figure of a god — and burned them as his pastor watched.

"I had experienced a series of misfortunes and my pastor told me it was because I had not completely broken the covenant with my ancestral idols," the 52-year-old Nwigwe said of the bonfire three years ago. "Now that I have done that, I hope I will be truly liberated."

Generations ago, European colonists and Christian missionaries looted Africa's ancient treasures. Now, Pentecostal Christian evangelists — most of them Africans — are helping wipe out remaining traces of how Africans once worked, played and prayed.

As poverty deepened in Nigeria from the mid-1980s, Pentecostal Christian church membership surged. The new faithful found comfort in preachers like evangelist Uma Ukpai who promised material success was next to godliness. He has boasted of overseeing the destruction of more than 100 shrines in one district in December 2005 alone.

Achina is typical of towns and villages in the ethnic Igbo-dominated Christian belt of southeastern Nigeria where this new Christian fundamentalism is evident. The old gods are being linked to the devil, and preachers are urging not only their rejection, but their destruction.

The Ezeokolo, the main shrine of Achina — a community of mainly farmers and traders in Nigeria's rain forest belt — has been repeatedly looted of its carved god figures. While no one has been caught, suspects range from people acting on Christian impulses to treasure thieves.

Recently, a village civic association volunteered to build a house to keep burglars away from a giant wooden gong decorated with carved male, female and snake figures. The gong in the market square is reputed to be more than 400 years old, and in decades past was sounded in times of emergency.

"We feared it may be stolen or destroyed like so many of our traditional cultural symbols," said Chuma Ezenwa, a Lagos-based lawyer.

But the move to protect a communal symbol has not changed the minds of others.

Ikechukwu Nzekwe, a 48-year-old farmer who belongs to a traditional masquerade cult, rues the action of his younger brother, a born-again Christian who destroyed the family's masquerade costume, including pieces dating back seven generations.

[img]http://www.arthistory-archaeology.umd.edu/ARTHwebsitedecommissionedNov32008/webresources/courses/ARTH275/FA05/Images/92205images/terracottahead.jpg[/img]
Head of a Queen . Yoruba. Ife, Nigeria. 12th-15th century. terracotta

The masquerade cult was once part theater, appearing at festivals to perform songs and dances, and part traditional police — its members helped enforce mores and customs. Now its role is largely restricted to theater, including performances and races by men in costumes depicting ancestral spirits.

Ukpai, the evangelist, tells followers the artifacts bear "curses and covenants" linked to the gods they represent.

"Since the curses and covenants do not automatically disappear when we repent, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai is a man called by God for the total liberation of mankind," he says on his Web site, claiming to have the spiritual backing of Jesus to break the curses.

Efforts to speak to Ukpai were unsuccessful, and e-mails to his office asking for an interview received no reply.

Early missionaries to Nigeria condemned most traditional practices as pagan. Roman Catholics and Anglicans later came to terms with most practices, even incorporating some traditional dances into church liturgy. But there was no room for local gods once their erstwhile worshippers became Christians.

Similarly, Muslim preachers in Nigeria's predominantly Islamic north forbade interaction with figures dedicated to local idols, although many cultural dances featuring traditional masks are still tolerated.

Most converts are in constant tension over how much of the old beliefs can be incorporated into their new faith, said Isidore Uzoatu, a specialist in the history of Christianity in Africa affiliated with Nnamdi Azikiwe University in southeastern Nigeria.

"Where the older Catholic and Anglican denominations are more tolerant, the Pentecostals reflect more strictly the idea of a jealous God that would brook no rival," said Uzoatu.

The changing attitudes have not escaped the attention of art dealers.

"This work you see here is from a shrine. It was brought to me by one woman who said her pastor had asked her to get rid of it," said Wahid Mumuni, a dealer at Ikoyi Hotel in Lagos, gesturing toward a carving.

Mumuni said the price was the equivalent of $1,500 and he expected a European visitor to take it away soon.


Copper mask of the oni obalufon kingdom of ife nigeria 33 cm

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, which is responsible for protecting the country's cultural antiquities, has responded with a sensitization campaign.

"We are ,  telling the Christians that they can't detach themselves from their past, that there is a beginning to their history," said Omotosho Eluyemi, a senior commission official.

The commission urges those who do not want to keep sacred objects to take them to local chiefs. It also seeks stricter enforcement of the law prohibiting export of artifacts.

Okwy Achor, an archaeologist, fears the government's response has been weak compared to the fervor of the evangelists.

Achina is part of the region where famed Igbo-Ukwu bronzes were discovered in a private compound in 1958. Older and more sophisticated than the better-known Benin and Ife bronzes, the Igbo-Ukwu bronzes date to between the 8th and 10th centuries and provide proof that a unique form of metallurgy evolved in Nigeria.

While Achina had few Christians 60 years ago, they now constitute more than 95 percent, says Emmanuel Eze, a retired teacher.

"There is hardly anyone around these days to speak up for tradition," said Eze.

By DULUE MBACHU, Associated Press Writer


AGERE IFA DIVINATION BOWL

these are idols CHRIST is ALIVE  and not an idol that is why its better

Well I'm truly saddened when I hear news such as this.

Generations ago, European colonists and Christian missionaries looted Africa's ancient treasures. Now, Pentecostal Christian evangelists — most of them Africans — are helping wipe out remaining traces of how Africans once worked, played and prayed.

It's almost like a jihad crusade against the ancestral gods.

The old gods are being linked to the devil, and preachers are urging not only their rejection, but their destruction.

Disgusting. Smh.

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These idols bore testament to the world and proved to the Europeans that Africans had fine skills such as artistry and a sophisticated civilization that could be deemed fit enough to be purposely mistaken with European Ancient society (even though the "mistake" was obviously political and to propel propaganda).

What's more sad, is that whilst "civilized" and "Christian" Africans see fit to burn these Devil remains their converters see the treasure in them and would rather preserve them in their galleries milking Africans who come by to see their own ancestors work in the process. The more they ["repented" Africans] burn these idols the more the Europeans and co have a valid reason in looting those endangered treasures. Unbelievable.

@emofine
What is the meaning of smh?

emöfine:

Well I'm truly saddened when I hear news such as this.

It's almost like a jihad crusade against the ancestral gods.

Disgusting. Smh.

[center]***[/center]

These idols bore testament to the world and proved to the Europeans that Africans had fine skills such as artistry and a sophisticated civilization that could be deemed fit enough to be purposely mistaken with European Ancient society (even though the "mistake" was obviously political and to propel propaganda).

What's more sad, is that whilst "civilized" and "Christian" Africans see fit to burn these Devil remains their converters see the treasure in them and would rather preserve them in their galleries milking Africans who come by to see their own ancestors work in the process. The more they ["repented" Africans] burn these idols the more the Europeans and co have a valid reason in looting those endangered treasures. Unbelievable.

You are right, it is a crusade against the ancestral gods and against ours ancestors.

brother Horus, i appreceate you posting all this news. i weep for this. this is cultural and religious genocide. but please tell me what have you done or are trying to do to return to old Gods  

Head of an Oba, 16th century (ca. 1550)
Nigeria; Edo peoples, court of Benin
Brass H. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)

[img]http://1.bp..com/_94muy4qC3EA/Rd1udz5iIKI/AAAAAAAAAA0/kK07TmghJ0Y/s400/Divination+Board+(late+19th-early+20th)+Yoruba,+Nigeria+%5Bwood,+cowrie,+shells+and+leather%5D+A1+crop.jpg[/img]
Divination board 16th century

PAGAN 9JA:

brother Horus, i appreceate you posting all this news. i weep for this. this is cultural and religious genocide. but please tell me what have you done or are trying to do to return to old Gods  

I just spread the news and those who have awareness have to do something to stop this "genocide".
Chineses do not destroy their ancestral idols.
Indians do not destroy theirs ancestral idols.
They keep them in safe place in museums and this generate money and jobs for their peoples.

they not only keep them in museums. they even actively rever the Gods through their idols. they have constructed great shrines to the supernatural forces. even the most educated doctor or scientist reveres the Gods and nature in these lands. as a result, their countries are progressing culturally, morally as well as economically. 

Excellent exposure dear friend Horus
It's good to be aware ,
If Europeans looted America and Africa stealing the gold, oil, enslaving and killing, whether through military domination imposed their cultural and religious domination (as who does not accept the European god is the devil) are not surprising these things , . Yes, obviously cause us great pain. THE contempt for human life, culture and ideas , what can be expected of those who act like this?
Pentecostals (with minimal exceptions that prove the rule) put their economic interest to their own beliefs, even to his own god. Impose a payment of tithing under the threat of going to hell , A tithe is not biblical (see Malaquías 3:10 and following) on which lie to benefit economically, their fanaticism and immorality is known around the world.
Wonder? no , What we feel is very sad, for what they do and their immorality.
Thank you dear friend!

crossman9:

these are idols CHRIST is ALIVE  and not an idol that is why its better

That's the argument with which Europeans dominated, plundered, enslaved and raped. It's old, is not it? "Ours is the only truth; civilize these ignorant, blood and fire" , All in the name of Christ the King ,
Fanaticism does not respect the word culture, and when listening wields his gun ,
Fanaticism is blind, never accept that others have the right to think differently , just your thought is valid, but to enforce it have to disqualify, kill, steal ,
Everyone is free to have their faith, or not having ,
I personally do not go with fanatical beliefs ,
But as I said at first: everyone is free to choose AND RESPONSIBLE OF YOUR CHOICE.
Take consciousness.
My greatest respect for all!

Let the damn gods fight for themselves. Let them defend themselves and smite the heads of their oppressors.
I'm amazed at hearing that men destroyed gods.
how can gods be destroyed by men,if they have life?

[psalm 115:3]Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. 
(4)Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
(5)They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
(6)They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
(7)They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat

We are not afraid of the gods that man can destroy.

[Jeremiah 10:5] Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."

The only ancient relics i can travel to look at are the egyptian artefacts, in egypt.

I'm certainly not keen on going somewhere where i'll be getting evil looks from locals on account of my not being from the area.

So, if you dont put your artwork in a book for others to see, then i'll take it to mean you dont want me in particular viewing them.

That's all.
Better call foreigners if you need tourists.

Judek2:

Let the damn gods fight for themselves. Let them defend themselves and smite the heads of their oppressors.
I'm amazed at hearing that men destroyed gods.
how can gods be destroyed by men,if they have life?

[psalm 115:3]Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.
(4)Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
(5)They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
(6)They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
(7)They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat

We are not afraid of the gods that man can destroy.

[Jeremiah 10:5] Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."

the Gods are there for eternity. your destroying idols wont destroy the spiritual forces. you are a fool and you need a slap.

crossman9 said

these are idols CHRIST is ALIVE  and not  an idol that is why its better

You're a BAS.TARD. Dumb, cretinous animal with your FAKE imported white fairytale religion. Hopeless, worthless ignorant SLAVE to European myth, and clueless, brainless victim of western cultural imperialism.

Judek 2 said

Let the damn gods fight for themselves. Let them defend themselves and smite the heads of their oppressors.
I'm amazed at hearing that men destroyed gods. 
how can gods be destroyed by men,if they have life?

[psalm 115:3]Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. 
(4)Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
(5)They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
(6)They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
(7)They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat

We are not afraid of the gods that man can destroy.

[Jeremiah 10:5] Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."

You're a complete RETA.RD. Yet when muslims go and burn your churches you cry night and day. Even as you commit your own terrorism against traditional religion.

Why don't you let your christian god fight the muslims? You're quoting nonsensical rubbish from your stupi.d imported 'holy book' steeped in the blood of innocents.

Why do you retaliate as always happens in the north? Is your christian god not strong enough to rain down instant judgement on the muslims like you stu.pidly demand of the African God?

ANIMAL!!!

Why are some Africans so against native beliefs?

^^^
Because the middle-eastern and the white man's beliefs appeals more in this current civilisation.

Op

the photos you posted are of the Royal households, and are not idols.

It would be nice if you could distinguish between the two since its rather disrespectful lumping two separate topics together in this manner.

Seems like you're just trying to instigate.

Thanks for posting those pictures,

Rossikk:

Judek 2 said

You're a complete RETA.RD. Yet when muslims go and burn your churches you cry night and day. Even as you commit your own terrorism against traditional religion.

Why don't you let your christian god fight the muslims? You're quoting nonsensical rubbish from your stupi.d imported 'holy book' steeped in the blood of innocents.

Why do you retaliate as always happens in the north? Is your christian god not strong enough to rain down instant judgement on the muslims like you stu.pidly demand of the African God?

ANIMAL!!!

You need some chilled water to cool your head.

In my village, in the worship of local gods and belief, any born twin must be killed and thrown into the evil forest. All this diseases flying about is an abomination to the gods as a curse to the indivhdual. Existense of out casts,(Osu), ogbanje, and all ignorance uncivilised beliefs.
I believe the days of your ancient fathers is good for you,even while you are with laptops which they never know about.

I believe you does the killing of twins till now, dont you?

@Judek2

Uncivilized behaviour isn't exclusive to one group of people on earth. Some of the noted greatest civilizations in the world practiced what you may call "uncivilized beliefs" but of course there are certain acts that can never be defended in the name of tradition or under any other name. I don't believe Christianity was always introduced in a kosher manner on the continent yet somehow Christianity is a by-product of "civilization. Ironic.
One thing you may have noticed in the history of Christianity is that the faith had undergone a period of reformation. Thus can't certain African beliefs be reformed also?

Pictures and statues can be destroyed, but I think that's why gods are destroyed ,
If anyone thinks that a picture is showing desruir that god does not exist , that person is really stupid.
Catholic churches have been burned , it shows that the Catholic god does not exist or has no power? That's a silly argument.
The destruction of African images is more a demonstration of bigotry, intolerance, violence , something very ugly in who considers himself religious and obedient to a God, whatever.
When I read some Bible passages that are cited here, and traditions are judged, I wonder why not quote the passages in which the biblical God commanded to attack a village and kill absolutely everyone, men, women and children , when you order a man kill his brother , and so many other things ,
There are biblical readings are very selective, however, when you judge others out of context is done with the utmost rigor ,
With a little more respect and tolerance I think everything would work better ,
At least in my opinion.
A respectful greeting to all.

Judek2:

You need some chilled water to cool your head.

In my village, in the worship of local gods and belief, any born twin must be killed and thrown into the evil forest. All this diseases flying about is an abomination to the gods as a curse to the indivhdual. Existense of out casts,(Osu), ogbanje, and all ignorance uncivilised beliefs.
I believe the days of your ancient fathers is good for you,even while you are with laptops which they never know about.

I believe you does the killing of twins till now, dont you?

You hypocrites are so blinded and rendered ignorant by your delusional belief in jewish/Greek mythology that you can't see the similarities between native African superstition and the imported one you hold dear.

Your village priests used to kill twins,well, I'm sure you've heard of the Salem witch trials. Wasn't it in Nigeria than some "enlightened and civilized" Christians were abusing and killing children because of "witchcraft"?
When one of the simle bastards you people look up to slaps innocent girls because of "witchcraft",is he influenced by "civilized" christianity or "barbaric" native African beliefs?

So what if they believe that diseases are caused by curses from the gods, don't you believe that "the blood of Jesus" can protect you? Why do you think their beliefs are ignorant and yours aren't?
Because the colonialists did a thorough job of dumbing down people who weren't the sharpest knives in the drawer anyway.

Ignorant nuts thinking they have a moral high ground. Your likes disgust me.
You have no room to talk about anybody's ignorance when your religion is the biggest culprit. Talking snakes, flat earth, sun standing still and my personal favorite, the tower of freaking babel.

Martian:

You hypocrites are so blinded and rendered ignorant by your delusional belief in jewish/Greek mythology that you can't see the similarities between native African superstition and the imported one you hold dear.

Your village priests used to kill twins,well, I'm sure you've heard of the Salem witch trials. Wasn't it in Nigeria than some "enlightened and civilized" Christians were abusing and killing children because of "witchcraft"?
When one of the simle bastards you people look up to slaps innocent girls because of "witchcraft",is he influenced by "civilized" christianity or "barbaric" native African beliefs?

Ignorant nuts thinking they have a moral high ground. Your likes disgust me.
You have no room to talk about anybody's ignorance when your religion is the biggest culprit. Talking snakes, flat earth, sun standing still and my personal favorite, the tower of freaking babel.

There are still more
Holy Inquisition and its torture , blessing of gunpowder and cannons in the wars, crusades , Well, let's be brief ,
The biblical God ordering wipe out entire villages in your name, murdering men, women and children ,
Did we forget that the same God as an offering to be asked to kill the best lamb and its blood was sprinkled on the paredess the temple?
What is being judged here?
Sometimes there is haste to criticize and judge others, and very slowly to look inside the home.
Best regards

Judek2:

You need some chilled water to cool your head.

In my village, in the worship of local gods and belief, any born twin must be killed and thrown into the evil forest. All this diseases flying about is an abomination to the gods as a curse to the indivhdual. Existense of out casts,(Osu), ogbanje, and all ignorance uncivilised beliefs.
I believe the days of your ancient fathers is good for you,even while you are with laptops which they never know about.

I believe you does the killing of twins till now, dont you?

so are the Japanese, Chinese and Indians uncivilised barbarians (the very same Japanese who have revolutionalised world technology)


YOU ARE A FOOL AND YOU NEED TO BE NAILED TO A PLANK OF  WOOD JUST LIKE YOUR WHITE MASTER.



Traditional Japanese Shinto Priests

PAGAN 9JA:


so are the Japanese, Chinese and Indians uncivilised barbarians (the very same Japanese who have revolutionalised world technology)


YOU ARE A FOOL AND YOU NEED TO BE NAILED TO A PLANK OF WOOD JUST LIKE YOUR WHITE MASTER.

Hello dear friend ,
I think he already has the worst punishment: his own ignorance and irrational blind fanaticism.

What gets me is when these same christians cry foul when muslims burn down their churches.

Their hypocrisy stinks.

Where's Amadioha Okija when i need him, ?

The topic is mischievous. Simply mischievous. That's all.

This are idols that have kepi us in the dark for more than 1000years and never added anything Good to our lives why keep them?

...pls delete

brainpulse:

This are idols that have kepi us in the dark for more than 1000years and never added anything Good to our lives why keep them?

Dear friend.
You disagree with an idea does not justify destroying anything.
With this approach would also justify other destroy what you defend and that's not something civilized is not worthy of a tolerant society.
It is possible that some beliefs have not allowed the growth of Africa, but I doubt that others have contributed in some way.
Give others the same respect we demand for ourselves.
My respectful greeting

Plz Judek2 tell them. Our God I§ a̶̲̥̅̊ living God aπϑ plz re read Ʊr malachi 3:10 again