₦airaland Forum

Some Nigerian Christian/Muslim complement their religion with certain rites familiar to their forefathers practices. I guess those people are not being true to either Gods or themselves as they have their foot placed in both sides.
However what is even more interesting is that these particular faiths (at least within certain denominations or circles) also incorporate paganism. Sufi Islam I hear has similarities to some traditional religion and even has healers - please correct me if I'm wrong.

Maybe some do not want to put their eggs in one basket but it does make me consider the purity of many religions in the first place. If certain circles of a particular religion have some segments rooted in paganism then does that mean in extension those believers are also unknowingly worshipping these pagan gods?
This line of thought leads me to how some of our own culture, practices and spirituality were demonised by some of the missionaries. The comical thing about this is that after demonising other people’s practices they in turn rake a profit from our “fetishes” and some of them now actively practice our original spirituality – cultural exchange perhaps?. . . hmm I don’t know.

I have no idea whether some of these individuals are looking for (or experimenting) something exciting, unique or exotic, but that kind of grates on me that after demonising peoples set way of life some of them are now eager to adopt it. Conversely I see some Nigerians denouncing their own ancestor’s work - which is by and large ultimately their inheritance – as “witchcraft”

I believe that there might have been some rituals and rites accorded to some of our gods that may have manifested through multiple mediums such as art yet those "witchcraft" work are making billions for the very people who demonised our way of living.

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In all honesty as an outsider or "non-believer" I am drawn to some scriptures of both the Bible and the Quran. The Bible and Quran are both marvellous books I doubt a mere mortal could have written them without a great inspiration, but then again well so are many other books.
Anyway back to my question - I want to know what still draws Nigerians to these religions.

Nigeria is a very religious country but even though I appreciate the diversity I’m not a fan of the polarisation. I am not suggesting that Nigeria nominate a single religion thus becoming mono-religious. Even though I used to lazily blame the European missionaries for introducing that Holy book aka the Bible and of course the apostles of Islam for bringing their book for the disarray we sometimes witness in our beloved country however I now know better.

I do not hate Christianity or Islam but I must admit I hate the fact that it took “outsiders” to “spread the good news”. I am aware that if such news was spread by another Nigerian it might not have even been received by some other groups – in fact who am I to assume that such a scenario never actually occurred.
Nevertheless I do wonder why it took these people to show us “the way, the truth, and the light”
I guess I’m taken aback that God in “his infinite wisdom” used the same ordained people that would later oppress us to ‘enlighten’ us about the gospel in between looting our treasure and abducting and buying our people.

It also makes me wonder was there something really wrong with our forefathers own gods? I know nothing in this life is static so there was bound to be alterations in our culture/spiritualism I suppose, but the manner in which this change occurred caused me for the longest to forsake and begrudge all these religions.

It is one thing to decide to follow these God(s) but is it necessary to look down on other gods, like the ones our forefathers served? Today many Nigerians laugh at what they consider the “foolishness” of their own ancestors bowing to worship graven images that they had carved. I have also questioned the logic of worshipping an image that one has created but reasoned with myself that perhaps it is their own embodiment and symbol of God, I believe everybody deep down wants a tangible piece of the Omnipotent one.

I used to query during my period of early backsliding that how comes the God that these people brought is largely considered as the “right” one. Nigeria has numerous ethnicities that determine their own spirituality thus there were/are a plurality of gods in that region known as Nigeria. Surely one (at the very least) of those gods must be right, right? Why must it be the God of the Israelites or Allah that is considered worthy of that title “the one true God”?

Some Nigerians have claimed that the concept of their forefather’s God was/is very similar to that of Christ so why did they bother substituting? There was even no need to supplement in my opinion.
Some ethnics claim that it is even because of the likeness of their indigenous spirituality that facilitated their conversion, but I ask again, why feel the need to convert if your own was pretty “similar”?
To be honest I was just a little perplexed when I heard that.
However I believe the underlying message was that *we couldn’t have been forced if ours was similar* but it still doesn’t make sense to me.
However if it had been the other way around and that ethnic group was sharing their “pretty similar” faith with the Europeans I’m quietly confident that the Europeans will most likely say , ”but we have a similar faith” , perhaps not, they'll most likely say instead, ”we have a better faith”

To tell you the truth I am by no means seeking to worship the gods of my forefathers nor am I interested neither am I proposing that other Nigerians should revert to their ancestor’s gods.

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I will try my hardest to be careful so as not to generalise (I reckon it’s too late anyway but from hereon I'll put make a greater effort) because other Nigerians have offered me a different scenario to the one I’ve painted and stored in my head but I nor them was breaking kola and soaking gari whilst witnessing our recent arrivals in 1914.

I obviously wasn't born during the arrival of Lord Lugard and his colleagues and to compensate for my absence during that historical period I have relied on my very vivid imagination to fill in the blanks. I used to carry a version locked in my mind that the Europeans came uninvited “with a gun in one hand and the bible in the other” but as likely or possible as that may seem that is but a simplified version.

After shortly studying the Benin Empire, that adaptation started to disband (at least for me). I read that some citizens of this great empire volunteered to be Christians so I recognize that it is foolish to blanket the whole situation.

I believe forced conversion is futile anyway because such people will never really fully “love” or “accept” such faith, however my belief appears to contradict Paul the apostle who once said, “What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Philippians 1:18 (KJV).
Wow! so can bad people or "sinners" unknowingly or consciously win souls for Jesus and can the “saved soul” become a legit Christian? Or can conversion be done using any method?

In all seriousness who would want to be loved, to be honoured, to be revered ONLY out of fear?

But the same bible declares that a “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Matthew 7:18.

Furthermore if I was to subscribe to the generally accepted account of the ‘gun in one hand and the bible in the other’ (which I do not wholly agree with) then today that cannot hold true for everybody where conversion is voluntarily well maybe except in some extreme scenarios.

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Moreover I cannot detach the Bible and the Quran from its past or at the very least it’s past handlers (bearing in mind I am only factoring in the birth or foundation Islam and Christianity had in Nigeria so I am not evaluating the presence of Christianity in Europe or East Africa and Islam in Saudi Arabia etc) I am only concerned with Nigeria.

I have often wondered if the disposition of the messengers does in fact affect the message. I used to hold the view that one of the great aims in promoting these foreign religions in Nigeria was in order to maintain an ever grateful, forgiving countenance from the locals and that without the grace of God that cultural incubator christened as Nigeria would have never encountered 'civilization' thanks to God’s selfless disciples otherwise known as the Europeans.

But if I was to abide by that notion (which I do not) that will only mean that I am underestimating Nigerians thus overestimating Europeans and altogether making a bold generalisation.

Okay I must pause here to add that I am of the belief that religion has no colour, nationality, age or any physical barrier however it has such a significant history that cannot be ignored and comes with a great responsibility to the bearer and affects many societal factors in our country.
Back to my original pose - so in fact I wrestled with the idea that perhaps I am considering the history of the Europeans (for example) more intently than the “gift” aka the Holy Bible and that maybe [size=5pt]just maybe[/size] I should probably dissociate the book from the courier - which is quite impossible for me to achieve.

I prefer to consider the wholesomeness of the spiritual product the [i]kind [/i]evangelists offered my people.
Any message that has a bloody trajectory makes me evaluate the significance, poignancy and intent of said message – to me that is all part of the context.

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Q: Nigerians what draws you to Christianity/Islam?

First of all my aim is not to deliberately attack anybody’s religion or question the validity of their God(s). I am neither suggesting that any one should abandon their faith nor am I anti-religion (In fact I somewhat to a degree admire the discipline and faithfulness many believers exercise).
I just hope to receive sincere responses to my sincere question.

When I consider Christianity and Islam’s presence in Nigeria, I automatically think of their arrival into the country. I am not a student of History but I doubt the passage of these religions into the region now known as Nigeria was always kosher. I ponder at times at the sporadic tragic trajectory Islam and Christianity had in the country.

“It is not the religion that is bad it is some people that give it a bad name” I hear several cite by means of distancing their faith from the “bad fruits” who commit unforgivable acts in honour of a God that they claim is ‘forgivable’.
So In my introduction allow me to consider the ‘people’.

I do agree that “some people” taint religion thus affecting the way others view and feel about particular faiths; there are some that even taint atheism. But to tell you the truth I expect a much better mode of conduct from a Christian or Muslim than say an atheist.

For me, a Christian or Muslim etc has something to aim for that is not set in the physical realm. They are nurturing their spiritual life and so there are some things in the physical level that should be alien to them and I'm not merely alluding to stealing etc that's obvious. I mean their manner, their conversations have to be different - they have to be set apart.

When I hear of so called ‘Muslims’ or ‘Christians’ killing in God's name I'm baffled. I'm baffled because I do not understand how a mere mortal can try and fight God's 'battles'. In fact it's blasphemy. God should be able to take care of Himself but I guess “some people” exhibit insecurity when their religion is being attacked.

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I have pondered on this question for some time - I believe it could have raised a very interesting debate plus responses if only you worded the question much better. When you ask a question do not let your bias slip through because it alienates the people it's directed towards.

Some primary relationships never denature whilst others pose as a premature preliminary.
For those relationships that come to an end does that mark the beginning of a set criteria for future partners?. . . thus are previous partners a guide for better companions?

There are people that have vowed to never be in a relationship with one that has similar traits to a former lover whereas some purposfully seek out partners with familar attributes to their ex.

So. . .are our first or former partners highly influential in the course we take when seeking for love?

That's okay Claremont, I have "faith" in your assertion.

My thoughts and hence reasoning do not operate on a physical plane alone and if an esteemed authority such as science dismisses an outcome or a concept doesn't automatically make me pander to such thinking. .  I understand physically there is a limit, so where the physical realities end I commence with the spirtual or even when there is a conspicious connection i.e. music. However I will correct you on one assertion - I am not religious at all. I seperate faith from religion. I do not participate in rites or rituals but I lean towards faith and not for matters exclusively pertaining to God.

Faith does not mean "an absence of reason", there are many reasons why I believe in Love or God just as there are many reasons why you don't - but that doesn't make my beliefs or "reasoning" redundant compared to yours.  My trajectory obviously differs from yours, and so do my experiences. . . and these are all influential in my thoughts and reasoning. However I won't defend the way I comprehend - I just don't have that kind of stamina.

claremont:
On this issue in question; take for instance, I continuously have episodes of s-ex o-rgies in my dreams, does it follow to conclude that I have numerous "spiritual wives"? What is the objective foundation/evidence for this line of thinking?

Claremont, it means you have a vivid imagination and that you should regularly translate such into the physical realm . . . in all honesty I really don't know though. .

Princek12:
don't the women also get the gift of the man in question? educate me.

Yes, they do "get the gift of the man" . . however the man obligatory presents the symbol of their union.

. . and this proves that "true love doesn't exist"?

Interesting and some humorous replies. . .

Ok from what I've gathered I think these two concepts - whether the other "spiritual spouse" is proven to exist or not - are possibly different.

From the accounts I've heard, "Spiritual husbands/wives" are actually much more deeper where an actual relationship in the "spiritual" world may persists. .

At times (again all second hand information) the "dreamer" doesn't necessarily have to be sexually intimate - laying in the same bed  with a "spiritual spouse" can be enough to indicate that such carnal knowledge already exists. . . in these dreams sometimes "spiritual children" feature or even marriage with this recurring imaginary lover.

As for wet dreams I doubt there is a prevalent protaganist (even though I don't know how significant this could be). Like one person has already highlighted, a person that has s[i]e[/i]xu[i]a[/i]l relations dominating their dreams is someone who is likely to have had relating daily activities or as another pointed out - is generally s[i]e[/i]xu[i]a[/i]lly frustrated.

With a "spiritual spouse" no particular climate is needed before such dreams occur . . . from the accounts I am familar with of course.

Maguy:
At least get us an engagement car or ticket or something.

The gift men get is the lady in question.

@ Claremont I'll ask the "religious goons" on Sunday

Nigeria's diaspora obviously contain pockets of minorities that make up the populace. . .

I wonder how it feels for said groups to be a "Nigerian" and what experiences there have been for those hailing from minority groups who now live abroad. . .

Maguy:
Lol what is the lefulefu syndrome?

This:

lefulefu:
we go for white women because black women bring too much wahala in a relationship and besides white women are better in bed than black women because they know all the tricks in sex.

toba:
what kind of pixs is that?

what pixs are you referring to?

r231:
Thank God i am fit

lol . . .ask God to make it permanent in your life oh

Cuddlemii:
Check out this statement:

Men don't need to work out and keep fit. After all, they are the ones that make the choice, go after the women, marry the women so that gives them the upper hand. Its a lady that needs to keep fit & look good or her man would complain & she would loose him to another. Men have no issues

That is quite a chauvinistic and foolish statement to make (smh) . . . so basically he's saying men don't need to make any effort for their wives or because all those efforts have already been expended on the day of her toasting/proposal/wedding theres nothing more to prove - what the hell!!. . . however we lucky "chosen ones" should stay in pristine shape even after giving birth. . .ha I no fit shout.

My question is this:

Ladies: do you think its compulsory for your man to keep fit & healthy or you can make do with flabs, bulges, pot belly & put up with lazy activities & performance from the man.

To be honest, personally I would not lose sleep if my husband went from a well shaped specimen into a  shapeless amoeba - I would still love him nonetheless. However I would expect him to keep fit not because of me (although I obviously wouldn't mind if that was his motivation) but if he actually kept fit for his own health sake.

sexkillz:
This is a CASE for RELIGIOUS BIGOTS! <<<<<<<<<<<< BTW I DONT BELIEVE IN THAT ANYWAY!

Don't believe in what?

190smh:
I had one yesterday

ok, well I hope you're satisfied then.

MzDarkSkin:
man was ordained to have dreams as well as eden's oceans.

proverbs 69

pendo89:
I believe dreams come as a result of the day's activities or biz.
If I spend the day lusting and watching indecency then what d u expect my dreams to comprise off? definately not cooking food.

lol @ bolded

Do not therefore blame any spirit but your eyes and mind.

. . .yeah like allowing your mind to be governed by certain thoughts. . .

If you are into those crazy demonic and weird stuff then you are bound to encounter such things.
I avoid pple who like talking about witchcraft stuff cz they have away of rubbing onto you.

hmm well in Christianity (at least a denomination belonging to that faith) that was the specific term given to such characters that appear in those sexualised dreams. . . "spirit husband" for women and "spirit wife" for men . . . when such topics were discussed I used to find it difficult to distinguish from that concept (spiritual spouse) and wet dreams (puberty) ------> yeah but your right about certain daily activities influencing ones dream.

In puberty as our bodies begin to develop so do our mode of thoughts as our mind often hovers on the subject of sex. Some of these thoughts manifests in our dreams (wet dreams).

Yet in faiths such as Christianity these lucid s[i]e[/i]xu[i]a[/i]l thoughts featuring phantom lovers are labelled as "spiritual husbands/wives" and are considered detrimental and demonic thus some seek deliverance from such occurring er[i]o[/i]t[i]i[/i]c dreams abi na nightmares (as it's considered to corrupt or haunt future matrimonial homes/ spiritual life).

I would have surmised that these are[b] perhaps[/b] natural occurrences that is part of the parcel of puberty and not a spiritual vice.

Is there a relationship between wet dreams and spiritual husbands/wives? or are these concepts mutually exclusive?

*Please no one (mods) deport this topic to sexuality - the subject is too mild for that habitation*

Maguy:
What is your definition of Love? I figure most people know this cos at one point in your life you yelled to the world 'I'm in love" but yet some people might have been in Lust and never knew this. Others that have actually been in love please enlighten the deepest true meaning of Love and perhaps how you know when you are in one.

love is: everlasting yet sacrificial, is beautiful but isn't governed by vanity, love is a strong bond that weakens our resolve, it's encompassing yet exclusive to our soul mate. Love is 1 + 1 = 1.

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true @ bolded.

Ahmed Afeez:
hi nairalanders,i'm fed up with the text and flashing of someone whom i don't know and she claimt that she love me.

sorry oh. . . I promise it won't happen again

I don't believe it's for everybody and I'll leave it at that.

claremont:
On this occasion, there is a scientific basis for the perceived "narrow-mindedness", therefore, it is erroneous to call it narrow-mindedness. The science behind ONline relationships has concluded that they are totally irrational, defeatist, and runs against basic human logic.

Sure. . science is omnipotent lol

Human relationships since the beginning of time have always been cultured via face-to-face meetings with each other, to suggest otherwise is to live in denial of the clear evidence.

The bottom-line is this; ONline relationships of any kind is bad, scientific research has proven unequivocally that it is bad, it goes against basic human norms of face-to-face meetings which has nurtured our species for ages, and finally, it is irrational.

How about arranged marriages? some people are not even acquainted with the countenace of their future spouse before the actual wedding day yet some are still able to foster love for each other (before the face to face introduction occurs) despite the absence of physical contact.

If anyone has a contrary argument, they should prove to me how possible it is for a sane human being to "fall-in-love" with a red-coloured chameleon, and then "fall-OUT-of-love" when the chameleon turns green; because essentially that's what ONline relationships are.

I think you should remember when people "fall in love" with an online character they are not projecting those feelings onto the actual actor whether they realize this or not. . so once the facade fades so do the feelings they've nurtured.

Cuddlemii:
In btw I think someone with his name starting with 2 letters above the first letter of your user name fancies you. take care.

. . .that's absurd as emofine is a "fictitious online character" lol

I think you're already on the right track (activities such as music and writing can be healing and therapeutic) however him calling you daily - I'm not sure if that's wise to be honest. .

Q: Why do Africans go for White women?

A: because they have the lefulefu syndrome

Oh my gosh. . . why must everything be about who can yab pass on this forum? So the modus operandi of this board is to insult from morning to night abi? Or is that some people's natural default, maybe some are desperate for cheap laughs. . .pathetic

Two people have gotten married and instead of decent people to wish the newlyweds well they assault their appearance I mean WTH! na your mama and papa before, why is worwor biting you "fine" people over there

davidylan:
the level of venom this girl gets no get part 2. Did she kill somebody's mother? abeg make una free am oh.

You know. . .(SMH)

@ topic Congrats to the new couple, Mercy looks gorgeous