African Deities’ Science Orientation, Communication Pattern, and Christianity: The Case of a god of Iron

This work examines the widespread assertion in Africa that equates Christianity with scientific progress against the claims that the continent’s indigenous belief systems are disinclined toward scientific development. It discusses several deities and their nativities, zeroing in on the Yoruba ethnic group of western Nigeria to determine whether these gods enhance their followership, particularly in science. A panoply of literature analysis, deductions from panegyrized lines, survey data, and focused discussions shows that followers attribute some relevance to the gods to help them overcome adversities and facilitate good luck. Findings from the study of the devotees of the god of iron—Ogun—premised on the hierarchy of needs also support this assertion. Little evidence exists, however, to suggest that the deity consciously offers any scientific roadmap, but the opinions of a knowledgeable group would take the blame off Ogun. Discussion transcripts exhibit significantly the non-orientation of supplicants toward science, concluding that deities cannot grant what devotees do not pray for, including the quest to become a scientist or to engage with a goal of a scientific nature.

کلیدواژه ها:

Belief Systems ، Christianity ، Deities ، deity communication ، Science ، Development ، Ogun ، Yoruba ، Nigeria ، Africa