As it is with everything ever written, it begins with a story. The tale of a child and how by following a sphere of light billions of miles away, men who claimed wisdom bestowed upon him the title; King. It is the story of Jesus, but since we know it already I’ll just move on.
Years ago, let’s say 2030 years ago, ‘Christmas’ would probably have been a Jewish birthday celebration of some carpenter's kid. Maybe there would have been toys, small wooden figures, horses or camels made in his father’s workshop. A fat uncle here and there, one or two scribes or rabbis, some guys from the Carpenters Association, friends from the neighbourhood synagogue, wine and water and the general spirit of cheer.
Nowadays, it’s an international celebration of feasts with chicken and turkeys and fireworks and parties and worshippers lighting candles and singing “Come all ye faithful”. In this country,[Nigeria], the tradition of holly weaving and sipping eggnog by the fireplace have not really caught on, though I spot a mistletoe twig here and there (especially around my bedroom) and we do sing carols and drink beer.
I have at best celebrated fourteen Christmases with a sane mind and I have enjoyed just about every single one of them. For years, the season was my favorite and the gifts just made it all the sweeter. The taste of éclairs and chocolate bonbons on my tongue and the scratchy Jim Reeves vocals on the gramophone while Mum and Dad danced to “Christmas polka” are among my fondest memories.
Now I am older, I have just graduated from the University and I am accountable. The sounds of “Christmas polka” have faded into the dark of my mind and the onus is upon me to create new memories, so I ask myself; what is happening this Christmas?
In Calabar, and in Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja, the streets are agog with merriment and both literally and figuratively, the carnival is in town. I write from Benin City, the Ancient Kingdom, and one could say, the closest thing to a carnival that this city knows is a couple of local talents screaming out their lungs to an audience already inebriated with alcohol. But there in is fun nonetheless.
Outside my window, in the streets by my house (my mother’s house actually), the people are awake, the sidewalks are crowded and lit brightly. Young and old people sit and tell jokes, even at this time (it is 10:22pm, 24th December), the sound of jubilation is in the air and the merriment is palpable. Firecrackers scream into the heavens giving yours truly a start every now and then, and with them, ‘real’ fireworks light up the sky in an amazing display of colours, making everything beautiful. And I smile and imagine tomorrow.
Tomorrow would be sunny, the air would be bright and in the wind, a sparkle so beautiful. Magical tones would tinkle upon the leaves, and wafting out of every house, the sweet, sweet sounds of carols. Joy would resonate in every heart and ‘jingle bells’ chime in our spirits. In my city, the worshippers would sing praises as the fatted turkeys and chickens would come to rest in our bellies, chased down by healthy quantities of the proper brews. Night would come quickly, and as the dark comes upon us, the streets in my area would light up in sparkles of red and green and Christmas lights. And the carnivals would blaze in brighter colours and the people would be happy and everyone would say “Merry Christmas”, and all tribe and religion shall be one.
But I was wrong.
This Christmas did not dawn sunny. I woke with a sore throat to find a dull morning. The sky was overcast in gray clouds and the air was hazy with the thread of dryness and a hint of smog. The smell of cordite and gunpowder was in the air and the firecrackers continued to explode and startle me half to death. And then the bad news came. In the early hours of the morning, while worshippers prayed and sang, Evil struck and bombs blew up churches in Jos and Yobe. And the day which should have been joyous took on a solemn turn. And the power company refused to restore full power and the generators went on in every compound and soaked the atmosphere with smoke and soot.
But what is Christmas? Is it dependent upon circumstances or travails?
Like it has always been and most probably always will, the Spirit of kindness and love prevailed and the clouds parted and the veil of darkness was rolled away, and rays of sunshine penetrated the gloom and as though at a sign from the gods, everything became warm and I could hear the magical tinkles. From afar a neighbour shouted, “Merry Christmas!” and from every house up and down the street came back the chorus, and the air was filled with joy again.
Later in the evening, as I sat on the floor with family and friends, opening gifts, a holiday movie playing on TV, I could feel a stinging in my eyes as the tears threatened to fall. Whether because of the jet of Champagne that had splashed on my face as I opened the bottle or the joy I felt at that moment I cannot tell. One thing was certain nevertheless, this Christmas was wonderful. It did not hurt that ‘Santa’ had provided most of all that was on my wish list, [“World peace” would have to wait for next year], and it was a nice feeling when, as I was about to propose a toast, I heard a child scream from somewhere on the street, “Up NEPA!”
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
A Case for †ђξ gods
"As Ȋ̝̊̅§ usual, I would love τ̲̅ȍ announce that I do not intend τ̲̅ȍ act in atheistic temperament nor with any religion-attackin bias", this Ȋ̝̊̅§ M̶̲̥̅γ̲̣̣̥ opinion Ãήϑ I would let it be known, if you don't like it, I recommend you hug tight †ђξ transformer on your street.
That done, let's move on.
When we take a look down †ђξ halls of history, Ãήϑ we picture the wars fought on †ђξ great plains; Elba, Stalingrad, Carthage, Little Horn, †ђξ streets of Biafra, we picture bloodsoaked streets Ãήϑ bodies of men Ãήϑ women Ãήϑ children, littered everywhere as far as †ђξ eye can see. We imagine †ђξ foulest stench upon †ђξ air; †ђξ smell of corpses Ãήϑ blood Ãήϑ Death. In our minds we bemoan these battles Ãήϑ we curse this waste of human life Ãήϑ we wonder at †ђξ folly behind it all.
There Ȋ̝̊̅§ little knowledge of obvious fact, that †ђξ greatest of all these battles, †ђξ most violent, †ђξ most determining Ȋ̝̊̅§ that which has for ages been fought in †ђξ minds of man. †ђξ Battle of Mind Ãήϑ Religion.
Religion Ȋ̝̊̅§ †ђξ belief in †ђξ existence of a Supreme Power which governs †ђξ affairs of Man Ãήϑ †ђξ world. Man, as †ђξ social Ãήϑ cultural being that he Ȋ̝̊̅§ , has Religion intrinsically woven into †ђξ very fabric of his being. Every man believes in a Power (whether it be Allah, GOD, Zeus or †ђξ Mighty Atom), Ãήϑ this should never be counted against him. Where †ђξ problem lies Ãήϑ where it must be confronted Ȋ̝̊̅§ in †ђξ fanaticism or bigotry associated with these beliefs.
In †ђξ state of Nigeria (more than a couple of years ago), existed tribes Ãήϑ peoples, various 'nations' spanning from †ђξ Southern riverine areas over †ђξ mountains τ̲̅ȍ †ђξ arid North, Ãήϑ in between all these lay a vast pantheon of gods. Every tribe believed in theirs Ãήϑ in all of †ђξ Niger area all was at Spiritual peace. Until there came a camel rider from †ђξ desert Ãήϑ †ђξ religion of Islam was introduced τ̲̅ȍ this soil. Unlike †ђξ previous religions practiced in this land, this Islam spelt boldly that all other gods were false Ãήϑ their followers infidel Ãήϑ wrong. It proclaimed that whosoever followed †ђξ God of Islam was set for an Afterlife of paradise Ãήϑ those who didn't were destined for †ђξ Sheol. †ђξ people who heard this message were angered but soon enough †ђξ new religion caught on, (especially after a war was waged on its behalf), Ãήϑ all was at rest.
But not for very long.
Across †ђξ sea came another group, on iron camels[ships], this time around. These ones where whiteskinned Ãήϑ they brought a religion called Christianity Ãήϑ †ђξ god was called Jesus. This religion advocated †ђξ non-existence Ãήϑ complete powerlessness of †ђξ ancient gods, Ãήϑ it demanded that all follow its path. According τ̲̅ȍ Christian God, if you did not believe Ãήϑ spread this gospel, you will burn in Hellfire etc etc. As usual, †ђξ people did not follow completely, until there was a war, Ãήϑ they were knocked into that religion.
Ãήϑ thus began an era of religious bigotry, where men who once lived together in harmonious peace now sought τ̲̅ȍ convert their fellow brothers τ̲̅ȍ their religion, desperate Ãήϑ ready τ̲̅ȍ use force where necessary. In a classic example of a tug of war by evenly matched sides, †ђξ rope which was Nigeria tore in two.
Two, but not half.
Welcome τ̲̅ȍ Nigeria in †ђξ latter end of 2011, †ђξ land of bigotry Ãήϑ a welcome example of a country hanging by a thread. †ђξ people have all taken their places Ãήϑ †ђξ citizenry lies divided between a number of religious groups, with †ђξ majority Ãήϑ definitely most volatile being shared between †ђξ God of Islam Ãήϑ †ђξ Christian God. In †ђξ schools Ãήϑ Universities, †ђξ centres of learning, †ђξ very place where one would have expected more logical points of view, students are persuaded τ̲̅ȍ join one of †ђξ two major groups. Ãήϑ so it Ȋ̝̊̅§ , in †ђξ markets, †ђξ shops, †ђξ offices, in buses Ãήϑ on planes, †ђξ proselytizing goes on Ãήϑ we are constantly being sold one or †ђξ other brand of religion, while that which should bind us Ãήϑ National unity goes down †ђξ drain τ̲̅ȍ rest in an archive of lost hope Ãήϑ diminished glory.
When asked of a student Pastor, what he would do if a traditional worshipper walked into his class, he replied, "I will take up a cane Ãήϑ flog him out". What amazes Ȋ̝̊̅§ that, †ђξ Pastor sees nothing wrong in that. In a fit of righteousness, he throws away his sensibilities Ãήϑ †ђξ onus τ̲̅ȍ protect GOD-given freedom Ãήϑ takes upon a pseudo-mantle of punisher. What stupidity!
Ãήϑ now, I wonder, were things not better before these bigotry gods came?
Just saying...
That done, let's move on.
When we take a look down †ђξ halls of history, Ãήϑ we picture the wars fought on †ђξ great plains; Elba, Stalingrad, Carthage, Little Horn, †ђξ streets of Biafra, we picture bloodsoaked streets Ãήϑ bodies of men Ãήϑ women Ãήϑ children, littered everywhere as far as †ђξ eye can see. We imagine †ђξ foulest stench upon †ђξ air; †ђξ smell of corpses Ãήϑ blood Ãήϑ Death. In our minds we bemoan these battles Ãήϑ we curse this waste of human life Ãήϑ we wonder at †ђξ folly behind it all.
There Ȋ̝̊̅§ little knowledge of obvious fact, that †ђξ greatest of all these battles, †ђξ most violent, †ђξ most determining Ȋ̝̊̅§ that which has for ages been fought in †ђξ minds of man. †ђξ Battle of Mind Ãήϑ Religion.
Religion Ȋ̝̊̅§ †ђξ belief in †ђξ existence of a Supreme Power which governs †ђξ affairs of Man Ãήϑ †ђξ world. Man, as †ђξ social Ãήϑ cultural being that he Ȋ̝̊̅§ , has Religion intrinsically woven into †ђξ very fabric of his being. Every man believes in a Power (whether it be Allah, GOD, Zeus or †ђξ Mighty Atom), Ãήϑ this should never be counted against him. Where †ђξ problem lies Ãήϑ where it must be confronted Ȋ̝̊̅§ in †ђξ fanaticism or bigotry associated with these beliefs.
In †ђξ state of Nigeria (more than a couple of years ago), existed tribes Ãήϑ peoples, various 'nations' spanning from †ђξ Southern riverine areas over †ђξ mountains τ̲̅ȍ †ђξ arid North, Ãήϑ in between all these lay a vast pantheon of gods. Every tribe believed in theirs Ãήϑ in all of †ђξ Niger area all was at Spiritual peace. Until there came a camel rider from †ђξ desert Ãήϑ †ђξ religion of Islam was introduced τ̲̅ȍ this soil. Unlike †ђξ previous religions practiced in this land, this Islam spelt boldly that all other gods were false Ãήϑ their followers infidel Ãήϑ wrong. It proclaimed that whosoever followed †ђξ God of Islam was set for an Afterlife of paradise Ãήϑ those who didn't were destined for †ђξ Sheol. †ђξ people who heard this message were angered but soon enough †ђξ new religion caught on, (especially after a war was waged on its behalf), Ãήϑ all was at rest.
But not for very long.
Across †ђξ sea came another group, on iron camels[ships], this time around. These ones where whiteskinned Ãήϑ they brought a religion called Christianity Ãήϑ †ђξ god was called Jesus. This religion advocated †ђξ non-existence Ãήϑ complete powerlessness of †ђξ ancient gods, Ãήϑ it demanded that all follow its path. According τ̲̅ȍ Christian God, if you did not believe Ãήϑ spread this gospel, you will burn in Hellfire etc etc. As usual, †ђξ people did not follow completely, until there was a war, Ãήϑ they were knocked into that religion.
Ãήϑ thus began an era of religious bigotry, where men who once lived together in harmonious peace now sought τ̲̅ȍ convert their fellow brothers τ̲̅ȍ their religion, desperate Ãήϑ ready τ̲̅ȍ use force where necessary. In a classic example of a tug of war by evenly matched sides, †ђξ rope which was Nigeria tore in two.
Two, but not half.
Welcome τ̲̅ȍ Nigeria in †ђξ latter end of 2011, †ђξ land of bigotry Ãήϑ a welcome example of a country hanging by a thread. †ђξ people have all taken their places Ãήϑ †ђξ citizenry lies divided between a number of religious groups, with †ђξ majority Ãήϑ definitely most volatile being shared between †ђξ God of Islam Ãήϑ †ђξ Christian God. In †ђξ schools Ãήϑ Universities, †ђξ centres of learning, †ђξ very place where one would have expected more logical points of view, students are persuaded τ̲̅ȍ join one of †ђξ two major groups. Ãήϑ so it Ȋ̝̊̅§ , in †ђξ markets, †ђξ shops, †ђξ offices, in buses Ãήϑ on planes, †ђξ proselytizing goes on Ãήϑ we are constantly being sold one or †ђξ other brand of religion, while that which should bind us Ãήϑ National unity goes down †ђξ drain τ̲̅ȍ rest in an archive of lost hope Ãήϑ diminished glory.
When asked of a student Pastor, what he would do if a traditional worshipper walked into his class, he replied, "I will take up a cane Ãήϑ flog him out". What amazes Ȋ̝̊̅§ that, †ђξ Pastor sees nothing wrong in that. In a fit of righteousness, he throws away his sensibilities Ãήϑ †ђξ onus τ̲̅ȍ protect GOD-given freedom Ãήϑ takes upon a pseudo-mantle of punisher. What stupidity!
Ãήϑ now, I wonder, were things not better before these bigotry gods came?
Just saying...
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