Culture and social values on religion

Concept of religion

Religion may be defined as one's belief, practice and rituals pertaining the worship of God, a god, gods, a supernatural being or a controlling force.

Religion also refers to the existence of a supreme being who is believed to have created the universe and all it contains. Such supreme being is termed God.

Please read on the sovereignty of God here.

Religion is often practiced in institutions or organizations. These are termed religious institutions (or religious organizations). Examples of religious institutions include the church, mosque, synagogue, temple, shrine and so on. The point is: 'they are primarily used for religious worship of God or gods'.

Please read the introduction to culture and its components here.

Types of Religion

Below are the various types of religion:

• Christianity

Christianity is a religion that professes the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Worshippers in christianity are expected to behave like Christ, and are thus called Christians.

Christianity as a religion (and a way of life) is anchored on Jesus, the basis of Love. In fact, Jesus summarised the ten commandments into two. These are: 'the love of God, and love of neighbor'.

Please read more on the parable of the prodigal son here.

The holy bible is considered the official christian religious book. Christians worship on sundays, pointing towards the day of Jesus' resurrection.

The name 'Jesus' means Saviour while 'Christ' means Annoited. Jesus performed numerous miracles, preached the good news, and eventually urged his followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit. In this regard, Christianity is often considered the most populous religion, with the greatest number of followers worldwide.

You can read on Jesus' teaching on forgiveness here.

• Islam

Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Allah is worshipped as the one true God here.

Just as the word Islam signify 'submission' or 'surrender,' its faithful are expected surrender to the divine will of Allah. Islam is the religion revealed through Prophet Mohammed in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Prophet Mohammed, a messenger of Allah is considered as the last of his prophets.

You can read on values and norms here.

The major day of Islamic worship is friday, and the Qur’an holds the teachings of the Muslims. Below are the pillars of islamic worship:

1. Muslims believe that there is only one God and prophet Mohammed is his messenger.

2. Muslims faithfuls pray five times a day.

3. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is crucial.

4. Giving alms to the poor is very important.

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime is of significance.

Please read on the supremacy of God here.

• African Traditional Religion (ATR):

As the name implies, African Traditional Religion (ATR) refers to the original traditional beliefs and practices of the various people of Africa, before they were colonized, and introduced to other religions.

However, ATR is still practiced in various parts of Africa today. In this religion, one or more gods are worshipped. These gods include:

• Sango - god of thunder, lightening and justice.

• Amadioha - god of justice, thunder and lightening.

• Esu (or Eshu) - trickster god.

• Ogun - god of iron, warriors, hunters, blacksmiths, and technologists. It is considered a god of battle.

• Osun - god of water, purity, fertility and love.

• Obatala - god of wisdom and creativity.

• Anyanwu - sun goddess of good fortune.

• Ala - god of morality and creativity.

• Bunzi - goddess of rain, and represented as a serpent water spirit.

• Abuk - mother to the god of rain and fertility.

• Gleti - moon and star goddess.

• Olokun - god of the seas.

You can read on the biblical account of creation here.

Note: African traditional religion forbids evil practices such as adultery, theft, murder, and other forms of wickedness. These gods can become cruel to offenders, and even the land where the offences are perpetrated.

Please read more on 'the gods are not to blame' here.

Apart from the above mentioned religion, other forms of religion include:

• Judaism

• Hinduism

• Atheism

• Buddhism

• Polytheism

• Jainism

• Sikhism

• Rastafari

• Chinese folk religion

• Indian religions

Please read on the biblical account of first human disobedience here.

Names of God by tribes in Nigeria

Nigeria is generally a religious country with numerous churches and mosques in all regions. In this regard, each tribe has a unique name for the sovereign God, the creator of heaven and earth. They are listed below:

• The Yorubas call God 'Olorun or Olodumare,' which is translated as the Almighty.

• The Igbos call God 'Chukwu', which means the force that precedes other forces. They also call God 'Chineke.'

• The Hausas call God 'Ubangidi', meaning 'the only supreme being.'

• The Edo people call God 'Osanobwa', which means 'the mighty being who gives sustenance to the universe.'

• The Efik people call God 'Abasi or Edidem'. This implies 'the God who direct the universe from heaven.'

• The Ijaw call God 'Tamara' which translates as 'He who creates'. They also call him Ayiba, meaning 'the creator and maker of souls.'

• The Urhobos call God 'Oghene', signifying 'the one whom the multitude must listen to whenever he speaks'.

Please read on the attributes of God here.

Functions of religious institutions

1. They teach the word of God and his commands.

2. They promote love, peace, and unity among their members and nonmembers.

3. They teach the consequences of evil, discouraging their members from pertaking in it.

4. In some cases, religious institutions may perform miracles on illnesses and diseases.

5. Religious institutions strongly teach on faith, encouraging their members to trust completely in God.

6. They always promote charity.

7. Sacrifices and rituals are offered to God in religious institutions.

8. Religious institutions provide explanations to some of the issues and mysteries of life.

You can read why suffering and pain exists here.

With regard to the above explanations, religious institutions will generally forbid sin, encourage the holiness of its members, declare the incomprehensible mercy of God to the people, teach members to submit to God's will, and preach about the afterlife.