Religion is part of our culture - Bishop Akwasi Sarpong

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Ekow Arthur 12 years ago

The Archbishop operates more as an anthropoligist (which he is) than a theologian. A critical reading of the Hebrew and Greek scriptures clearly offers the concept of monotheism. The works of Wofa Akwasi always caters to ever ...
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The Archbishop operates more as an anthropoligist (which he is) than a theologian. A critical reading of the Hebrew and Greek scriptures clearly offers the concept of monotheism. The works of Wofa Akwasi always caters to everyone. So why is he a Catholic and no a Tigare or Akonode priest. I have a lot of respect for him as an anthropologist but his religious views are neither Jewish nor Christian. It is painful to hear him say he is an African Christian.
KAFUI KAETOZENA 12 years ago

He is catholic because, like many of us we have been brainwashed for far too long, and it is not going to go away any time soon! Five years or so ago, the British queen went to a Buddhist temple by removing her shoes! She nev ...
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He is catholic because, like many of us we have been brainwashed for far too long, and it is not going to go away any time soon! Five years or so ago, the British queen went to a Buddhist temple by removing her shoes! She never told them they are "fetish"! She appreciates their value system,and indeed their religion! So long as we still have these foreign religious groups on our soil, dominating our airwaves and lives, the mental slavery is bound to go on for the next 300 years!
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GTV-TV3 on WWW.OFMTV.COM 12 years ago

every show or NEWS LIVE FROM GHANA ON TV3, TV AFRICA, GTV, ADOM TV AND
OVER 7500 TV - RADIO CHANNELS FREE ONLINE AT WWW.OFMTV.COM

every show or NEWS LIVE FROM GHANA ON TV3, TV AFRICA, GTV, ADOM TV AND
OVER 7500 TV - RADIO CHANNELS FREE ONLINE AT WWW.OFMTV.COM
Guy Mmoasem 12 years ago

There was time when humans lived in caves and hunted animals and ate wild fruits.Some humans still live in caves in Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as the Southern Sudan.This book should make interesting reading in exposing ...
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There was time when humans lived in caves and hunted animals and ate wild fruits.Some humans still live in caves in Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as the Southern Sudan.This book should make interesting reading in exposing how backward modern science
explains human societies and body of knowledge shared collectively, myth or scientific. The use of print science to document and preserve cultures are not different from oral transmissions; it is work of the human brain.All societies have been guided by some form of intellectual property plus technological inventions.Witchcraft is a universal
belief system not limited to Africans;same as belief in God,Allah or Onyame. It is perverted eurocentric
scholarship that belittles African intellectual thought. The choice is to believe or not believe.The same so-called scholars never questioned belief systems of animals that have same survival instincts as man.The present anthropological narratives on humans,creation and evolution are very interesting. How do we know so much and yet remain superstitious and iignorant? I do not think this book breaks new ground on religion,social studies/anthropology and neuro-science. Humans are socio-determinist
beings and religion does not contribute to the scientic revolution propelling societies forward.It is sad
see 3million people milling in Brazil Copa Cabana Beach staging these rituals of religious absurdity to an unknown God.
ELINAM 12 years ago

If the Japanese had colonized Ghana, do you think you by your own power would had been a christian and feels that's all to religion? No, you would have had the same zeal an islamists have in say, a Nigerian in Kano or Malia ...
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If the Japanese had colonized Ghana, do you think you by your own power would had been a christian and feels that's all to religion? No, you would have had the same zeal an islamists have in say, a Nigerian in Kano or Malian as a result of Arab conquest, and proclaim the Buddha as the only way.
THINK FOR A MOMENT.
All conquered people practice the religions of their masters. The difference between you and a Malian is not because you are specially designed to magically see and understand Jesus as the only way, no, it's because of different masters. Europeans for you and the Arabs for the Malians. All succeeded in controlling you and your resources and therefore unable you to fully develop yourself. Please don't tell me you're educated. Educated by whose standard.?
Nicholas J Bedzo 12 years ago

Keep quiet about somebody cultures,if
you go Rom, do as Romans do.

Keep quiet about somebody cultures,if
you go Rom, do as Romans do.
Nicholas J Bedzo 12 years ago

This controvacy is hatched by Satan
and the various cultures are his
children they not set by God.Let us
be careful about talking about Nature,
mind your own Business.

This controvacy is hatched by Satan
and the various cultures are his
children they not set by God.Let us
be careful about talking about Nature,
mind your own Business.
Musa Kano 12 years ago

Eclecticism (a theory or practice that combines doctrines or methods from diverse sources) has never been a viable option for God's people in the bible. Our uniqueness as God's people is seen in the provisions he (God) has ...
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Eclecticism (a theory or practice that combines doctrines or methods from diverse sources) has never been a viable option for God's people in the bible. Our uniqueness as God's people is seen in the provisions he (God) has made so that his people can correctly represent him in his word, and his character (the law, the transcription of his character as revealed in Christ, Rom 10:4)

“We have to accept the plurality of religions,” he said. Why? Tolerate other religions as part of the Ghanaian culture, maybe? To be eclectic in my choices that I do "not see the difference between" my "beliefs about God and what Christianity says" is to misrepresent Christ, a compromise of my faith.

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (Ephesians 4:14).

Let's not forget that the first sermon preached (in Eden) to Eve was a form of temptation by Satan, and the aim of the temptation was for Eve to see God's revealed word from a different perspective-- his (satanic) viewpoint.
Note God's commandment and, Satan's contradiction of God's word:

"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die"
(Genesis 2:17).

"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:4-5).

God knows the numerous tactics the enemy will use for us to accept alternate views about our faith, but we need not be deceived (Matthew 24:4).

"And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:19-20).

Only a partnership with Christ will
help us to correctly represent him in the Ghanaian culture.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (2 Corinthians 6:16).

TDK tape 12 years ago

Who wrote the bible, and which culture was the context based on? Bible is not for us, Religion and culture cannot be separated. Christianity is based on a foreign culture. The great stupids will never get over the generations ...
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Who wrote the bible, and which culture was the context based on? Bible is not for us, Religion and culture cannot be separated. Christianity is based on a foreign culture. The great stupids will never get over the generations of brainwashing. Islam is equally FOREIGN to us.
Musa Kano 12 years ago

I agree with you that Christianity is a foreign culture, mainly Jewish. "for salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22b).

Who is the power behind Christianity?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten S ...
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I agree with you that Christianity is a foreign culture, mainly Jewish. "for salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22b).

Who is the power behind Christianity?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-6).

What power is behind traditional religion in Ghana?

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2).
ELINAM 12 years ago

Christianity for jews? Boy you are lost. The so-called jew is not a christian. Know that. He practices judhaism . Christianity is a religion formed by Europeans.

Christianity for jews? Boy you are lost. The so-called jew is not a christian. Know that. He practices judhaism . Christianity is a religion formed by Europeans.
Jhorna 12 years ago

Elinam, NPP needs to come to power so we can have free JSS!

Elinam, NPP needs to come to power so we can have free JSS!
Musa Kano 12 years ago

(Joh 1:11,26; 7:28). For salvation is from the Jews (hoti hê sôtêria ek tôn Ioudaiôn estin). "The salvation," the Messianic salvation which had long been the hope and guiding star of the chosen people (Lu 1:69,71,77; Ac ...
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(Joh 1:11,26; 7:28). For salvation is from the Jews (hoti hê sôtêria ek tôn Ioudaiôn estin). "The salvation," the Messianic salvation which had long been the hope and guiding star of the chosen people (Lu 1:69,71,77; Ac 13:26,47). It was for the whole world (Joh 3:17), but it comes "out of" (ek) the Jews. This tremendous fact should never be forgotten, however unworthy the Jews may have proved of their privilege. The Messiah, God's Son, was a Jew.

Source: A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures/ John 4:22.
KOMFO ANOYE 12 years ago

RELIGION IS POLITICS AND MAN MADE. CHRISTIANITY IS A FOREIGN DOCTRINE.

RELIGION IS POLITICS AND MAN MADE. CHRISTIANITY IS A FOREIGN DOCTRINE.
Asemoooo 12 years ago

The bible is for us and it is about us. Read Deut 28 about the blessing and curses then compare with recent history then you'll know who it's talking about. not the so-called jew-sh people. For they say they are jews but are ...
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The bible is for us and it is about us. Read Deut 28 about the blessing and curses then compare with recent history then you'll know who it's talking about. not the so-called jew-sh people. For they say they are jews but are not; they are of the synagogue of satan.
Ken Ntiamoa 12 years ago

God is God and you know Him and worship him whether you are a Christian or not.

God is known by different names by diffrent cultures around the word.

If the Jews call God Yahweh and people in my village call him by some ...
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God is God and you know Him and worship him whether you are a Christian or not.

God is known by different names by diffrent cultures around the word.

If the Jews call God Yahweh and people in my village call him by some other name, does that matter?

Will God say that you did not call me Yahweh so you are hell-bound?

I don't believe so?

Ken
VOLUNTORY CONTRIBUTOR 12 years ago

Yes it matters how you call God. As I have said it before you do not need to recall yahweh or jehovah again in the days of Jesus Christ the name that give new direction to God. All christians should use Jesus Christ instead t ...
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Yes it matters how you call God. As I have said it before you do not need to recall yahweh or jehovah again in the days of Jesus Christ the name that give new direction to God. All christians should use Jesus Christ instead to one accord and the narrow correct way.After all we in A.D. Very important. Judaism was there and christ came for them to kill him.

In fact Jesus Christ said to his father almighty to forgive the Roman soldiers because they did not know what they were doing, but to the scribes an, pharasees or jewish leaders he scorned them.They were suppose to know better, because the prophets of Isaiah others talked about before his coming. Some of the priest prophecied on his behalf, then rejected him when he arrived, because he was not to their expectations. They wanted a combat warrier like King David.

The phrase, Lion of Juda come to mind.His mother Mary was from the tribe of Juda the warriers of the jews.That was Jesus before coming to be born again. When he was born again he became lamb of God.
VOLUNTORY CONTRIBUTOR 12 years ago

This is where born agains got their lambhood from. We become lamb of God through Jesus Christ, because Jesus is the lamb of GOD DIRECTLY.

bIN lADEN IS LAMB BY HIMSELF PUNISHING OTHERS OF THEIR INFEDELITY. Where did he got ...
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This is where born agains got their lambhood from. We become lamb of God through Jesus Christ, because Jesus is the lamb of GOD DIRECTLY.

bIN lADEN IS LAMB BY HIMSELF PUNISHING OTHERS OF THEIR INFEDELITY. Where did he got his powers from, atleast not from Jesus Christ to kill 3000 people because of their sins.

VOLUNTORY CONTRIBUTOR 12 years ago

I am not alquaeda to be part of 9/11 act.
I am not USA citizen, not a military person. JUST BECAUSE OF MY SKIN COLOR i have to be the dark in revelation 13, which talks about superpowers.

Iam born again christian, yet the ...
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I am not alquaeda to be part of 9/11 act.
I am not USA citizen, not a military person. JUST BECAUSE OF MY SKIN COLOR i have to be the dark in revelation 13, which talks about superpowers.

Iam born again christian, yet the usa is telling people I am the one against Jesus Christ.
Anti-christ is the satan against anything Jesus Christ.If a person does accept the authority of Christ Jesus, why do they worry, when they are call anti-christ? If you tell me Iam anti-bush, I will laugh because his faith authority I do not accept and I am not going deny that anywhere.
Till Zion 12 years ago

Right on, Kafui!!

Right on, Kafui!!
The African Patriot 12 years ago

Well done, my brother. I´m very much happy to see people evaluating the mess of christianity in our mith.
The soul of black African people went to the dog and it seems like it not gonna end soon. We have a wonderful religio ...
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Well done, my brother. I´m very much happy to see people evaluating the mess of christianity in our mith.
The soul of black African people went to the dog and it seems like it not gonna end soon. We have a wonderful religion practising, in whom we do believe and trust till today, but rather unfortunate christianity is even worshipped by our brainwashed elites. Just because the chiefs who have to protect our culture and tradition as well as religion found donations in becoming pastors, reverends, bischops, arc-bischops, etc. They have completely refused to offer the need one social assistance so it the so called christians who have to this opportunity to rape the people's mind and pocket.

Unless we are not able to manage our own affairs never ever will an African be freed from his or her mental slavery.

We have completely forgot that, they came and raped, beat, killed, slaved and exploited everything we have and us. No one seems to remember anymore...!
Guy Mmoasem 12 years ago

When Anthropologists look at culture
via belief systems,the causality factor is more scientific than the metaphysical explanations rooted in ignorace. I have not read the book but the euro-centric cultural imperialistic appr ...
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When Anthropologists look at culture
via belief systems,the causality factor is more scientific than the metaphysical explanations rooted in ignorace. I have not read the book but the euro-centric cultural imperialistic approach to philoso-phical interpretation and analysis are bias. Scientific discoveries and new ideas have shattered myths of creation and power of Gods/Allah. The world can do without religion!! What God do cows believe in and worship?This is how man's belief in Gog is sham and reinforced mythology. Did God invent the computer,car,plane or the telephone? Basic survival instinct
caused humans to adapt to environment.
For religion to claim that the survival instinct is art of God is plain nonsense!! Humans need food, clean water,clothing,shelter,survival health education etc. Scientific inventions feed cultural revolutions that modernise and advance civil-ization. Hold on to backward myths and
useless ideas retard progress in Ghana.
TDK Tape 12 years ago

"his religious views are neither Jewish nor Christian"

That is the whole point. He subscribes to PLURALITY of religions. Archbishop Sarpong is one of few select, top intellectuals in the country, and the best indepemdent t ...
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"his religious views are neither Jewish nor Christian"

That is the whole point. He subscribes to PLURALITY of religions. Archbishop Sarpong is one of few select, top intellectuals in the country, and the best indepemdent thinker. He would have been a great president, had he chosen politics for a career.
kululu 12 years ago

The Archbishop is a great man. he holds lots of knowledge and wisdom but in silence. His utterances are not for mass consumption but for the soul searching intellectual few.

The Archbishop is a great man. he holds lots of knowledge and wisdom but in silence. His utterances are not for mass consumption but for the soul searching intellectual few.
praying man 12 years ago

God bless our homeland Ghana. And make our nation great and strong.

God bless our homeland Ghana. And make our nation great and strong.
Guy Mmoasem 12 years ago

Religion in any form of practice has mythical origins. The Talmud/Torah's narrative of humans and a Creator is a great creative invention of human mind.We have been told of others belief cultures while the Ghanaian and Africa ...
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Religion in any form of practice has mythical origins. The Talmud/Torah's narrative of humans and a Creator is a great creative invention of human mind.We have been told of others belief cultures while the Ghanaian and African versions are rediculed or marginalised. A book review will bring out the substantive issues for scholarly critique. Since this work is not scientific but personal opinion
of Bishop Sarpong,many will not agree
with the subjective narrative. Witch-craft does not build hospitals or provide technology for an automobile.
Female Circumcission is barbaric and painful;it does not increase food production. Pouring libation/prayers is not a technology for highway construction or product engineering.
Religion is a lazy uninventive crap that retards human progress. To be an Anglican,Catholic,Mormom,Jehova Witness,Budhist,Free Will,Atheist, Traditionalist,Scientologist,Snake Charmer etc is indicative of religious
traditions of human civilization. The question is religious relevance to human development,freedom,democracy and socio-economic justice. Human societies are not kingdoms of God so religions are diversionary from pursuit and focus of national liberation struggles. The champions of human prosperity by way of religion are God's Thieves and con-men!!.
ELINAM 12 years ago

You are mixing everything here. People who pour libation can build roads if they are taught right to think for themselves.
To dig for gold and turn it into an ornament is a technology. And the African had done this very we ...
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You are mixing everything here. People who pour libation can build roads if they are taught right to think for themselves.
To dig for gold and turn it into an ornament is a technology. And the African had done this very well while pouring libations.There are many beautiful bronze head of kings and noble men from the Benin kingdom in the British museums and all over Europe, google it. Beautiful ornaments from the Asante kingdom, and GREAT KINGDOMS built by Mansa Musa in the old ancient Ghana. The great Zimbabwe kingdoms were built as well as the great Kush kingdoms that preceded ancient Kemet/Egypt by 3500 years. All these were done by the African while pouring libations and offering sacrifices to the ancestors.
No forms of religion is superior to another. This even the pope and all whites who have now realized they 're dead wrong on deeming others inferior based on their local cultures.
The right education is what will get us out of ignorance and get us out there to roll off our sleeves and get busy with the road and bridge constructions regardless of which stone we pray to.
Steve Jobb of Apple fame was once a buddhist and latter on an atheist - no religion man- but the education and the environment he was nurtured made the difference and the rest is history.
The African Patriot 12 years ago

Mr. Elinam! Although am not fully one with argumentation, i still want to thank you for the education you are giving us through your reasons. But what thing is very clear or unclear or uncommunicated is, If one does not have ...
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Mr. Elinam! Although am not fully one with argumentation, i still want to thank you for the education you are giving us through your reasons. But what thing is very clear or unclear or uncommunicated is, If one does not have a proper culture and trandition in whom he trust and obey can one generate a society that is fit enough to create infrastructure and even invent something?

It is educated that civilization starts from Africa, but the question here is, where does it end?

The west, Europeans, who brought the bible to Africa are even leaving their churches to concentrate on their education of their children while their churches are getting empty.

I will just try to throw lights on the followings: I do believe that before one can advance to invent something easier, one needs to think, learn, sleep and dream about it and then put it into practise.
If one is practising someones religion and culture as well as tradition, how long does it take us to master the culture, tradtions and religions of the enforcer before we will understand to create our own?

I´m afraid, we will not make it. I suggest to concentrate on our own. This is the only gateway for us.

Thanks for your interesting points!

Asiwome 12 years ago

I have a problem with people who think that technology has all the answers. We all know what industrialization has done. According to reports 47% of Americans are on some form of government assistance. We need religion to hel ...
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I have a problem with people who think that technology has all the answers. We all know what industrialization has done. According to reports 47% of Americans are on some form of government assistance. We need religion to help us sort out what is important and what isn't. The problem is not with religion, it is the human soul that needs direction because interpretation of our world occurrences as scripture is often based on worldview. By the way humanism could just as easily be described as a religion.
hawwa 12 years ago

who is more guided some one who belives that there is something for the creation of the universe or some one who dont believe.

who is more guided some one who belives that there is something for the creation of the universe or some one who dont believe.
Asiwome 12 years ago

Someone is either trying to make trouble for the bishop or sell us moral relativism. The Bible has no room for relativism, those who satisfy their whims without regard to the laws of God are destroyed.

Someone is either trying to make trouble for the bishop or sell us moral relativism. The Bible has no room for relativism, those who satisfy their whims without regard to the laws of God are destroyed.
ELINAM 12 years ago

Ekow ,go read my comment under similar headline.
If the Japanese had colonized us, wouldn't you had been a buddhist and proclaimed the buddha as the only way? Do you think you could have been a so-called christian by your ...
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Ekow ,go read my comment under similar headline.
If the Japanese had colonized us, wouldn't you had been a buddhist and proclaimed the buddha as the only way? Do you think you could have been a so-called christian by your own insight and some magical powers?
The difference between you and a Malian is that of two different conquering masters. The Arab and his islam for the Malian and the European and christianity for the you. All these masters have one thing in common, to control and enslave you and plonder your wealth of which both did and continue to do very well.
If the queen of england comes to you today and tells you they had been all wrong on changing you to a christian, you will fight her for not knowing the truth, and that would tell how damaged we have now become. Totally lost.

All conquering powers bring along their own tradition and religion to the conquered as a way to justify their take-over of a territory they knew by universal moral guidelines they're violating.
mensah 12 years ago

Monotheism does not mean ethnic monopoly of religion, whether the particular ethnicity is european or jewish.

Monotheism does not mean ethnic monopoly of religion, whether the particular ethnicity is european or jewish.
ghanaba 12 years ago

where in the bible did God advocate for female circumcision? you guys must stop your bla bla bla. stop infuriating us for God in his wisdom, has given us a wonderful pope. keep quiet, empty vessels and let God use him to brin ...
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where in the bible did God advocate for female circumcision? you guys must stop your bla bla bla. stop infuriating us for God in his wisdom, has given us a wonderful pope. keep quiet, empty vessels and let God use him to bring HIS church back to its place, the very centre of the village.
Jesus established his church for eternity, and God is timeless, and will definitely blot out all this filth.
Monthy Python 12 years ago

It doesn't make any sense, illogical thoughts in many things. Africans are totally confused; been enslaved in their human resources (slaved traded), mental enslavement (still not aware of who there are) and still living in th ...
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It doesn't make any sense, illogical thoughts in many things. Africans are totally confused; been enslaved in their human resources (slaved traded), mental enslavement (still not aware of who there are) and still living in the most great hallucination delusion which has been sell to them: RELIGION, GOD, JESUS CHRIST and the CHURCH which is the EVIL itself they are following ( CONSCIOUSNESS ENSLAVEMENT ).
Nana Bawuah 12 years ago

When did Christians start practice male circumcision? This is a tradition of the Akan (Hebrew-Aramaic) folk. Upon all our stolen religious culture and civilization of us, they (Western Christianity and the Western World) stil ...
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When did Christians start practice male circumcision? This is a tradition of the Akan (Hebrew-Aramaic) folk. Upon all our stolen religious culture and civilization of us, they (Western Christianity and the Western World) still have the audacity to tell us they are the civilized ones, even though, they are still living at the expense of our civilization just under a different name, believing we will ever remain blind.

How dare you to describe any other religion than Christianity as demonic? Is Buddhaism demonic? Is Daoism demonic? Is Hindusim demonic? Is Islam demonic? Is Judaism demonic? If not, why are you considering African traditional religious belief or ancient indigenous beliefs in general as demonic? I wonder when Christians will stop claiming hegemony over all other religions.

Christians do make sacrifices, during any holy communion they are drinking the blood of Jesus Christ.The Latin word sacrificium, ‘sacrifice’, is derived from sacrum facere, "to make holy". In Catholic liturgy, to make something holy is to set it apart by "consecration". The Christians use this word for the central moment of the Mass when the priest says the words of Jesus Christ at the Last Supper over the bread and wine in front of an altar. There do exist various occult symbols and items, on top of it the legend of the holy grail. Christianity its by his history one of the cruelest religions.How many people have died in the name of Christ, Christianity and Catholicism? Thousands and millions were killed, who refused to accept Christianity and their holy places being destroyed.Entire cities had been wiped out in the name of Christianity. Not to mention the numerous religious wars i.e. Catholic extermination camps,Catholic terror in Vietnam,Rwanda Massacres (where the catholic church had been actively involved) of course it does not end there, it goes on with the killings of Indians in South America etc.

If one really has a problem with his/her own culture, then he must stop practising it! That person must stop in performing Akan naming ceremonies, stop conducting funerals in the Akan fashion, stop pouring libation, stop engaging in Akan festivals such as Akwasidae, stop the practise of customary marriages, even stop bearing an Akan soul/day names, since they have a spiritual connection to the cosmology of the Akan people. They must also avoid praising Nyame/Nyankopon since this is how the Akans referred to their creator.They must stop practising all aspects of their culture.One cannot say I embrace my culture, but I reject the spiritual aspect of it. This is not possible, one does not exist without the other.
Monthy Python 12 years ago

Also the white race was for a long term duped from their leaders. Now Earth humanity consciousness is awaken seeking for the real truth, but for the mass it will take some decades to realize the real truth about the God insan ...
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Also the white race was for a long term duped from their leaders. Now Earth humanity consciousness is awaken seeking for the real truth, but for the mass it will take some decades to realize the real truth about the God insanity delusion with their so called holy scriptures.
Frank Agyena-Karikari 12 years ago

Nana, just ignore them because they have been so much brainwashed that nothing that you say can convince them.
I am a Christian but also believe that African Traditional Religion should not be looked down upon. After all, i ...
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Nana, just ignore them because they have been so much brainwashed that nothing that you say can convince them.
I am a Christian but also believe that African Traditional Religion should not be looked down upon. After all, it teaches what Islam and Christianity also teach.
Many people do not know that people have been arrested tortured murdered and even go to war in the name of Christianity. How was Catholicism spread in South America? Was it not either one chooses the Bible or the gun? Did Christians not spread chicken pox among Indians so that the lands of Indians can be taken? Nana, you even forgot to mention the Crusades. Some honest Earlier Europeans missionaries like Rattray were quick to admit that Traditional African Religion is older than Christianity and must be respected. Sometimes I feel sad for Christians, especially ministers who teach that only Christians can be saved. They don't even admit that our Traditional religion is monotheistic.
VOLUNTORY CONTRIBUTOR 12 years ago

The Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi, Emeritus Peter Akwasi Sarpong, is advocating for the acceptance of plurality of religions, saying “religion is part of our culture otherwise it is not a religion.”

Look at his dressin ...
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The Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi, Emeritus Peter Akwasi Sarpong, is advocating for the acceptance of plurality of religions, saying “religion is part of our culture otherwise it is not a religion.”

Look at his dressing, where does that come from? Africa? Yes religion exist, but don't make that Christianity of Christ Jesus. It is something else. So far as you keep it that way for those who want to accept to accept. Don't push your unbiblical act of New Testament on people like me, what ever I want to do with life.

I will never accept your stupid clothing as a way my Lord Jesus Christ and his Salvation missions on earth. Let those who want to follow your shepherdhood do so. Compredez.Crowns.

When we are talking about Ashanti, even Ashanti King is not much more Ashanti than me according History I know.
VOLUNTORY CONTRIBUTOR 12 years ago

Your headgear and the stick you carry is bigger than that of Moses himself and BIN LADEN'S the lamb in Rev:13.

The Lord Jesus did not carry any stick, he was free flow in his walking.

Your headgear and the stick you carry is bigger than that of Moses himself and BIN LADEN'S the lamb in Rev:13.

The Lord Jesus did not carry any stick, he was free flow in his walking.
VOLUNTORY CONTRIBUTOR 12 years ago

ANTI-CHRIST IS OPPOSING JESUS CHRIST AUTHORITY and if a person do not accept HIM why the person worry when some says the persons are anti-christ?

If some tells I am anti mohammed, I am not going to sweat about it. Anti-po ...
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ANTI-CHRIST IS OPPOSING JESUS CHRIST AUTHORITY and if a person do not accept HIM why the person worry when some says the persons are anti-christ?

If some tells I am anti mohammed, I am not going to sweat about it. Anti-pope, I will laugh to my teeth. Because it is true.
Asemoooo 12 years ago

Wow, beautifully said. Nyame Nhyira wo. U are wise!!!!

Wow, beautifully said. Nyame Nhyira wo. U are wise!!!!
SolJa 12 years ago

you sure can say anything about religion.i have no problem with that.im a much younger man than yourself,and i aint no leader.im supposed to learn from people like you so i can make myself better and the society i be better.
...
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you sure can say anything about religion.i have no problem with that.im a much younger man than yourself,and i aint no leader.im supposed to learn from people like you so i can make myself better and the society i be better.

i cant waste time and lecture a whole is it bishop or reverend,dressed just like the klu klux klan,living by a so called holy book despite his confused and immoral lifestyle.as young as i am,i know i cant say anywhere religion is part of our culture.especially being an african.religion is an organised something that was forced on us by the white man who took all the precious stones in exchange.

probably you dont understand culture,and the word itself,or you just talk before you think about what you have already said.fucking religion aint and cant ever be part of our culture.where do you belong,you lil-boys-sodomizing sheperd without flock?
its that your so called holy book,that says ' Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22 KJV), "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." (Leviticus 20:13 KJV)..this is written in the book forced on us by the white men,after they bought for a nickle,men like you who blindly believe because you are dressed like your master,you are the same.

(dont get it twisted just yet.i aint no muslim.)

now what do we hear?pope in brazil saying 'who am i to judge?if men want to fuck each other in the ass in the name of god there is no judgement for them'.the same people ooo,the same people who brianwashed us and said the book was the true and only way.they say we should let men marry men.when you come to our motherland,this is a cultural issue ma fucka.this isnt politics as usual.

every organised thing which has leadership and do anything in their power promote a particular agenda is a political party.you thought every political party contest election or dispute election results? hell no bishop.you are so unbelievable.religion is politics mr fucking bishop!we didnt know anything about politics till the white man confused(the more reason why till today we still dont know what it is and how to apply it) and divided us with it.

RELI-f**king-GION IS NOT AND WILL NEVER BE PART OF OUR CULTURE MAFUCKA!!wake up fool!
KAA 12 years ago

Religion can be defined as a deification of a culture and as such it is often geographic in nature.Name a religion and people reactivate their geographic bearings to locate the named religion.Organised religion e.g catholicis ...
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Religion can be defined as a deification of a culture and as such it is often geographic in nature.Name a religion and people reactivate their geographic bearings to locate the named religion.Organised religion e.g catholicism is practised by the clergy indoctrinating church doctrines adopted and approved by the synods and the councils of the church into the minds of the congregation especially the children below the age of six.Such doctrines are man made and have nothing to do with Gud.They are mostly instruments of mind control and in most cases illogical and that is why they require faith(believing without understanding)rather than the thought process to understand them.A case in point is the concept/doctrine of original sin(Harmatiology).According to christianity all human beings are sinners because of the sins of biblical Adam and Eve.Humanity did not tell them to commit any sin.Their sins and trangressions should be their own and nobody's since humanity were not accomplices to the purported sin in the garden.Sins are not transferable (not even within a family)so it cannot be transferred to a people of other geographic locations(europeans/semites to africans).The embracement of this doctrine by african christians is the reason why africans have lost their spiritual minds and are not thinking critically.Africans are paying dearly for accepting a doctrine not rooted in reality but is bogus.They have become victims and are going to become victimsof avery wicked and a brutal indoctrination predicated on a lie-an immaculate deception benefiting the clergy of the catholic and other mainstream churches and the so called men of God of the new and expanding charismatic churches.Christians of african churches wrongly believe that by paying tithes and giving collections to the church,they will be given salvation(soteriology).This iimaculate deception is the cause of our problems and our eventual demise.Our only hope is to begin thinking critically -something that had eluded us for quite too long.
nii 12 years ago

very sensible stuff but should have added that what we demonise today called juju is holy and godly except when used for bad things.everybody or groups mawu brings on earth,he manifests himself to.we dont need to believe in t ...
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very sensible stuff but should have added that what we demonise today called juju is holy and godly except when used for bad things.everybody or groups mawu brings on earth,he manifests himself to.we dont need to believe in the faith of the murderers of our mothers and fathers especially when its fake
Nana 12 years ago

What is your point? were all these rantings necessary? You got lost in your write up

What is your point? were all these rantings necessary? You got lost in your write up
SolJa 12 years ago

you intend to show me the way or you'll just pen one sentence?

you intend to show me the way or you'll just pen one sentence?
Christian Baidoo 12 years ago

My opinion... Unless Religion is native, it could be obliterated by culture.
Culture is dynamic and should be viewed as enhancing instead of compromising the native religion. We cannot choose to maintain our cultural values ...
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My opinion... Unless Religion is native, it could be obliterated by culture.
Culture is dynamic and should be viewed as enhancing instead of compromising the native religion. We cannot choose to maintain our cultural values and practices with an imported religion.
We either have to ‘black out’ ours and make theirs the lead or brush theirs off.
I agree with prof when he says… “You can’t come from outside and describe a custom as an outsider,”
The same way we cannot steal someone else’s culture and try to make it suit ours.
Guy Mmoasem 12 years ago

Trying to philosophize about a myth is funny to me as it reinforces the culture of ignorance visited on our African peoples.What in the world are we up to 2013 years after a DEAD MAN
called Yesus Christos? Indded some of the ...
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Trying to philosophize about a myth is funny to me as it reinforces the culture of ignorance visited on our African peoples.What in the world are we up to 2013 years after a DEAD MAN
called Yesus Christos? Indded some of the cultural attributes are PRIMITIVE and BACKWARD and have no place in todays scientific/technological era.
Education is a liberating factor in raising consciousness that reflect both historical and material dialectics. The cultures that are not burden with useless MYTHS and FAIRY TALES are modernizing with high living
standards. Look at all of Africa where
IGNORANCE,ILLITERACY and POVERTY rules
and you find beliefs in TOTAL RUBBISH!
There is power in the blood of any dead man to give material wealth or extention of life; so why are we so STUPID believing in this crap and allow GOD's THIEVES to enrich themselves peddling this nonsense of SALVATION? For lack of knowledge, our people suffer at the hands of rogue popes,bishops,pastors, and hoodlums in the name of an UNKNOWN GOD!!Knowing the truth via scientific education does confirm any RELIGION as an "Opiate for the masses". It is the height of lunatic psychological order!! i have not read the book mentioned, but knowing academically something on "culture,society and human neuroscience", human culture has locality and universality as common factor;Africans are human just like Chinese and Anglo-Saxon Brittons.
Religion is an instrument of behavior modification and tool of oppreession
tied to SLAVERY and INQUISTION. The Roman Catholic Church is a ROGUE church and has NO MORALS; it is the source of all the world's problems from the CRUSADES to present CHILD PEDOPHILES culture. Bishop Sarpong is a miseducated Ghanaian ,who has sold his SOUL to the Roman Catholic DEVIL!
Sarpong is agent of ignorance and the book does not advance the mental liberation of Ghanaians and Africans.
Wake up from and know the God's Thieves tool of extortions and mind control.Reject religion as instrument of colonization and neo-colonialism!!
KWABENA OHEMENG,LONDON. 12 years ago

A typical example is western countries support for gays and lesbians but declare polygamy as backward and illegal even though they accept that a man can marry and still have 'mistresses'.What a hypocrisy!!Anyway can't male c ...
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A typical example is western countries support for gays and lesbians but declare polygamy as backward and illegal even though they accept that a man can marry and still have 'mistresses'.What a hypocrisy!!Anyway can't male circumcision be also described as 'male mutilation'?To the whiteman african culture is always barbaric.Even our traditional names are evil:John,Mary,Grace,George are not evil.
EZEKIEL 12 years ago

Religion IS PART of our culture BUT Christianity is NOT!
We knew God BEFORE Christianity was brought to our shores!!

Religion IS PART of our culture BUT Christianity is NOT!
We knew God BEFORE Christianity was brought to our shores!!
Ghana Children Murdered by theCorrupt 12 years ago

Ok ok, do you not know that Ghanaian/black bigots are the loudest complainants about racism? Motherfucker bigots.

And why do our Sakawa "Prophets" keep accepting bribe money and other ill-gotten wealth as tithe? Why can't ...
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Ok ok, do you not know that Ghanaian/black bigots are the loudest complainants about racism? Motherfucker bigots.

And why do our Sakawa "Prophets" keep accepting bribe money and other ill-gotten wealth as tithe? Why can't they publicly say "we don't want your dirty money. Take it back where you got it". Motherfucker Sakawa "Prophets".

Oh, by the way, why are too many Ghanaians so stupid (or just greedy?!) enough to be separated from the monies by Sakawa "Prophets".

Oh, Kwame Nkrumah, please come back. your people have become a disappointment.

Nkrumah never dies.
Sekou no Kwame
Mahama no Kwame
Addo no Kwame
CPP no Kwame
NDC no Kwame
NPP no Kwame

How can Nkrumah's own people be so daft, so greedy, so bigoted ....?!

Btw, why do daft motherfuckers keep saying Sekou should talk about Egypt and not Ghana. Fuck shit idiots, who is a Ghanaian? It so hard to argue/reason with too many Ghanaians due to their momoni/totobi/koobi cognitive development.

And Mills, he was a good man who turned out to be highly gullible. He would have handed his motherland over to TBJ and other Sakawa “Prophets”.
GHFUO, BE SERIOUS NOT PRIDEFUL! 12 years ago

ARE U SAYIG THAT RACISM DOSENT EXIST? FOOL

ARE U SAYIG THAT RACISM DOSENT EXIST? FOOL
Ghana Children Murdered by theCorrupt 12 years ago

Man/woman,

I like your baby style of questioning, then concluding (before an answer comes along): "Are you say that racism doesn't exist?" Reminds me of Class 1. "Fool" reminds me of drunken louts.

Being a victim of rac ...
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Man/woman,

I like your baby style of questioning, then concluding (before an answer comes along): "Are you say that racism doesn't exist?" Reminds me of Class 1. "Fool" reminds me of drunken louts.

Being a victim of racism myself, it'd be odd for me to say that racism doesn't exist. And no where in my writing did I even infer that. All I am saying is that the amount of tribalism and other forms of bigotry displayed on this site and to be honest, everywhere Ghanaians gather is shameful and disgusting. I am also saying that I've seen people indulge quite happily in tribalism and other forms of bigotry and in the same conversation complain about racism. It seems to me that that takes a twisted state of mind to achieve.

Please keep your Class 1 writing to yourself. Now I can say kwasia/fool to you, which you really are based on what you've written.
GHFUO, BE SERIOUS NOT PRIDEFUL! 12 years ago

RELIGION IS NOT CULTURE...

RELIGION IS NOT CULTURE...
KK Boyeham 12 years ago

Listen to another idiot who equates culture with worshiping idols. Culture is what an ethnic group has done for a time that has its own acceptable norms and practices. Most of the cultures have religion at their center, and ...
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Listen to another idiot who equates culture with worshiping idols. Culture is what an ethnic group has done for a time that has its own acceptable norms and practices. Most of the cultures have religion at their center, and some devoid them with religion. Open up your mind before you insult in the future.
Campus MInistry Report 12 years ago

It is important to examine cultures in the light of the WORD of God.

Every society has its cultural practises, and these are beliefs and customs often handed down by means of oral tradition.

In anycase, cultures from so ...
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It is important to examine cultures in the light of the WORD of God.

Every society has its cultural practises, and these are beliefs and customs often handed down by means of oral tradition.

In anycase, cultures from societies bear cloase resemblance or differ, depending the Geographiocal location of the societies where they are excercised!

The cultural practices of one society may have gone through some modofication as result of education, adoption of religious practices, etc.

In anycase, it is important to note that some of the cultural practices are healthy and may not necessarily go against the WORD of God. Infact, they may even be in harmony with Scriptures, especially on issues about values in society.

The main contradictions manifests in matters of spiritual practices which almost always is not in line with the WORD of God.

When Jesus says, in his prayers to the Father, that the world do not know God, and that HE(CHRIST) has come in the name of the Father that the world may know HIM(FATHER), the message was and still clear.

Christ did not come tp present plurality or any comparative religion.

Most of us were not dedicated to the Lord, in our infancy. Probably a traditional priest/priestess or elders in the village came and poured liquor/libation during your naming ceremony. LOok forget about the nicesity of the choice of words spoken, with the intention of 'blessing you'. The fact of the matter is that very propbably ancestoral spirits and names of gods were evoked contractary to EX 23:13.
Read Jeremiah chap 44., concerning God's warning to the Jewish people through the prophet on account of their disobedinece; the pouring of libation to the so called queen of heaven.

The animal sacrifices given to shrines/fetish/fetishes etc are not to the covenant God of Israel (1st Corith 10:20). See also 1st Chron 16:26

When you receive Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Personal Saviour, you have to separate yourselves from all these practices, and ask the Lord to forgive you and family for such practices and others due to ignorance.

It is important to prayerfully study the WORD and equip yourself through Fellowship, studyinhg of the WORD and Prayers.

Remember, on that day, you cannot excuse yourself of ignorance, by telling the Lord, the Archbishop said this or the pope said this or your pastor said this etc.

You are responsible for you ownself. You are to be sure of all things, and remember the days are evil.

Every information that is needed to come to the Salvation knowledge of God is easily and readily available. You have to desire to come to the knowledge of the Truth and the Truth shall set you free!

Do not be carried away by the religious piousity that we all see around us. Rather make sure that your name is the Lamb's book of LIfe.

Jesus says He will not make known anyone to HIS Father if that individual does not make HIM (Christ) known to others.

And not until you have seen your shame, you will never take the things of God(Covenant God of Israel), seriuosly.

Do not be deceived, and look for a living Church and get bapatised by immersion, after repenting and receiving Christ as Lord and Saviour!
KAFUI KAETOZENA 12 years ago

If indeed he believes that religion is cultural centred, then what is our culture, and what is our religion? Surely enough, he is right, but why do you supplant your values, culture and indeed our religion - which is part of ...
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If indeed he believes that religion is cultural centred, then what is our culture, and what is our religion? Surely enough, he is right, but why do you supplant your values, culture and indeed our religion - which is part of any nation's culture - with a foreign one like the catholic church? What values are in Christianity that we do not have or know of in our cultural value system? Virtually none! It is time to stop the indoctrination and mental colonization that has been going for far too long, being perpetuated by these indoctrinated, European-worshipping priests!
VOLUNTORY CONTRIBUTOR 12 years ago

You are hundred percent informed.

You are hundred percent informed.
VOLUNTORY CONTRIBUTOR 12 years ago

THEREFORE:

LOVE OUTSIDE SALVATION IS WORLDLY(DOGGY LIVES).

FAITH OUTSIDE SALVATION IS RELIGIOUS(ANTI-CHRIST BELIEVES).

SALVATION BECOMES TRUE CHRISTIANITY WITH LOVE,FAITH,HOPE,UNITY,GRACE,GLORY OF THE LORD GOD. THE G ...
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THEREFORE:

LOVE OUTSIDE SALVATION IS WORLDLY(DOGGY LIVES).

FAITH OUTSIDE SALVATION IS RELIGIOUS(ANTI-CHRIST BELIEVES).

SALVATION BECOMES TRUE CHRISTIANITY WITH LOVE,FAITH,HOPE,UNITY,GRACE,GLORY OF THE LORD GOD. THE GENUINE HEAVENLY EXPECTATION OF LIFE.
Asiwome 12 years ago

We have problems in our culture that Christianity addresses, although the robe(garb) may not be part of the solution, we have to examine issues such as backbiting, envy, jealousy and pride in light of Christianity. Also at th ...
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We have problems in our culture that Christianity addresses, although the robe(garb) may not be part of the solution, we have to examine issues such as backbiting, envy, jealousy and pride in light of Christianity. Also at the center of Christianity is the idea of the depravity of man, nothing we do to solve our problems works as well as asking the Holy Spirit for help. We do call on our ancestors, but it is better to call on the creator for help and sustenance.
OBURUMANKUMA 12 years ago

there is no reason ghanaians should be looking down on other ghanaians because of where they were born and their culture such as northerners or ewes cultures

...this usually done by ashantis..so Bishop should talk to his ...
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there is no reason ghanaians should be looking down on other ghanaians because of where they were born and their culture such as northerners or ewes cultures

...this usually done by ashantis..so Bishop should talk to his people first...
Chabba 12 years ago

I have a lot of respect for Bishop Sarpong but I vehemently disagree with him that we have to accept the plurality of religions. Is he advocating for syncretism? It is true every culture has some positive sides but there also ...
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I have a lot of respect for Bishop Sarpong but I vehemently disagree with him that we have to accept the plurality of religions. Is he advocating for syncretism? It is true every culture has some positive sides but there also negative sides which antagonizes man's efforts to be in union with God. It is only in Jesus Christ and for that matter Christianity that the human person is able to live a supernatural life of God and to attain eternal life. With Bishop Sarpong' s status as Roman Catholic prelate a lot of people listen to him so he should not try to confuse people in religious matters. He should have known better.
EXSITENTIALIST 12 years ago

GOD HAS REVEALED HIMSELF TO HUMANITY IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF CREATION. GOD MAKING HIMSELF KNOWN TO HUMANITY IS CALLED REVELATION. GOD'S REVELATION IS PERFECT. HUMANITY'S RESPONSE TO GOD OR GOD'S REVELATI ...
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GOD HAS REVEALED HIMSELF TO HUMANITY IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF CREATION. GOD MAKING HIMSELF KNOWN TO HUMANITY IS CALLED REVELATION. GOD'S REVELATION IS PERFECT. HUMANITY'S RESPONSE TO GOD OR GOD'S REVELATION IS CALLED RELIGION. SO RELIGION IS MAN'S RESPONSE TO GOD. AND THIS IS NOT PERFECT. THAT IS WHY THERE ARE BAD RELIGIONS AND BAD CHURCHES. FOR EXAMPLE, RELIGIONS WHICH OFFERED HUMAN SACRIFICES AND CHURCHES WHICH DISCRIMINATE AGAINST WOMEN. CULTURE IS HUMANITY'S WAY OF LIVING ON THIS EARTH. EVERYTHING MAN DOES IS CULTURE. EVERYTHING MAN DOES IS NOT RELIGION. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD OR ANY DIVINE BEIGN. IN CONCLUSION: IT IS RIGHT TO SAY THAT RELGION IS PART OF CULTURE. FOR CHRISTIANS: THE WORD OF GOD MUST PURIFY THE CULTURE, AND THE CULTURE MUST MAKE THE WORD OF GOD (CHRISTIANITY) UNDERSTANDABLE TO BELIEVERS.
KB 12 years ago

The irony of arguing for pantheism while showing a clear preference for a monotheistic, specifically male god! How do you know it is you singular he-god that is revealing himself to other people in different ways?

The irony of arguing for pantheism while showing a clear preference for a monotheistic, specifically male god! How do you know it is you singular he-god that is revealing himself to other people in different ways?
KK Boyeham 12 years ago

Do not put words into the mouth of the guy; he never suggested syncretism. If you do not have a fuller understanding of a word, do not use it to show your ignorance, please.

Do not put words into the mouth of the guy; he never suggested syncretism. If you do not have a fuller understanding of a word, do not use it to show your ignorance, please.
GREAT NANA ANTWI 12 years ago

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A FAST POWERFULL SPIRITUALIST?THEN GO TO www.greatnanapowerfullspiritualist.blogspot.com

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A FAST POWERFULL SPIRITUALIST?THEN GO TO www.greatnanapowerfullspiritualist.blogspot.com
BAARO 12 years ago

DEAR NANA SARPONG, BRAVO! APART FROM THE FACT THAT YOU TOUCH ON CRUCIAL ISSUES THAT CALL FOR DEEP REFLECTION AND REFORM, BEGINNING FROM THE MIND, YOU HELP REVEAL FICKLE MINDEDNESS AND SOME INSANITY IN PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY KN ...
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DEAR NANA SARPONG, BRAVO! APART FROM THE FACT THAT YOU TOUCH ON CRUCIAL ISSUES THAT CALL FOR DEEP REFLECTION AND REFORM, BEGINNING FROM THE MIND, YOU HELP REVEAL FICKLE MINDEDNESS AND SOME INSANITY IN PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY KNOW IT ALL, BUT NEVER PUBLISH ANYTHING EXCEPT RECKLESS CRITICISMS.
VOLUNTORY CONTRIBUTOR 12 years ago

Writing in the forum is another kind of publishing.Stop limiting your abilities in cologuial world.

Modern world goes beyond paper. We have tablts,ipots,cell phones, computers in numerous forms to publish.

Writing in the forum is another kind of publishing.Stop limiting your abilities in cologuial world.

Modern world goes beyond paper. We have tablts,ipots,cell phones, computers in numerous forms to publish.
POPE 1 12 years ago

He is referring to his Ashanti Antoa nyame voodoo.

He is referring to his Ashanti Antoa nyame voodoo.
Nana Bawuah 12 years ago

First of all its "Asante" (derived from Esa/Asa nti Fo) and not Ashanti. Secondly, Vodoo or Vodun means Spirit in the Fon and Ewe language, its a leigitmate indigenious African religion, but its not an Akan religion. Thirdly, ...
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First of all its "Asante" (derived from Esa/Asa nti Fo) and not Ashanti. Secondly, Vodoo or Vodun means Spirit in the Fon and Ewe language, its a leigitmate indigenious African religion, but its not an Akan religion. Thirdly, Antoa Nyama is an Obosom (natural spirit-river deity).

The Supreme Being of the Akan people appears in the triad of Nyame-Nyankopon-Odumankoma. Nyame is the female aspect of the Supreme Being or Creator, symbolized by the Ohemaa of the state. Nana Asaase Yaa is the mother of the earth (wife of the supreme being). The Abosom were created by the supreme being and work for him. We Akans believe the God Almighty the supreme being is too unique to be worshipped directly, therefore we worship him through Abosom and the spirits of our ancestors, who are closer to both the spiritual and material world. Just like you cannot talk to a Akan King directly, but through his linguist, the same way we do not talk directly to God. If someone pours libation without mentioning the Supreme being and Nana Asaase Yaa, then he is not a proper traditional priest. Abosom/Obosom means "stone worship", but this is only due to the fact, where many spirits were kept or lived. Actually Obosom/Abosom refers to all natural spirits. So the only way, people can say that those spirits were not created by God is when, they dont believe that God created the forests, mountains, rivers/lakes and mother nature in general.
HENRY 12 years ago

I like your explanation. However, from what you are saying why aren't Asantes worshiping "The Supreme Being of the Akan people"? Hello!!!

Even Bishop Akwasi Sarpong has chosen to worship a foreign God (the whitema's God).

I like your explanation. However, from what you are saying why aren't Asantes worshiping "The Supreme Being of the Akan people"? Hello!!!

Even Bishop Akwasi Sarpong has chosen to worship a foreign God (the whitema's God).
Nana Bawuah 12 years ago

The ethnos of all missionaries in Africa included the adoption of Western culture as a necessary stage in the process of conversion to Christianity and forcing non-Christians into submission of Christianity and its contermino ...
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The ethnos of all missionaries in Africa included the adoption of Western culture as a necessary stage in the process of conversion to Christianity and forcing non-Christians into submission of Christianity and its conterminous Western culture. In practice,all the missionaries, catholic or protestant, demonstrated these ethos. As long as the idea originated from the `natives` it must be destroyed. The educated African has been cut off from the life of his own people. Concerning that past, he really knows little or nothing and generally cares less. Such being the case, can one wonder that the African pupils and converts alike have been quick to see and very ready to follow a trend of thought which denied, or ignored, the possiblity of anything good or useful in his own culture and religion.

Most of the elderly Akans claim to be Christians, but continue to practice their religious customs. They neither abandon it nor do they say Christianity is the only true or superior religion. Its only those Christian fanatics like late President Atta Mills, who do so. And as I already said our culture was built upon our spiritual and religious beliefs, therefore its inseparable. Yes, you can deny your religious beliefs, but this does not change the fact, that all customs you are performing and or names have a spiritual meaning. Yes, you can also change your names to western names and label them christian names, but it wont help you either. Just as an Akan cannot change the matrilineal clan he belongs to, he can also not change his race or tribe and for that matter the origin and roots of his people. Indeed the biblical figures the whites keep on mentioning as holy biblical figures are to a large extent of Akan descend, but this is another issue. The Akan history is well documented in the bible and Christianity is full of Akan elements, even the Christian cross is derived from the Akan Nkwa or as the Europeans call it Ankh symbol. Judaism is just a name of religion, we are Hebrew-Aramaic folk of Jewish religion and culture.The first Akan was the son of Ezer, the son of Seir the Horite, the first foriegn conqueror of Egypt. The second Akan was a descendant of Juda and the third, a descendant of Gad, all belonged to the twelve tribes of Israel. Akan folk in this sense, are made up of Isreal-Edomites, Twi (Tawi/Egyptians) and Babylonians. Thats why there are so many similarities between Judaism and the traditional Akan religion. But as already said, this is another issue.

The missionaries set up schools to recruit and convert native people. There it was drilled in the head of the people to abstain from cultural, social and spiritual activities of their people. They even discouraged contact with pupils who did not go to school or were not Christians. In addition, education under the colonial regime created new career choices. However, as preconditions one was required to obtain education, accept the white man way of doing things, his culture and religion. Apart from that Abosom would punish you immediately for violating the laws of the society. The europeans told the natives their God would wait for you to die until he judges you. More importantly, our religion required us to do positive things,while the new religion only required people to say they believe to gain salvation.

Christiantiy as far as Asante is concerned only became dominant in the beginning of the 19th century. When my grandfather, the Asantehene Nana Agyeman Prempeh I. (i.e. halfbrother of my late grand-uncle, Nana Kwabena Agyeman, Adako-Jachiehene & Asamanhene) started studying Christianity whilst in exile on the Seychelles in order to be in good terms with the Europeans.

I come from a traditional home. I belong to the Nsuta-Adako royal family of Adako-Jachie (Adako-Gyaakye), Asaman (Aburaso) and Bonkron all in Asante. We are the uncles of the Asantehene.

Im not a Christian, but a traditionalist. Even the majority of people in my family, who are Christians continue to practice our traditional Akan religion at the same time. If someone chooses to worship a foreign religion thats fine with me. But that person should refrain from condemning other native religions of which he knows little or nothing about. Im tired of hearing of things like we didnt believe in God before the coming of the Europeans or that our religion is inferior or demonic. Almost all the available literature on akan religion is the work of the Christian clergy who grossly misinterpreted it, denying as a valid religion.

As John Henrik Clare once said:

"They laughed at your clothes; and made you change your clothes, they laughed at your names; and made you change your names; but most importantly they laughed at your God; and made you change your God."
Dr Robert K Glah 12 years ago

The Good News of Jesus Christ transcends all culture and inconsistencies. Let us be clear over confusion

The Good News of Jesus Christ transcends all culture and inconsistencies. Let us be clear over confusion
American 12 years ago

And to think that a man who survived the seven years of postgraduate education to become a priest could speak such illiteracy as this:

"...Female circumcision for example, in many non-African countries is referred to as fe ...
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And to think that a man who survived the seven years of postgraduate education to become a priest could speak such illiteracy as this:

"...Female circumcision for example, in many non-African countries is referred to as female genital mutilation. In his view, the practice, although rejected by other societies, serves a purpose in certain African societies."

No, it does not serve a purpose in any society. There is no medical or cultural use whatsoever for removing a girl's clitoris. It is nothing less than child torture.

Man can defend any level of atrocity in the name of an unseen specter they call "god".
Anaba, china 12 years ago

i don't place any religion above the other. all religions are for good.
however, my biggest problem is africans trying use religion and spiritualism to solve their everyday problems instead of common sense, science and tec ...
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i don't place any religion above the other. all religions are for good.
however, my biggest problem is africans trying use religion and spiritualism to solve their everyday problems instead of common sense, science and technology. we better change, it's enough praying for 2 or 3 minutes to our Lord in the morning and then set off to face our problems using science, technology and common sense. why should we go to church to roll on the ground in tears in the name of worshipping
god to solve our employment, marriage, housing, water, health, food, educations needs?
i honestly don't like that modus operandi.
Kofi Basabasa 12 years ago

If you know what culture is, why don't
ask your priests to desist from sprinkling water on the foreheads of new born babies and force Biblical names on them? God's prophets were all Jews likewise the Apostles. How many moder ...
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If you know what culture is, why don't
ask your priests to desist from sprinkling water on the foreheads of new born babies and force Biblical names on them? God's prophets were all Jews likewise the Apostles. How many modern Jews have Biblical names? The false teachings of the Catholic Church that helped colonize Africa still persist especially in our African societies. Africa took a wrong path by accepting Catholic false teachings out of ignorance.
kwasi 12 years ago

Mr. Arthur, Do you realize the mistake you are making? Plurality of religions is not the same as polytheism.

Mr. Arthur, Do you realize the mistake you are making? Plurality of religions is not the same as polytheism.
Kwame 12 years ago

It is a fact that Europe before the introduction of Christianity had polytheism, which belief in many gods. Monotheism means the belief in one god. The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights uphold the right of every pers ...
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It is a fact that Europe before the introduction of Christianity had polytheism, which belief in many gods. Monotheism means the belief in one god. The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights uphold the right of every person to the right of conscience, which means to make his own religion and world outlook alone and together with others. That make it so offensive when Addison referred to Communists as having inferior tactics. It is most unfortunate that the Supreme Court did not tell him to withdraw that statement.
Atobra 12 years ago

For decades, there has been rumors that the Archbishop has fathered children "secretly". True or not, it sounds to me that he is struggling to break free of the almost impossible way of life the Roman Catholic Church imposes ...
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For decades, there has been rumors that the Archbishop has fathered children "secretly". True or not, it sounds to me that he is struggling to break free of the almost impossible way of life the Roman Catholic Church imposes on its clergy. No wife or concubine. No children. Barred from feeling erotism. They are human. We all know the results of such unreasonable restrictions: worldwide, catholic priests are satisfying their sexual urges in the most bestial ways by sleeping with altar boys etc etc. I admire the archbishop for spearheading the drive to incorporate our local and ancient customs into a religion which is run from Rome. I think he is part of a worldwide movement to bring sanity into the catholic church. A human being is a human being and has erotic feelings that can NEVER be suppressed. And what is the difference if I hear the word of God from a woman? I don't think he will admit it though.
Salam FGJ 12 years ago

I agree with Bishop Sarpong; and want to add that the principle for religious tolerance is to discard the idea that a religion is divine. But rather see religion as an IDEAL way of life for its followers. This is simply becau ...
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I agree with Bishop Sarpong; and want to add that the principle for religious tolerance is to discard the idea that a religion is divine. But rather see religion as an IDEAL way of life for its followers. This is simply because divinity is Goodness; and not limited to a religious group.
nii 12 years ago

bishop akwasi sarpong should be truthful to tell us that christianity and its forgery mill,the bible,is criminal,fatal attraction and a lethal weapon of mass destruction.

bishop akwasi sarpong should be truthful to tell us that christianity and its forgery mill,the bible,is criminal,fatal attraction and a lethal weapon of mass destruction.
Yaw Sarfo 12 years ago

So Archbishop how do you see same sex marriage as practiced in the West not as in Ghana or Africa? Does it also mean you favor the practice of Trokosi in Ghana since it is the culture of a group of Ghanaians?

So Archbishop how do you see same sex marriage as practiced in the West not as in Ghana or Africa? Does it also mean you favor the practice of Trokosi in Ghana since it is the culture of a group of Ghanaians?
nii 12 years ago

whats wrong with you?you think if the bible would make you men of god the europeans would have given it to you?what mawu gave is what u despise and call satanic.if trokosi hadnot been interfered with all these 500 years of pi ...
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whats wrong with you?you think if the bible would make you men of god the europeans would have given it to you?what mawu gave is what u despise and call satanic.if trokosi hadnot been interfered with all these 500 years of pillage,robbery,scavenging,peadophilng,looting etec,it would have transformed into something more useful.thats the price you pay for being a christian or moslem two religions forced on us by armed robbers.we are men of god.bible christianity dont make anyone godly.if anything they are so satanic i have no words not even in poetry to describe them
Kwame Atakora 12 years ago

How can you talk about African culture and religion and make no reference or mention of the pioneer, the gaint of African religion, Dr. Kwabena Damuah, the champion of African religion. He is seen around the world as the fi ...
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How can you talk about African culture and religion and make no reference or mention of the pioneer, the gaint of African religion, Dr. Kwabena Damuah, the champion of African religion. He is seen around the world as the first brave Catholic priest who came out in defence of African religion. God bless Dr. Damuah and may his soul rest in peace.
Gabe 12 years ago

I haven't read the archbishop's book but this article really worries me. So far as I'm concerned there has always been interplay between religion and common sense. Just as the early days of Catholicism saw atrocities and brut ...
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I haven't read the archbishop's book but this article really worries me. So far as I'm concerned there has always been interplay between religion and common sense. Just as the early days of Catholicism saw atrocities and brutalities in the name of religion so has the African culture. Unfortunately the African culture continues to practice such barbaric practices which are frowned upon by most Africans and all in developed countries. Catholicism has seen days when people were hanged, stabbed, burnt alive or their skin peeled off their body whilst alive for resenting the name of Christ and the pope. Of course such practices have evolved but no doubt human development, democracy and the rule of law have played a major role in current practices in Catholicism. I’m very surprise to hear the good Archbishop trying to rationalise female genital mutilation. Irrespective of the reasons behind female genital mutilation, it doesn’t justify the practice, especially now that we know of the practices inherent health complications. The history of the world and religion have been littered with similar practices but most countries turned things around after realizing their indigenous ways were not getting them anywhere. The leadership of the Catholic Church centuries authorised so many atrocities only because they believed in what they were doing then. That doesn’t make it right does it? The fact that an extremist strongly believes that bombing themselves and killing as many people as they can does not justify the act. does it? In the same way engaging in barbaric practices under the cover of African religion or culture just because we believe in it is not a good justification of the practice. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a strong advocate of African culture but definitely not the practices that enslaves, debilitates and enshrines fear in people. Just as were all looking back and judging practices of our forefathers so will the future generation judge the actions of today’s generation. So I urge you all to challenge those inhumane practices in our culture or religion at every opportunity. Let common sense prevail in our culture.

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Religion is part of our culture - Bishop Akwasi Sarpong

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