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CHAPTER ONE

ORIGINS OF RELIGIONS(Hebrew “Phalasaphia; i.e Customs and traditions of magic and gods See

Col 2;8, Deut. 18:9-15, Dan 2:2.

WORD LIST OF ORIGINS OF RELIGIONSAncient Polytheism was called Phaliscepha (i.e. gods and spirits: Colossians 2:8, Isaiah 46:1-11, Isaiah 41:24) Hebrew “Hereli, Qoli or Qaraeli (i.e, to call on gods) Genesis 4:26; (Hebrew O.T, 2005).

THEORIES OF ORIGINS OF RELIGIONS (PSYCHOSTRUCTURAL- AND ECONOMIC FACTORS ETC.)1. Animism (Nature is spiritual) 2. Ancestral deities3. Magic and witchcraft (Voodooism) Hebrew “Philasophot;

Ezk.13:18-30, Isaiah 8:19)4. Totemic (Personal or family gods: Hebrew,-Cesoph to

sorcery, or socratim i.e.Consulting witchcraft.5. Incantations and chanting.6. Druidery (Nature worship) Also Taoism.7. Polytheism (Phalasu or Aphilasaphir)8. Polymonotheism (African and Oriental Traditional

Religions)9. Monopolytheism (Multiplicity of gods under one God) 10. Intermediary gods and goddesses; Sociological -

deities).11. Revealed and unrevealed Religions12. Nomenclature Theology (Names of God and gods) in

all Religions.13. Revelations and false prophecies (Hebrew “Philasaphim;

see Num 23; 3-14, Phoenician “Zophim”, Hebrew,

1 | Theories on the Origins of Religions

“Sophim”, i.e., hill of divination or false prophecy, or magic (Hebrew,”Asaphim”) see Colossians 2:8) See Hebrew O.T; 2005; London; SDHT.

14. Religious sources of morality. Relationship between Religion and Theology

15. Moral Theology and Moral Philosophy16. Immortality and Reincarnation. Also Destiny and

Freewill.17. Immortability (life after death)18. Immutability (the constancy of the human soul and

spirit) Transmutation (Astral transfer of the human soul)

19. Christian Transubstantiation (the bread and wine become flesh and blood)

20. Transmigration Reincarnation, Incarnation, Embodiment and re-embodiment (the soul reinhabits its old physical body after death)

21. Secularism triangle 22. Body, soul, spirit , mind, mentality, conscience and

consciousness 23. Hierarchy of beings and spirits Hebrew “Hereli, or

Qaraeli” (i.e. to call on gods; Genesis 4:26, i.e. idolatry or Phaulosaphne (i.e. calling false gods, before God revealed himself).

24. Biochemistry Religion 25. Psychogenetics of Religion(Pre-programmed believe

in God & gods)26. Monotheism (one God) 27. Abrahamic Religions (from Abraham’s children) i.e.

Judaism, Christianity, Islam28. Oriental Religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jains,

Gains, Pakistani Sikhs, Japanese Shinto, Taoism,


Confucianism, Zorostrianism (i.e. Persian monotheism of Ahura Mazda and duality of forces).

29. African Traditional Religions (Amadioha, Ifa, Asantihene, Azande, Lugbara, Sangoma, Egyptian Ra (Pha-raah) Cushite Baal (Phala)the Ekpe, Eyo, Oro, Ulaga, and Agaba deities etc..

30. New Religious Movements: ECKs -Eckankar, Grail Message, Bahai, Rosicrucian, Ogboni, Amorc, Lodge, Brotherhood, Christian Science, the Brethren, Mormons, Latter day Saints, Indiana Jones, Scientology, etc.

ANCIENT RELIGION WAS PHILASAPHIMSee 2Kg 18;4 and Num 21:4-9” Seraphim or Sophen (Serpent worship: i.e. Nahasuphia; Mtth 10:16Note the following(Daniel 4:9 and 18, the “Philasaphim”, i.e. chief magician or spirit of the gods (Daniel 2:2, Daniel 1:20, extraordinary powers from the gods (Saphne or Sephur) See Nahum 3:4 “Baalacsophim”, or Ezekiel 13:18-20, Philosophim) check 1 Samuel 14:42 “Philu” (find out or cast lots) Exodus 28:6-30-Ephili (Ephod) Sapphire, magic stones for consulting God. i.e, the Philosophers’ magic or transmutation-stones.1. See Genesis 41:43-45: Egyptian “Zaphnath-Panea” to

Hebrew “Phali-saphim” (i.e. the gods (saphne) speak (pha) through him (Yoseph) BDB, 2007, pp 861, 821-822.

2. Jeremiah 7:31, Tophili or Terephili; Hos3;4, “High places (Numbers 23:14-Sophim; Divination Hills) of Tophet (Tophilsao; false prophets of fire (sophet) divination (Phili; consulting the supernatural: Ezekiel


13:18-20 (KJV) “Pillows or Philos” (i.e. magic: NIV) Nah 3;4- Phalasophim from Baalcosophim, i.e. witchcraft or sorcery.Isaiah 2:6- Phalasu, Palasu, Philisti, Phili etc. is idolatry, magic, sorcery or divination; 1 Samuel 6:1-3.Jeremiah 19:5-6, “They have built the high places of Baal (Baal is Tophil or Tophet or Rephan, Acts 7;43, or Jer32;35; see Jer19;6, also see Revelations 9:11 “Abad is Apol or Aphilon, Devil worship (Tophiilaso: Philisti-sophiku; Isaiah 2:6, 1 Samuel 17:26 and 36-Heathens) or Diabolos or Delphi, i.e. evil or Tabaal, to Taboo or Tophet, i.e. evil. Also Balm is Pharm or Rapha, i.e. healing: Rabbi is Phila (i.e. master, i.e. Baal is Alpha, or Lord) see Genesis 35:19 “Bethlehem is Ephrath; Ephraim is Hebrew.Devil (Delphi) worship (Tophila) Philosapha, Isaiah 14:42 (Lucifer) Baalzebub (2 Kings 1:1-3, Matthew 12:24-26- i.e. Devil worship (Phosphorus from Phlosphorim) Colossians 2:4- plausible (Beautiful, but false) 2 Peter 1:16 “sophis” cleverly invented. The Devil is Baalzephon: Exodus 14:1, i.e. mountain and witchcraft cults of Baal (2 Kings 1:1-3) NOTE. Greek Delphi was a mountain serpent (sophis) cult visited by Socrates.Nahum 3:4, “Phoenician “Baalcosophim”, is Hebrew “Phalasophim” i.e. witchcraft.Isaiah 8:19 “Saphilsaphim” (consulting the dead and witchcraft).Note: Deuteronomy 17:8-9 “Philasaphat’ (difficult to judge; or spiritually judged: 1 Chronicles 23:1- Elisaphath, divine judgment (see Colossians 2;8-Philosophia, i.e. false spiritual teachings.


3. Greek Pallas Athene is Hebrew “Phalasaphya” i.e. Greek goddess (saphne or Athene) of magic (Philas) called wisdom (see Ezekiel 13:18-20 KJV “Pillows, Phalasu or Philos i.e. magic; sophaot is witchcraft.

4. Hebrew “Asaphim”, Cesoph (Cesem) to Greek “sesophis” or “suzetes”, gave us “sorcery, Socrates and ancestry i.e. consulting spirits of magic and the dead (BDB, 2007, p88).

5. 1 Samuel 17:26 and 36, Isaiah 2:6 “Philisti sophiku (or Herel), i.e. heathens, false gods of the uncircumcised or the Herephi (Colossians 2:8) Philosophia (false gods).

6. Exodus 28:18 “Nephil” (Nephec) sapphire (philisaphire) i.e. 1 Samuel 14:42 stones for casting lots and or philosophers magic stones (Nephil sapphire) for finding out, deciding or resolving mysteries; or for transmutations (i.e. ancient chemistry or alchemy). Bromiley 1985.

7. Job 34:32 “Pha-lo-sipha” (to commit evil, or idolatry: consult gods).

8. Micah 1:10-11 “Philasti (Phalasaphir) 1 Samuel 4:16, 1 Samuel 6:1-5, Isaiah 41:24 “Phalasaphar”, Colossians 2:8 (Goodnews) i.e. worthless gods (Philistine diviners and image of gods- see Isaiah 46:6. See Colossians 2:4, Phoenician Baal, saphia (i.e. beautiful but false) Hosea 7:1 “Phalasaqad” (or Saphak) or falsehood (Isaiah 2:6 Philisti-Sophiku; i.e. paganism or mocking God.

9. Ecclesiastes 12:11 Phoenician “Baalsophot”, Hebrew Philasophia (cult or spiritual leader or spiritual teachings of cult leaders translated shepherds, masters, giants, leaders (Nephilim Genesis 6:4)


Assemblies (Sopha-Temple or cults) See Asaph, asab or Yasab (i.e. gathering, assembly or congregation; 1 Chronicles 16:37-Asaph or Philasapha, i.e. leader of Assembly or Temple leader.Very Important:

Hence Goodnews translation called “Ecclesiastes” philosopher (i.e. Temple leader, speaker, preacher or theologian. KJV is preacher; NIV is “sopher” (i.e. religious teacher) or scribe: Nehemiah 8:1-8 Ezra-the Sopher, i.e. learned priest; see Nehemiah 7:57 sophereth (Temple secretaries and teachers trained by Solomon etc).

Philosophy, thus, equates to worthless or false teachings received from the gods and spirits; or human customs, traditions and principles; see Col 2;8-23 etc.(Paul Maer on Josephus,1988).

See Romans 9:11, James 3:15 (13-17) Hebrew “Phaula” to Greek “Phaulos”, i.e. false or worthless or earthly wisdom (Sophia)

10. Numbers 23; 1-14 “Balaamsophim” (Phalasophim: Numbers 23:14 “Hill of false prophecy) Balak-Zippor (Phalasiphar) witchcraft.

11. Job 32;34 “Philasaphati” (Naphtali, Genesis 49;19-21, Naphtali-sapha, beautiful but cunning, flattering and false speech or teachings: Colossians 2:8

12. Job 34:26, Genesis 3:15, Colossians 2:8, Isaiah 2:6 Hebrew “Sophiku” (Aramaic “Sephek”) i.e. to strike, attack, capture, entice, mock or deceive or destroy (2 Peter 1:16 “Sophis”: cleverly invented, see Daniel 7:24, Saphel; i.e. captured or destroyed.


13. Job 34:32 Hebrew “Phalosipha” (or soph) I will do evil (Phaali) no more, or destroy (Soph) evil (Phaali; Romans 9:11, Phaulos; evil)

14. 1 Samuel 6:1-5 “Philisticesoph” (Philistine diviners) Isaiah 45:20 “Tophilal” (praying to God or gods).

STUDY SYNTHESISHEBREW ORIGINS OF PHILOSOPHY (i.e ancient magic)(1Sam 28;3- ‘veya-Sephardul Moshe’- and Moses was = “Mot” (dead),’Sephard’- mourning to invoking the dead; see Col 2;8,- KJV-spoil, NIV is capture or destroy.)1. Philosophy came from philosopher i.e. from the

Hebrew “Philasapha”, i.e. those who claim to have received from the gods (Sephir or Saphne), BDB,, 2007: 86) explanations to mysteries or hidden things (sophoner).

2. Inexplicable things in Hebrew is Niphila-Sapher (Job 5:9 and Job 37:16) i.e. “Miphilosaph” (i.e. things that cannot be explained or counted).

3. Daniel 2 and 3 Hebrew ancients called magic and astrology or (astron) i.e., sapha, (see Persian “magos”, Greek “Puthonia” used for magic (cesoph, i.e. sorcery or Pharm, Numbers 24:1; and divination Numbers 23:14 “Sophim”, hill for consulting the gods) to receive information (1 Samuel 28:7, Isaiah 8:19-saphilsaphim) and resolve mysterious; in Greek it is “puthon”, (Acts 16:16-fortune telling) or Pharma or Pharmakon, or Hebrew Rapha or Rephili, i.e. using the spiritual (Phili or magic) to cure or kill illness (Saphel or to spoil, i.e. sophoil, Colossians 2:8.


4. Ancient philosophy was also “Astrology” i.e. cocabi, or phil-sophi, Persian “magi”, Matthew 2:1-16, or reading the stars (cocaphi) to count or explain, with magic stones ( “Nepha-Saphon”; Exodus 28:18-Sapphire) or Ephili, i.e to find out things through magic-Ezk 13:18-20 Jonah 1:7, 1Sam 14:38-42, Hebre “Philu” ( Cast lots).

5. Exodus 28:6-18-“Ephili” (Ephod) v 28, Sapphire, or using the sacred stone- Ephili-Sapphire to decide or explain things.

6. See Deuteronomy 17:8- Philasaphaot i.e. cases too difficult (Phili) to judge (Saphat)- Please check it.

7. See Genesis 10; 30, “Sephar”, or mountain of gods; See Genesis 49:21Naph-tali-sapha (Philisapha) cunning and crafty speech.

a. Naph-tal, i.e. to struggle to do something, even when you cannot (Asophos) i.e. Phalasophia, something that cannot be done or explained. Job 5:9 (Phalisopher) Job 37:16 Miphilosoph.

b. Or to fight, destroy, subdue or spoil (Sophoil; Colossians 2:8 KJV).

c. Or to pull down (Nephilim, i.e. fallen or worthless angels or gods, called giants or Lords “Phili” or gods or Phoebus or Egyptian sephur, i.e. deceivers; Revelations 12:9-Ophil-Sophis, i.e. the deceitful serpent (Sephet).

8. Deuteronomy 23:14 Hebrew “Sophim” (Phoenician “Zophim”) i.e. hill for consulting the gods (Saphne) to curse (Seb or Seph) or kill soph-zebah-sacrifice or resolve difficult problems (Phili-sapha) Deuteronomy 17:8-9. (Balaam or Phala is the evil son) or son with magic or extraordinary powers (Phal or Phile or Tophila; Numbers 24:1, Ezekiel 13:18-20).


TYPES OF RELIGIONSa. Ancient Kanabaali (cannibal) or Baalsophot or

Phaalisophot (flesh eating cults; phelos or flesh; sophot is cult). Woodrow, 1969, pp1-49.

b. Baali or Phaaliceseph or Phalasepha i.e., man-made gods, Is 46;1-10. Isa 41:24

c. Phaliscepha (Colossians 2:8) man-made gods, Acts 17:29

d. Ereli; or Qaraeli (calling false gods). Gen 4;26- Hebrew O.T;2005.

e. Animism (spirituality of nature)f. Polytheism (Many gods)g. Monotheism (One God)h. Secularism; e.g. morality is possible without Religion

and God.

WORSHIP AND WORSHIP CENTERS1. Hebrew “Hekon” (Econ; Temple-manager) i.e. Konomi

(priests)2. Hebrew “Hekou”, Greek “Oikou or Eccle, -i.e.

Ecclesia” (cult, shrine, church, Temple) Note; Shrine and Cult originally meant religious gatherings, i.e. Hebrew-‘Asophot’

3. Arabic “Masjid or Masud” ( i.e. mosque)

ADDITIONSPREAMBLE(a) Ancient “Religion was Phaliscepha” (i.e. magic) Daniel

4:9 and 18 (Cognate “Aphialasaphir”); i.e., chief magician or extraordinary powers (Hebrew “Phili” Phalasu, Phisla or Philisti-Sophiku; Isaiah 2:6, i.e. magic and paganism-(Palasu or Phalasu) 2 Chronicles 15:16-19,


repulsive idolatry or the uncircumcised (Herephil; see Col 2;8).

(b) They were called “Herel, Hereph, Erelim, Pheleg or Phililia (i.e. the uncircumcised, pagans, idol worshippers, i.e. Phaliscepha; Acts 19:14 sceva or scepha, i.e. magic-Philisti- Isaiah 2:6, Isaiah 52; 1-:2, 1 Samuel 17:26 and 36, the uncircumcised from Hebrew “Herel”, Phalaq or Phalasaphaq, Isaiah 2;6.

(c) Job 34:32 “Pha-lo-sipha”, the evil I do (Evili- or Evili-Phaali) I will stop or end (Soph or Sipha)

(d) Hebrew “Hereli” (i.e. Idolatry, to Latin “Religere” (to bind or be addicted to something you cannot do without) Eliade 1989.

(e) Ancients went to the “Yaphili” (mountain or Saphon, i.e. the Sophi or Sion, Mount of the gods or God) to consult God and offer sacrifices of Blood- (Raphili, i.e. healing) to appease the gods. The unrepentant were called Hereh or Ereli. BDB, 2007,pp 790, 791, 793-Ophet- Saphon going to the mountain to consult God or gods-Deuteronomy 23:3-14 Hebrew “Sophim” (Phoenician “Zophim”)

(f) See BDB, p 117, Aramaic “Sopharph”, i.e. dawn or moonlight (i.e. astrology- or the Persian magos, Matthew 2:1-16, Hebrew “Asaphim” or Sophar, i.e. magic stones for divination; Exodus 28: 18, Ezekiel 28:13- Nephel-Sapphire (i.e. Philosophers magic divination stones) Hebrew Old Testament, 2005.


CHAPTER TWO

THEORIES ON ORIGINS OF RELIGION (Religion is Psychology i.e. a Behavior, Psychonomy, or

Religious Behavior)

THEORIES ON THE ORIGINS OF RELIGIONTheories on the origins of Religion simply means scholarly debates (i.e. theories or unconfirmed but verifiable-suggestions) by experts in Religion and related fields on how Religion or the worship of supernatural beings emerged as a human activity or behavior.This study will concentrate on some theories including the Biochemistry of Religion, (i.e. brain chemicals and religious behavior’ in such relevant theories).1. Anthropological Theory: Greek Anthropos

(“Android”; i.e. man) gave us the word Anthropology which means the investigation of the possible biological evolution or origins of man through tissue “mutagenesis” or mutation of genes from lower or uni-cellular cells (i.e. the Amoebas and Parameciums) to complex multi-cellular reptiles from the aquatic (or hydro) amphibians, then to mammalians and the Hebrew “Hauah”(Huim or Human) to Greek “Omoios”, i.e. Latin “Humans” (or the Homo Sapiens) whose reasoning abilities fell short of expectations. Hence, man in his early developmental stages needed to conceive of a possible supernatural intelligence


capable of solving his numerous elemental problems. This which constitute the anthropological theory on the origins of Religion. (Dulbecco, 2000; New and Philips, 1953, Ogundu, 2000).

2. Psychological Theory: Psychology from the Hebrew “Nepsot” or Nepsu (soul) to Greek “Psuche,” to English Psyche (i.e. soul which is the Hebrew seat or center that produces and coordinates human behavior. Freud and Jung (1880s) worked on the human subconscious within the diaphramic-mental cognition which stores the “agnois” that militates against the “gnosis” or man’s ability to conceive of extra-terrestrial saphons (i.e. the metathesion or things beyond human comprehension). Thus, when an atheist claims he does not believe in God, however stored up in his subconscious (revealed in Freudian Pyscho-analysis Therapies) is the subconscious (unconscious) genetically-pre-disposed or pre-programmed human subconscious believe in the supernormal or transcendence ever present in the genomic human biology, which focuses on issues of how human biology influences the human spirit or soul (vice- versa) or if it can be proven that there is soul, spirit and mind (or that the mind is actually the spirit and the soul).

3. Para-psychic Theory: Para-psychic (Greek Psuchikos) means elemental spirits, i.e. receiving power from spirits that are not from God (Colossians 2:8, James 3:13-17). Newall cited by Ogundu (2000) worked on wandering elemental spirits (Colossians 2:8) which either inhabit biological beings or are mysteriously trapped or neutralized by human


ingenuity; these extraterrestrial powers called Jins in Arabic, constitute magic and witchcraft called “Saphilsaphim” in Hebrew (See Isaiah 8:19) i.e. the ability to consult the dead (Greek “Nekros”, i.e. Necromancy) fortune telling, sorcery, soothsaying, (Persian “Magos”, Greek “Magea” English “magic”, Hebrew “Asaphim”, Daniel 4:9 and 18) Hebrew Old Testament, 2005, BDB, 2007. These extraordinary powers either ran into man or man ran into or acquired them through unspoken means before they became occultic ventures.

THEORIES ON RELIGION (ADDITIONS)(Psycho-social and Anthropological Theories on Religion (including the Archeological or Historical angles) point to the origins and functions of Religion in human societies).

EMILE DURKHEIM (1858-1917): That the sacred is the major characteristic of religion, not necessarily having faith in Divinity; Durkheim believed that totemism-(i.e. the guardian Australian aboriginal family or clan gods) was the original and simplest form of religion leading to complex religions. Durkheim’s functional views are also that cohering social unity of religious like-minds (and morality) often makes personal religious interests clash with group interests.

SIGMUND FREUD (1856-1939) WITH CARL JUNG (1890S)


That Religion is a figment or myth (i.e. illusory); please read Freudian and Jungian “psycho-analyses” and the investigation of the human sub-conscious, often referred to as “innate fears of the Unknown”. Note: William James (on Principles of Psychology= origins of human behaviors).

NNAJI CHARLES (2015: ON NEUROTRANSMITTER BIOCHEMISTRY OF RELIGION: (Foreword by Dajal Robert) corresponding to the Freudian, “Religion as an unconscious-Neurotic response to Repression”, thus, whether Religion is verifiable or not; or lacks evidence for its claims defies human comprehensive: which Nnaji an “Theistics: (2016: origins of human Religions) challenged or demanded that evidences for non-existence of God or the Spiritual, should be presented.

EDWARD BURNETT TAYLOR (1831-1917): In his anthropological approach said that religious beliefs originated as explanations of natural Phenomena noting issues on spirits from attempts to explain life and death. In ancient times, human dreams meant that spirit appearances were indications that the human mind could exist independent of a body. Hence, cultures and religions tend to grow more sophisticated as the human Psyche develops producing monotheist religions, and science, though ancient practices like magic and witchcraft still persists to date. (Nnaji: 2014: Ancient Religion: Vol.1).

JAMES GEORGE FRAZER (1854-1941; ON THE GOLDEN BOUGH): He distinguished between magic and religion. Magic influences the natural world and was used for solving


problems by ancients; though magic remains unverified despite its claims to natural laws.

RUDOLF OTTO (1869-1937: THE IDEA OF THE HOLY): Which he described as special numinous which means “the Idea of The Holy” (or a Wholesome order), He called it “Mysterium Tremendum”, i.e. (Petrifying Mysteries) and Myterium fascinum (awesomeness) or the Fascinating him, religion emerged from these experiences which are non-rational actions of the human mind, not related to other aspects of man; hence, religion is hardly culture or socium (i.e. social).

MIRCEA ELIADE (1907-1986): An editor of the Encyclopedia of Religion: (22 Volumes New York); and was a Phenomenologist, but that Religion defies the human Psyche or rationale and can ride on socio-economic brigandry: which also defies Freud’s Psychoanalysis of the human subconscious Eliades “Myth” of the Eternal Return” indicates that the primitive man performed religious rituals in order to have hope for a paradise after death, and after earthly struggles.

KARL MARX (1818-1883): His socialist view hinged on the greater importance of materialism, financial or economic power, whereby such social class and political struggles (Macheos) relegates Religion to a consoling, supporting or even protest venture: particularly Religion used as a moral-sedative. Thus, the human mind and consciousness, in their material forms, struggles with existential social alienations of the unprivileged. Marx even called Religion the “Opium” which


sedates or quiets agitating people; however, Nnaji (2015: Socionomy and Psychonomy: Unizik) says Religion currently creates, rather than solve human problems.

DEFINITION AND ORIGIN OF RELIGIONSINTRODUCTIONBelieve in the supernatural and ritual religious practices started about 20,000 years ago, before man developed language and writing around 4241 BC. This is the historical length that documentation and speculation can currently go. (T.U.Nwala; Introduction to Philosophy and Logic; Nsukka; l997)Religion popularly means the relationship between God and man. Religion does not just mean man’s believe in God or the supernatural, since believe in God does not necessarily mean worship of God; Hence Religion is much more than believe in God, it involves a binding relationship between God (the supernatural) and man (the natural). Someone once said on a radio programme that man is bigger than nature, but there is something bigger than man. Man’s continued search and Worship of that thing that is bigger than him is called Religion. 500 years before the Pharaohs, Egypt and Mesopotamia were already venerating carved images, while semi-Stone Age men 100,000 years ago were inaudibly worshipping rocks and other objects in Nature. Definition of Religion: The word Religion comes from the Latin “Religere” which means to tie or bind oneself to something one cannot do without (Simpson and Weiner: 1989). Religion therefore technically involves someone wanting to worship and even die for what ever he calls his own God or gods; be it rational or irrational.


Origin of Religion: As already noted, before the Neanderthals and the Homo sapiens over 40,000 years ago, the idea of a higher - creator intelligence (called God), started registering.In the minds of early men of the Paleolithic era, (Lloyd Thompson: Culture and Civilization: Ibadan; Africa links; 1990) the order and awesomeness of nature started introducing the Idea of God or gods into the subconscious of the early man. By the time the Homo sapiens appeared, men started offering sacrifices to the Unknown gods.

SUBSTANCE THEORIES ON RELIGION; (See Demythologization) Substance theorists of Religion focus on the following –1. The essence or materials which Religion is made up

of; i.e. (a realist or physical view of Religion) is the nature of Religion, Supernatural reality, meaning, relevance or importance of Religion are intended in substabce theories on Religion: (not necessarily the functions of religion as a social institution providing social services and basic needs of its practitioners, and other members of society) see Robinson and Davidson, (2008:1407).

2. Substance theories on Religion also focuses on the Phenomenology of Religion; or tangible and truth realities in religious claims as to the possible existence of God, gods, and spirit beings as living realities, or that……

3. ….Religion is mere myth which may not be real or true, yet functional or performs social functions such as providing Education, Orphanages, Rehabs, Asylums, Hospices, and Health Services beneficial to society,


THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIGION TO HUMAN SOCIETIES: The following are the importance of Religion to human societies: (a) Religious moral laws helps to regulate community

behavior. (b) Religion as a social institution provides social

services, i.e. Education, Health services, Psycho-structural and stress regulating counseling theologies.

(c) Religious institutions have created thousands of jobs for the jobless.

(d) Religion is a unifying social bond and cohesion for its practitioners.

(e) Religion enforces respect for God, and respect for human life: Ex.20:13.

(f) Religious bodies have set-up thousands of institutions an estates which serve as ralling or unifying points for people from different orientations and helpless backgrounds ( e.g providing jobs:sec’c’)

COMPARATIVE (INTER-FAITH) RELIGION: Comparative Religion and inter-faith dialogue search for areas of common interests between different Religions to promote peaceful co-existence.

RELIGION IN FUNCTIONALISMa. Functional Religion simply means applying Religious

ideas and doctrines to practical provisions of humanitarian and social services or amenities capable of solving problems of its practitioners: or reducing stress in the lives of members of society (Robinson; 2008:539).


b. In this case Religion become a problems-solver, rather than a social-problem. (Nnaji: 2014: Introduction to Socionomy and Psychonomy: Unizik: Philosophy).

c. See No.3 under substance theory in Religion. (I.e. Religion as a social institution capable of providing social amenities such as Education, Health, Rehab Services and Moral Laws for ethically resolute societies).

TYPES OF RELIGION Animism: Animism is the belief that spirits live in

natural objects like mountains, trees, rivers, air, the troposphere (sky), rocks, lands, etc. this was the earliest form of religion.

Ritual- sacrifice: soon, early men moved beyond mere believe in spirits and started killing animals and fellow humans as sacrifices to their unknown gods’ and spirits.

Polytheism : later on, the idea of gods that are greater than spirits started emerging. Early men started offering crops, animal and human sacrifices to their many gods.

Ancestor worship: The worship of dead ancestors soon got added to polytheism. Dead ancestor and relations, kings and great men etc got elevated to the status of gods (e.g. the Greek Zeus, Olympian gods and the Yoruba lfa pantheon.)

Monotheism: According to Nwala (1997) the Egyptians (around 4,000 BC) started speculating the idea of just one Supreme Being who created the lesser gods and the universe. Those who believed in a one supreme God included Ptah Hotep, Pharaoh


lkhnaton, the Jews, Anaximander, Aristotle, Christianity and Islam etc.

Mysticism and Asceticism: (see also oriental religions) mysticism is a kind of secretive (concealed) religious practices that use asceticism (i.e. self-denial of all pleasures) to attempt union with God. The Islamic ascetic Sufi Al Hallaj was executed for declaring that he has achieved union with God,

Oriental Religions: “Oriental” means “East’, hence Eastern (i.e. Asian) religions such as Buddhism, ancient Hinduism, Jainism with ( 7million worshippers worldwide as at December 2009) Shintoism, Taoism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, etc, all found in the Indo-china and Japanese axis. Oriental Religions are often ascetic especially when Gautama Buddha (500BC) declared that “suffering purifies” the soul. (Ogundu .C.O, Ibadan PhD Thesis, 2000) – V

Mystery Religions: Mystery Religions lasted mainly within the 500 years before the birth of Christ. They were blood ritual-secret cults like Osiris and Isis of Egypt: Ishtar and Tammuz of Babylon: Persian cults of the Magos: then Hermaphrodite and Percephone of Greece. Also a much more moral Mithraism of the Romans etc. Trademarks of these mystery-ancient religious practices involved concealments, and in extreme cases, blood secrecy.

THREE TYPES OF RELIGIONS IN NIGERIA. CHRISTIANITY: The Christian Religion is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the teachings of inspired apostles and evangelists as recorded in the Gospels and Acts of the


Apostles in the Holy Bible. After the Apostolic age, church fathers like Augustine and Athanasius helped to establish the Christian faith. Christians adhere to the New Testament Christology that guides their relationships with God. In their search for close relationships with God, Christians believe in the Trinity which means, God the father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit, i.e. three persons in one God head. Among other doctrines, Christians also believe in (a) the birth of Jesus through the Virgin Mary who was conceived by the Holy Ghost (b) Justification by faith and forgiveness of sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then (c) Ascension and the second coming of Christ called the rapture (parousia)Christians all over the world call God Yahweh or Jehovah which means the supreme Almighty God. They call Him other covenant names like Shalom i.e the Lord our peace; El Shaddai our all sufficient mighty God); Elohim (God our eternal creator. Etc.Through the above doctrines and names, Christians continue their search for relationship with God. (See the New Testament; NIV study Bible).

ISLAMThe Islamic Religion calls God Allah. Islam means submission to the will of Allah, being teachings of Prophet Mohammed as revealed and recorded in the holy Quran. The Quran contains the structure of Islam which includes (a) belief in Allah as the only God and Mohammed his prophet; accompanied by. God’s holy books and messengers; also the, angels (b) the observance of religious prayers (salat), (c) paying of the poor rate/almsgiving (zakat), (d) fasting during the month of


Ramadan (saum), (e) pilgrimage to the holy land of Allah (Haj) at Mecca, at least once in a life time if one can afford it. Through these codes of observances, Muslims are guided to maintain close relationships with Allah. The search for greater relationships with God are still going on among Muslims through different commentary books, translations and interpretations from the original source of the Quran (Yusuf All; English Translation of the Holy Quran: reprinted 2008)

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION (ATR): This is the indigenous Religion of various communities in Africa and Nigeria. It is the religion of our great grandfathers before European Missionaries brought Christianity to us. Traditional Religion has no particular founders. Worshippers believe in different spirits and gods that live in natural objects like trees, rivers, mountains, thunder etc, and in life after death. They also believe in the Supreme Being, but they feel they can approach God through the ancestors, minor divinities and spirits, all acting as intermediaries or agents that convey their prayers and sacrifices to the Supreme Being (God).Pre - Colonial Africans believed that these deities have retributive powers to punish and kill offenders. This concept helps to instill fear and moral values in members and regulate their relationships with God and fellow men. (Nabofa M .Y; 1996)

SYMBOLISM IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION; In Traditional African Societies, the Supreme Being (God) has been given different names according to proven


experiences and languages of the adherents. We are going to list .names of God and gods in some indigenous Nigerian languages which serve as name symbols or identities for those gods.

TRIBE NAMES OF GOD TRADITIONAL MEANINGIGBO Chukwu or chi-ukwu

Ani or alaChineke or Onye-okikeObinigweOlisabuluwaEze igweAmadioha

The great guardian spiritGod of the landGod who createsHe (God) who createsHe (God) who dwells in HeavenThe great sustainer of the worldThe king of heavenGod of thunder or god of instant punishment

YORUBA Olodumare

OlorunSangoEleda

The supreme being with the highest authorityAlmighty GodThe owner of heavengod of Thunderthe creator and maker of all things

HAUSA/FULANI Ubangiji

Allah (Islamic)Islam introduces Allah into theHausa pantheon andvocabulary

The supreme being, the sower of all life

The only God (submission to his will)

EDO Osanobwa The source of all and sustainer of the wholeUniverse.

NUPE Soko The creator and owner of the world.

IJAW AyibaEgbesu

The maker of souls, the creatorThe Almighty protector

EFIK.IBIBO Abasi The director of the universe from heaven


TIV Aondo God, the sustainerURHOBO Oghene

OrhorwaraUkuOmanomohowo

Almighty GodOne to be fearedThe grate one (God)The creator / moulder

(Onyekwelu H.C.)2009(See Humphrey Onyekwelu; Christian Religious Studies; edited by Ogundu Nnaji; Enugu; OCPC;2006).

From these tribal names given to God and gods, it is obvious that Nigerians believed in and worshipped the Supreme Being (God) before the introduction of Christianity and Western culture. Their gods and God supported them during adverse periods like famine, oppression, barrenness, slavery, poor harvest, epidemic, disease, premature death, infant mortality and other misfortunes.At such critical times, members consulted priests and diviners of deities to find out the will of the gods through sacrifices to the deities and ancestors, to attract relief from their problems. They recognized God as the Supreme Being, the source and controller of life in heaven and on earth. They also reverenced the Supreme Being as all powerful, all knowing and the dispenser of justice and equity; In African traditional Religion, God punishes the wicked and vindicates the poor and oppressed.

OTHER WORLD RELIGIONSThe search for relationship with God is worldwide. Other world religions also search for close relationships with God in different ways. (Eliade Mircia; Encyclopedia of Religion 1989). These world religions are:

JUDAISM


This is the religion of the Jews (Hebrews) as recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible; it was promoted by Moses through whom God gave them the Ten Commandments (the Decalogue) c1, 500 B.C. The Jews solemnly call God, “Yahweh” (the covenant name of God), or “Elohim”, (the general name for God) or “Adonai” meaning, Lord. They worship God according to the Old Testament scriptures. That is why, unlike Christians, Jews meticulously observe mosaic laws like the Sabbath day and offering of animal and other sacrifices to God in order to maintain their relationship with Yahweh, (Cecil Roth Encyclopedia of Judaism Jersalem; Kester: 1970)

BUDDHISM: It is practiced by Indians and central Asians it was founded more than 500 years before Jesus. It grew out of the teachings of Gautama Buddha, the founder. The religion is based on the ascetic principle that suffering purifies the soul; Buddhists use the Vedas as their Holy Scripture.

CONFUCIANISM: This religious philosophy is still practiced by the Chinese. It was founded by Confucius an important Chinese thinker who taught among other things that one should be loyal to ones family, friends and rulers, and to treat others as oneself. Confucianism was a Chinese moral philosophy.

HINDUISM (Hebrew “Hodu” = Indians), Ester 1:1-5: (See Hebrew O.T, 2008) Hinduism is said to have been probably founded by one Hindu, or it developed as a collection of 1,000 years Indian (Indus Valley) and Asian traditional customs which include


the practice of social ranks (cast system). Ascetic Hinduism is older than Buddhism. The Hindu Brahman is the Supreme spirit. Followers of this belief system have links to oriental sanscrit writings.

TAOISM: Taoism is another Chinese moral Philosophy which existed before the first century CE of Christian and Islamic monotheisms. Taoism like other oriental (i.e. indo-China) religions and belief systems is partially ascetic and partially mystic.

ORIENTAL SHAMANISM: This involves Asian ecstatic dancing dervishes who, behave like modern day spirit possessed Pentecostals. They achieve ecstasy through consistent drummings.

HERMITS, GAINISM AND BRAHMANISM: These three oriental belief systems originated from Hinduism, they all practice asceticism which include suicide if in pain. (See stoicism) Ogundu (2000)

JAINISM: Jainism is an oriental religion which took some of its tenets from Hinduism and Buddhism. Jainism has the sutras as its scripture. They practice the sallekhana austerity. They believe that one returns after death in another form, perhaps Pseudo-transmigration. (A Pythagorean belief system). Jains are about 7 million worldwide, mostly in India.)


ZOROSTRlNlSM: This was a duality Religion of constant battles between good and evil. It came through Zoroaster of Persia, and may have been practiced by King Cyrus of Daniel 5 and 6 who over threw Belsazzar of Babylonia.

SHINTOISM:This is the ancient religion of the Japanese. They believe in the worship of spirits of nature and spirits of dead relations i.e (ancestor worship). It was founded by a probable Shinto, who emphasized offerings of food grains to family shrine.

MYSTERY RELIGIONS: Mc Cain; (New Testament Notes; Jos; ACTS;1996) Mystery religions from Egypt, Babylon and Persia etc existed before Christ; some involved cultic and sexual orgies. They included Osiris and Isis in (Egypt) Demeter/eleusian fertility cults in (Greece) Ishtar and Tammuz in (Babylon) and Perce - phone, Adonis and Aphrodite in (Greece) they taught death and resurrection, including moral Mithraism from Rome. Religions listed above are older than Christianity and Islam. However, they are based more on nature and human ideologies, asceticism, mysticism and cult practices rather than on the fact of God and divine revelations. (John Noss: Man’s Religions; 1970). However, - members of these world religions still observe principles and practices of their faiths in their continuous search for relationships with God.

SYNCRETISM:


This is-the practice of professing two or more Religions at the same time e.g. practicing traditional religion and Christianity simultaneously. - - - -

RELIGIOUS AND MORAL LESSONS1. All religions believe there is a supreme being (God),

the creator and controller of the world. You must trust and obey his commandments so as to benefit from his love, mercy, kindness, forgiveness and eternal life after death.

2. For peaceful co existence, we should tolerate other people’s religious beliefs and practices, tolerance and practical Christian living can lead to true conversion of your friends; but religious bigotry, violence and criticism can tear you apart.

REVISION QUESTIONS AND EVALUATION1. It is generally accepted that all religions are still

searching for good relationships with God. Give reasons why this is so.

2. What are the names of God in Igbo, Yoruba Igala, Efik, Nupe, Fulani and Hausa, why is “name” very important in our relationships with God and fellowmen?

3. Mention (a) two world religions you know, (b) the people that practice them, and (c) the founders’

REFERENCES


Bendix, (1977), (1960). Max Weber: an intellectual Portrait. Berkeley: University of California Press..

Christiano, Kelvin J.; Swatos, William H.; Kivisto , Peter (2008). Sociology of Religion:

Contemporary Developments (2nd ed.) Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Inc.

Evans-Pritchard, (1965). Theories of Primitive Religion. Sir D. Owen Evans lectures, 1962.

Oxford: Clarendon:Nauta, (1998). “Stark Rodney”. In Swatos, William H.; Jr.

Encyclopedia of Religion andSociety. Alta-Mira Press.NET, 2015, 2016Online Data Sources : 2012-2014.Nnaji C.O. (2015) Bio-Chemistry of Religion (Enugu and

Abuja: Theometry).Nnaji C.O. (2011) Origin and True Meaning of Philosophy

(Enugu and Owerri Theometry)Nnaji C.O. (2014) Ancient Religion was Philosophim

(Enugu and Abuja: Theometry)


CHAPTER THREE

TABLE OF WORLD RELIGIONSReligions Theories and

Origins of the Religions

Basic Theology

Countries and Peoples

1. Prehistoric Baal Worship (Phoenician gods)

i.e. before 15,000 to 5,000 BCanthropological origins

Baal is Nimrod Gen.10Baal worship produced polytheism (many gods)Cannibal is from Kanabaal, i.e. flesh eating Baal priests

Worldwide

2. Animism(Early men)Polytheism (spirits and gods)

a. 40,000 BC (Prehistoric Homo Sapiens, earliest African and Asian societies. (Geographical origins)b. From Latin “Anima”, i.e. spirit.

Belief that spirits, divinities and gods live in natural or physical objects like rivers, oceans, seas, trees, mountains, valleys etc

Homo sapiens and ancient societies c 40,000 years ago.

3. Ancestor worship(ancient Africans and Asians)

C50, 000BC from African and Indo-Asian Burial rites.(superstitious origins)

a. Worshipping spirits of dead relations as intermediary gods.b. Modern elaborate and costly burial

Ancient, Asians, Africans, Europeans, Americans, Australia, New


ceremonies and yearly remembrance anniversaries.

Zealand etc.

4. Taoism (5,000 BC); see Taiwan from Laotzu (what someone should do, i.e. morality)

Living in Harmony with nature.(Bio geographical origins)

Basic human morality as against 6th century BC special.

Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism of China from Tao or Duo-ism, means divine orderliness.

Taoism and Confucianism search for the way to heaven; (not God) but divine will caused or created all things. Believe in and worship of Plethora or multiplicity of gods acting as intermediaries between the supreme deity (God) and man.(Theories of mystical origins)

i.e. salvation and orderliness without the concept of God or a personal god.

5. Shamans(Indo- China witch doctors also similar to the South African Sangoma, Ibo “Dibia” and Yoruba

Ancient Polytheism theories of origin

a. Consulting the medium or intermediary witch doctors.b. Also called Dancing

India China or Asian people


“Babalawo” dervishes i.e. ecstatic drumming and dance rituals, to invoke the supernatural.

6. Shintoism from JapanJapanese religion against Indian Buddhism.

(700CE) from rice cultivation (fertility cults origins)

Offering rice rituals (ways of the gods) to the gods at family kamidanas (i.e. shrines)

Shinto was battling against alien religions like Buddhism and Hinduism c750CE.

7. Druidery (Asia of the Druids)

Prehistoric theories of origins

Respect for nature and morality

Recognized by Britain in 2010.

8. Witchcraft and Religions of Black Magic and Spiritism (i.e. Hebrew “Sophetim” or “Sophroti” (i.e. the serpent spirit) of divination (Ceseph).

Early man (parapsychic-theistic origins) from Persia (i.e. Asianos and Philistia, etc, Isaiah 2;6.

a. Consulting extraordinary esoteric powers for evil or to harm or for sorcery.b. Polytheistic (many gods) Theology or Pantheon cults and shrines.

Africa, Red Indians, Asia, Greeks, Romans, Celts etc.

9. Christianity (c3BC/CE) by Jesus of Nazareth.Monotheism (one God)

From Nazareth and Galilee of Judea in Palestine. Soteric theories of origins.

a. One God Theology (Monotheism)b. Salvation by grace through believe

Worldwide


in the death and resurrection of Jesus.c. John13:34- love (See the Bible).

10. Egyptian worship of the Sun (Sun-god) Ra or El (El-Helluim).Polytheism (gods)

C4,000BC; Geothenic sociodynamic origins

Conceiving the sun and its powerful light and heat as evidences of divinity.

Upper and lower Egypt. (Mizrain) etc.

11. Islam 570CE Monotheism (one God) by Prophet Mohammed in Mecca and Medina. (i.e. Yatrib)

During the Arabian Jahiliyya (i.e. ignorance).i.e. the Jahiliyya social theory.

a. One God (Tawhid or Kharlimatu Shahada)b. The five pillars of the Kharlima (Iman) i.e. one God, Salat (prayer) sawn (fasting) zakat (tithe) and Hajj.See the Quran and Hadith.

Worldwide.

12. Hinduism (No founder) seea. Karma Yogab. JnanaYogac. Bhakti Yogad. Raja Yoga (i.e. the four ways of liberating the soul)

From over 5,000 years accumulated cultures and traditions of the Hindi (Indian) peoples.(Psychosocial synthesis origins of the

Moksha theology i.e. liberation of the human soul from a frustrating cycle of rebirth into existence especially the lower caste.

Indo-china, USA, Korea, Taiwan, etc


Hindu religion) (Reincarnation Theology)(see the upper and lower caste systems (i.e. Ibo Osu or outcasts)

13. Sikhism(From sikh which means disciple)

C1510 in Punjab (Pakistani Guru Nanaka wanted to merge Hinduism with Islam; i.e. there is only one God and he is our father) Sikhs are violent (opposite of peaceful Jains)

Unity of all religions under a common God (after a theology of force)

Pakistan, India, Bangladesh.

14. Buddhism(by Gautama Sindharta Buddha) Buddha means enlightenment without God

C500BCDissatisfaction with (Hinduism from the Pali Canonical text)(metapsychic origins)

a. What is the meaning of life, i.e. old age, suffering, vicissitudes etcb. Entering the Nirvan, i.e. paradise. (or Al-Janah)c. Meditating and resisting temptation etc.

Indo-China, Japan, Korea, USA, Malaysia, Singapore etc.

15. Judaism (c1,450 BC)Practicing the Ten Commandments of Moses. Deut 6, Exodus 20 etc

From the nation of IsraelSolipstic theory of self- preservation.

Basic Theology of one God and total obedience to God’s Law (the Torah) and

Worldwide (Note; Judaism is incorporated into


the centrality of the Levitical priesthood. Deuteronomy 10:1-15.

Christianity and Islam.

16. Jainism by Indian Prince Natapurta Jardhamana Nahavita (Great Hero) at Karnataka, in India.

C5, 000BC in the Indo- China sub continent.

Self denial and non-violence (i.e. Ahimsa leads to salvation; Mohandas or Mahatma Ghandhi (1869-1948) was a member). He was also a Hindu teacher

India, Pakistan etc.

17. Zorostrianism(A quasi or pseudo philosophical Persian belief- system).Please note some philosophical new religious movements which attempt to explain existence or solve existential problems without necessarily involving God and salvation e.g. Secret Societies, scientology,Eckankar, Grail Message, Al Krishna, Bahai, Rosicrucian, Amorc, Mormons, Sat Guru

a. Already visible by 500CE.

b. Persian cults or cultic traditions.

(a) Duality of forces theology.(b) Or constant battle or friction between opposing forces in nature (Phusika) or in existence (between good and evil, or light and darkness) etc.

Iran (i.e. Persia) Syria etc.


Maharaj etc.18. Secularism C1750CE (i.e.

18th century rise of scientific reasoning)

Believe in God but rejection of religion.

Europe

19. NIHILISM, SOLIPCISM and Modernism

C1800CE philosophical Europe.

Total rejection of God, religion and morality

Europe

20. African Traditional Religion (ATR).

C1900CE: European revivalism

No aspect of human culture should be rejected not even religion, to avoid terrorism.

Europe, U.S.A, Latin America, Africa.

The Ibo “Chi Ukwu and Amadioha”

The Yoruba “Olorun” and “Olodumare”,

The “Asantihene” i.e. god king of Ghana etc

Accumulated prehistoric African and alien cultures and traditions.

a. Monopolytheism and polymonotheism, i.e. worship of God through spirits and divinities wrongly called gods.b. The spiritual controls the physical. (See Nnaji C.O (2012) Origin and True Meaning of Philosophy; Abuja Theometry).

Africa sub continent.

21. Totemism (See Ngugu Wa Thiango) in Weep Not Child

a. Prehistoric Anthropological African

a. Believe in personal gods or guardian

Africa and beyond.


(i.e. during Colonial Kenya).

traditions of evolutionary relationships between early humans and lower animals.

spirits.b. Kenyan Erpetoric (i.e. reptile) guardian spirits.c. The Ezza- Abakaliki “Agwo” (harmless green snakes) guardian spirits.

See Watch Tower (1990) Mankind’s Search for God (Watch Tower: Pennsylvania) Also Mircea, Eleade (1989) Encyclopedia of Religion (New York; Clarendom). (See also John Noss (1970) Man’s Religions in Ogundu C.O (2000) A philosophical and Religious Analyses of Suicide PhD Thesis, January 2000) etc

The Secularism Triangle

(i. e. man beliefs he can get to God without Religion; or that science has made life easier, hence men are beginning to solve their problemsAssyro-Babylonian Gods and Goddesses (See Watch Tower, 1990) Anu-the supreme god, reigning over the heavens;

father of Ishtar. Asshur- national warrior-god of the Assyrians; also

god of fertility.


God

Science Religion

Ea- god of water. Father of Marduk. Warned Utnapishtim of the flood.

Enlil (Bel)- lord of the air; latter paralleled in Greek mythology by Zeus. Assimilated by the Babylonians into Marduk (Bel).

Ishtar: divine personification of the planet Venus; sacred prostitution a part of her cult. She was Astarte in Phoenicia, Atargatics in Syria, Ashtoreth in the Bible (1 Kings 11:5,33), Aphrodite in Greece, Venus in Rome.

Marduk- first among the Babylonian gods; “absorbed all the other gods and took over all their various functions”. Called Merodach by the Israelites.

Shamash- sun god of light and justice. Forerunner of the Greek Apollo.

Sin- moon god, member of the triad that included Shamash (the sun) and Ishtar (the planet Venus)

Tammuz (Dumuzi)- the harvest –god. Ishtar’s lover. (Based on the New Encyclopedia of Mythology)

MYTHOLOGY AND CHRISTIANITYWorship of the mythical gods of Greece and Rome was in full sway when Christianity came on the scene nearly two thousand years ago. In Asia Minor the Greek names still prevailed, which explains why the people of Lystra (in present day Turkey) called the Christian healers Paul and Barnabas “gods” referring to them as Hermes and Zeus respectively, rather than as Roman Mercury and Jupiter. The account says that “the priest of Zeus, whose temple was before the city brought bulls and garlands to the gates and was desiring to offer sacrifices with the crowds”. (Acts 14:8-18). Only with difficulty did Paul and Barnabas


convince the crowd not to make sacrifices to them. It illustrates how seriously those people took their mythology back then.

SIMPLE GUIDE TO HINDU TERMS Ahimsa (Sanskrit, ahinsa)-non violence; not hurting

or killing anything. Basis for Hindu vegetarianism and respect for animals.

Ashram-a shrine or place where a guru (spiritual guide) teaches.

Atman- spirit; associated with that which is deathless. Often mistakenly translated soul. See jiva.

Avatar- a manifestation or an incarnation of a Hindu Deity.

Bhakti- devotion to a deity that leads to salvation Bindi- a red spot that married women wear on the

forehead. Brahman- the priestly and highest level of the caste

system; also the Ultimate Reality. See page 116. Dharma- the ultimate law of all things; that which

determines the rightness or wrongness of acts. Ghat-stairway or platform by a river. Guru-teacher or spiritual guide. Harijan-member of the Untouchable caste; means

‘people of God” compassionate name given by Mahatma Ghandhi.

Japa- worship of God by repetition of one of his names; a mala, or rosary of 108 beads, is used to keep count.

Jiva (or pran, prani): the personal soul or being.


Karma- the principle that every action has its positive or negative consequences for the next life of the transmigrated soul.

Kshatriya- the professional, governing, and warrior class, and the second level of the caste system.

Mahant- holy man or teacher. Mahatma- Hindu saint, from maha, high or great, and

atman spirit. Mantra- a sacred formula, believed to have magical

power, used in initiating into a sect and repeated in prayers and incantations.

Maya- the world as an illusion. Moksha, or mukti- release from the cycle of rebirth;

the end of the soul’s journey. Also known as Nirvana, the union of the individual with the Supreme Entity, Brahman.

OM,AUM- a word symbol representing Brahman used for meditation; sound considered to be the mystic vibration; used as a sacred mantra.

Paramatman- the World spirit, the universal atman, or Brahman.

Pupa-worship Sadhu-transmigration of an eternal, imperishable soul. Shakti- the female power or the wife of a god,

especially Siva’s consort. Sraddha-important rites conducted to honour

ancestors and assist departed souls in attaining moksha.

Sudra-laborer, the lowest of the four main castes. Swami- teacher or higher level of spiritual guide. Tilak- a mark on the forehead that symbolizes the

retention of the memory of the Lord in all his activities.


Trimurti- Hindi triad of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. Upanishads- early sacred poetic writings of Hinduism.

Also known as Vedanta, the end of the Vedas. Vaisya- class of merchants and farmers; third group in

the caste system. Vedas- earliest sacred poetic writings of Hinduism. Yama- the god of death; he keeps track of each one’s

karma to determine the quality of the next life. Yoga- from the root yuj, meaning to join or yoke;

involves the joining of the individual to the universal divine being. Popularly known as the discipline of meditation involving posture and breath control. Hinduism recognizes at least four main Yogas, or paths.

HINDUISM- SOME GODS AND GODDESSES Aditi- mother of the gods; sky-goddess; the infinite. Agni- god of fire. Brahma-the Creator God, the principle of creation in

the universe. One of the gods of the Trimurti (triad). Brahman, or Brahm- the Supreme, all pervasive

entity of the universe, represented by the sound OM or AUM. Also referred to as Atman. Some Hindus view Brahman as an impersonal Divine Principle or Ultimate Reality.

Buddha- Gautama, founder of Buddhism; Hindus view him as an incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu.

Durga- wife or Shakti of Siva and identified with Kali. Ganesa (Ganesha)- Siva’s elephant-headedson-god,

Lord of Obstacles, god of good fortune. Also called Ganapati and Gajanana.


Ganga- goddess, one of sivas wives and personification of the river Ganges.

Hanuman- monkey god and devoted follower of Rama.

Himalaya- abode of snow, father of Parvati. Kali- Siva’s black consort (Shakti) and bloodthirsty

goddess of destruction. Often portrayed with large red tongue hanging out.

Krishna- the playful eighth incarnation of Vishnu and the deity of the Bhagavad Gita. His lovers were the gopis, or milkmaids.

Lakshmi- goddess of beauty and good fortune; Vishnu’s consort.

Manasa-ancestor of the human race, saved from the flood’s destruction by a great fish.

Mitra- god of light. Known as Mithras to the Romans. Nandi- the bull, Siva’s vehicle or mode of transport. Nataraja- Siva in dance posture encompassed by a

ring of flames. Parvati or Uma-goddess consort of Siva. Also takes

the form of goddess Durga or Kali. Prajapati- Creator of the universe, Lord of Creatures,

father of gods, demons, and all other creatures. Later known as Brahma.

Purusha-cosmic man. The four main castes were made from his body.

Radha- consort of Krishna. Rama, Ramachandra-the seventh incarnation of the

god Vishnu. The epic narrative Ramayana relates the story of Rama and his wife Sita.

Saraswati- goddess of knowledge and consort of Brahman the Creator.


Shashti- goddess who protects women and children in childbirth.

Siva- god of fertility, death and destruction a member of the Trimurti- symbolized by the trident and the phallus.

Soma- both a god and a drug; the elixir of life. Vishnu-god the preserver of life; third member of the

Trimurti.

BUDDHISM AND GOD (WATCH TOWER, 1990)“Buddhism teaches the way to perfect goodness and wisdom without a personal God; the highest knowledge without a ‘revelation’; the possibility of redemption without a vicarious redeemer, a salvation in which everyone is his own savior.”The Message of Buddhism, by the Bhikkhu Subhadra, as quoted in What is Buddhism?Then are Buddhists atheists? The book What is Buddhism? Published by the Buddhist Lodge, London, answers: “If by atheist you mean one who rejects the concept of personal God, we are.” Then it goes on to say: “A growing mind can as easily digest the idea of a Universe guided by unswerving Law, as it can the concept of a distant Personage that it may never see, who dwells it knows not where, and who has at some time created out of nothing a Universe which is permeated by enmity, injustice, inequality of opportunity, and endless suffering and strife.”Thus, in theory, Buddhist does not advocate belief in God or a Creator. However, Buddhist temples and stupas are found in every country where Buddhism is practiced, and images and relics of Buddhas and bodhisattvas have become objects of prayers, offerings and devotion by


devout Buddhists. The Buddha, who never claimed to be God, has now become a god in every sense of the word.

CONFUCIANISM- PHILOSOPHY OR RELIGION?Because Confucius made few comments about God, many people view Confucianism as only a philosophy and not a religion. Yet, what he said and did, showed that he was religious. This can be seen in two respects. First, he had a reverent fear for a Supreme cosmic spiritual power, what the Chinese call T’ien, or Heaven, which he regarded as the source of all virtue and moral goodness and whose will, he felt, directs all things. Second, he placed great emphasis on meticulous observance of the rites and ceremonies relating to the worship of heaven and the spirits of departed ancestors.Though Confucius never advocated these views as a form of religion, to generations of Chinese they have become what religion is all about.

THE FOUR BOOKS1. The Great Learning (Ta Hsueh), the basis of a

gentleman’s education, the first text studied by school boys in old China.

2. The Doctrine of the Mean (Chung Yung) a treatise on the development of human nature through moderation.

3. The Analects (Lung Yu), a collection of Confucius’ sayings, considered the main source of Confucian thought.


4. The Book of Mencius (Meng-tzu) writings and sayings of Confucius’ greatest disciple, Meng-tzu, or Mencius.

THE FIVE CLASSICS1. The Book of Poetry (Shih Ching), 305 poems

providing a picture of daily life in early Chou times (1000-600B.C.E).

2. The Book of History (Shu Ching) covering 17 centuries of Chinese history beginnings with the Shang dynasty (1766-1122B.C.E)

3. The Book of Changes (I Ching),a book on interpretations of the 64 possible combinations of six whole or broken lines.

4. The Book of Rites (Li Chi) a collection of rules on ceremonies and rituals.

5. Annals of Spring and Autumn (Ch’un Ch’iu), a history of Confucius’ native state of Lu, covering 721-478B.C.E.

SHINTO- A RELIGION OF FESTIVALSThe Japanese year is full of religious festivals, or matsuri. The following are some of the principal ones: Sho-gatsu, or the New Year Festival, January 1-3. Setsubun, bean throwing inside and outside homes,

while shouting, “Devils out, good luck in” February 3. Hina Matsuri, or Doll Festival for girls, held March

3. A platform of dolls, depicting an ancient imperial household, is displayed.


Boys Festival, on May 5; koinobori (carp streamers symbolizing strength) are flown from poles.

Tsukimi, admiring mid-autumn full moon, while offering small round rice cakes and first fruits of crops.

Kanname-sai, or the offering of the first new rice by the emperor, in October.

Niiname-sai is celebrated by the imperial family in November, when the new rice is tasted by the emperor, who presides as chief priest of the Imperial Shinto.

Shichi-go-san, which means “seven-five-three,” celebrated by Shinto families on November 15. Seven, five and three are viewed as important transition years; children in colourful kimono visit the family shrine.

Many Buddhist festivals are also celebrated, including the Buddha’s birthday, on April 8 and the Obon Festival, July 15, which ends with lanterns floating out on sea or stream “to guide ancestral spirits back to the world.”

CHAPTER FOUR

RELIGION AND REVELATIONS

There are four types of theistic Religions: Theistic Religions are Religions that believe in God, gods and the Supernatural; they are Polytheism, Ancestor worship, Monotheism and Ascetic oriental religions: of all these, only Monotheism like Judaism, Christianity and Islam have


traditions of Prophets, prophecies and Holy Books: Prophets received revelations from God; Those revelations were written down to form Holy Books like the Bible and the Quran.

WHAT IS REVELATION: Revelation is from the word “reveal”. To reveal means to show someone something that person previously did not know. God reveals to prophets and individuals what we previously did not know. Hence, Bible revelations are hidden supernatural ‘knowledge revealed to God’s chosen prophets, rnessengers and worshippers.

THE BIBLE AS A RECORD OF GOD’S REVELATIONS OF HIMSELFGod’s Revelations of Himself (see also QURAN.3:84)The Bible is the Christian written word of God. It is the record of God’s dealings with men and God’s revelations of himself and his will. It contains the account of God’s gradual revelation of himself first, to the people of Israel through his actions in their lives then to the rest of the world and their communities, e.g. the Islamic Quran is based on the Old Testament. (Quran 2:87; 19:30; :3; 45- 84).The Bible did not appear in the form it is today “it was first passed on in oral traditions, later the art of writing was discovered, then people had to draw objects they wanted in forms of pictures and later Alphabets emerged. Writing materials and paper were equally discovered. Many writers contributed in writing the books of the Bible, later they were compiled into one big Holy Bible. No Holy book, anywhere, fell down from heaven; All Holy Books were written by inspired human beings.


Historically, readers believe that the writers of the Bible were inspired by the super- intending power of the Holy Spirit; that no prophecy or scriptures ever came by the input of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (2Tim 3:16, 2 Pet 1; 20 21). Revelation in this context means opening or releasing something that is hidden so that people will know and understand such things. It means bringing to light the acts and will of God so that man can work with him to accomplish his divine purpose.Through revelations from the Bible, God uncovered his Supreme Being, and aspects of his nature such as his power, holiness, love, justice, commandments and his eternal plan of redemption of (sinful) man. God’s revelations of himself through the Bible and Quran have given us the privilege to know him, love him and serve him. Also God’s revelation of himself through the Bible took gradual processes. God revealed his person and actions in the past, and his attitude in present and future events. In each case, he uncovered to prophets what he wants us to do in any circumstance. God revealed himself and his plans to some Old Testament characters. Please see the following Bible passages for the stories of those characters. These stories are also in the Quran.A. God’s revelation of himself to Noah. (Gen 6:9-22) B. God’s revelation of himself to Abraham. (Gen 12:1-

9,17: 1-2 and 18: 1-3:3)C. God’s revelation of himself to Moses. (Ex. 3:1-20);

(Exodus 20:13)D. God’s revelation of Himself to Solomon. (1Kgs. 3:3-15)E. God’s revelation of himself to Jacob. (Gen 28:10-

17,32:22-32, 46: 1-7)


F. God’s revelation of himself to the judges. (Judges I4,5,6)

G. God reveled himself to the prophets. (2Sam.ll, 12:1-15,1Kgs.2l:1-16)(Ezral:1) Ez.1:1-3

H. God’s revelations to prophet Mohammed Q96:1-5;3:84I. God’s revelation of himself to prophet Isa i.e. Jesus QI

9:33; 3:45-59; 2:87

GOD REVEALED HIMSELF IN HISTORY 1. God Revealed Himself Through Jesus Christ (Jn.

1:1-5; Isaiah 7:14, Matt. l: 23, Isaiah 9:6) After revealing himself to all the above listed characters,God finally revealed himself through his incarnate son,Christ, regarded by Christians as the greatest revelation on earth, and regarded by the Quran as second to prophet Mohammed (Q19:33, Q3:45, 55-58).Mohammed came about 535 years after Jesus.

2. God also revealed himself to Prophet Mohammed (see Yusuf Ali: The Holy Quran (Q.96: 1-5) the Hindu- Brahman (Supreme Spirit) is God’s revelation in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.The Bible is a. very reliable source of information and guidance to all Christians who believe in God’s revelation of himself to man. The Bible is more than a historical document to be preserved. It is more than a classic of English Literature to be cherished and admired. It is a record of God’s revelation of himself and his will to man. It carries its full message to those who read that they may discern and understand God’s word to man. Almost everything in the Old Testament and Jesus as God’s prophet (prophet Isa), are in the


Quran as true revelations from God. (Onyekwelu.H.C. 2006)

3. God also revealed himself to Buddha, the Orientals, and African traditionists.

RELIGIOUS AND MORAL LESSONS1. The Bible contains the mind and incarnation of God.

You must form the habit of reading and studying the Bible always, so that you will hear and be guided by God’s messages; while also respecting other people’s religions.

REVISION QUESTIONS AND EVALUATION1. What is Revelation?2. Give an account of God’s revelation of himself to any

two of the following Bible and Quranic characters: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Mohammed etc.

3. Why did God come down into the world in the person of his son Jesus Christ?

ORIGIN OF THE BIBLETHE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIBLE:Before we study the books of the Bible, we shall first study how the Bible was developed to its present form. Originally the Bible was in oral- tradition, before it was written down. This is the way most historical events throughout the world were handed down from one generation to the other, through words of mouth called oral traditions. These also included folk tales, songs, riddles and proverbs which our parents and elders often told us about the ancient past.It is. therefore not surprising why the Jews can easily narrate Bible stories of creation, call of Abraham, God’s


covenant laws with Israel, Joseph and the Jews in Egypt; of Moses himself, the Passover and liberation of the Jews from Egyptian bondage; not forgetting God’s provision for the forty (wilderness) years and Israel’s settlement in the promised land(Canaan). These traditional stories lasted for many years from one generation to the other until the Jews discovered the art of writing and wrote the Old Testament.

THE DISCOVERY OF WRITING: A CHANGE FROM ORAL TO WRITTEN TRADITIONEgypt was one of the centers of civilization in the world:The art of writing was first developed by the people of Egypt (c 4241BCE) and Mesopotamia; some even suggest China. The first writing was in form of pictures to signify what they wanted. Later, Egyptians discovered alphabets and the use of Papyrus reeds along the River Nile to make paper10 (ibid Nwala: 1997).They also discovered writing materials like the pen (Stylus). Later, the people of Canaan discovered the art of writing from Mesopotamia and Egypt. The Israelites took advantage of this development and learnt the art of writing from the Canaanites in whose land they settled. Many Jewish scholars developed and advanced the art of writing with the result that during the peaceful reign of King Solomon they were able to collect all their moral stories, songs, proverbs and other historical events and wrote them down to form the Old-Testament.lt was not an easy task, but through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, these scholars were able to do a wonderful work.Writing the Old Testament was the first to be completed from the era of King Solomon, between C 95OBCE


to200BCE (Oyekanmi.O.A.Canon of the Old Testament (2002) p34.Many books were written, but not all of them were accepted. Only the inspired ones were selected and later canonized as the Old Testament Bible we have today. The works of many scholars were rejected because of lack of spiritual import and empowerment. (See Pseudo - Epigrapha and Apocrypha)The old Testament was originally written in Hebrew (or Aramaic) language for the interest of the Hellenist Jews (or Jews of dispersion) in Greek speaking countries.The New Testament was written in Greek language some thirty to sixty five years after the death of Jesus Christ. Just like the Old Testament works, many scholars also wrote several books on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the events of the early church; but the church fathers, or authorities of the church, decided to select only those inspired books that had spiritual impact and moral values to form the New Testament Bible that we have today. Later, the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament languages were translated into Latin (Roman language) since the Jews were then under the Roman Empire. From Latin it was translated to English, Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa languages so that Nigerians can read the Bible in their various languages and understand the word of God. Translation of Holy Books into Indigenous languages to help preserve the languages is called ‘Bilingual-Translation Theology.According to tradition, we should understand that the most ancient translation of the Old Testament into the Greek language is called the Septuagint (seventy). This is so


called because it took seventy-two Jewish scholars seventy days to complete the translation.After many centuries, the Jews decided to bring the Hebrew and Greek translations into a single text. To achieve this, they wanted to remove any differences between one copy and the other. They appointed Jews called the Masoretes to revise the consonantal Hebrew and Aramaic texts. They added vowel signs to the consonantal Hebrew text. (See Oyekanmi. O.A: 2002) e.g. YHWH is YAHWEH. Their work is called the Masoretic text, which was completed between the 6th and 9th centuries C.E. (i.e. 500 CE to 800CE) after Father Jerome’s Latin-Catholic Vulgate translation (399-405CE) ordered by Pope Damasus: (Brockman and Pescantini: 2004).

THE STRUCTURE OF THE BIBLE (See the New International Version study Bible)The Bible is made up of two main parts; the Old Testament and the New Testament. Testament simply means written statements and beliefs.Inter-Testamental, means the 400 years between Jewish return from Babylonian exile and the birth of Jesus when it is said there was no prophecy. It was within that period that Greek early philosophers like Socrates and company, and Hellenism i.e. Greek-Culture blossomed. (400BCE- 5BCE) see (Danny McCain; 1996)The Old Testament, contains the books of the Bible telling of the history of the Jews and their beliefs. They are covenant books between God and his people Israel at Mount Sinai during the time of. Moses. The New Testament, contains the books of the Bible telling of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and his


earliest followers. The relationship between the two is that most of the promises of the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New Testament. E.g. the prophetic sign of Isaiah about the birth of a child to be named Immanuel through a young woman (Isaiah 9:6) was fulfilled in the New Testament Gospel of Christ (Matt 2:1 = Luke 2:7). The Jews used candles in the Temple to show the light yet to come; When Jesus came, he said....“l am the light of the world’.The Bible is made up of sixty six (66) inspired and accepted books: Thirty nine (39) are from the Old Testament, while twenty seven (27) books are from the New Testament. This is the protestant version. The catholic version has seven (7) added books making it seventy three (73) in all;that is forty six (46) in the. Old Testament and same twenty seven (27) books in the New Testament. These seven books or writings recognized and added to the catholic version (the vulgate) include Baruch, Tobit, Judith, Sirach, Wisdom, I Maccabees and II Maccabees.

THE OLD TESTAMENT: (see the Holy Bible) The thirty nine (39) Old Testament books are arranged into

four sections which arei. The Law....(Torah)ii. The Prophets (Nebhim)iii. The Writings (Ketubhim)iv. The wisdom literature. (Hokma)

THE LAW: The Law books refer to the first five (5) books of the Bible. It is popularly called the Pentateuch (a Greek Term meaning “Five books”) which has been traditionally


attributed to Moses as the author, though some scholars of the last two centuries argued vigorously that all events in Genesis antedated the birth of Moses, and it is likely that Moses did not write all of them, or Moses might have made use of whatever oral or written sources that were available to him, especially traditions on creation which represent the Genesis creation stories, not forgetting the patriarchal narratives (i.e. stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) (Oyekanmi; 2002)

THE WRITINGS KETUBIM These are other Old Testament books not necessarily as prophetic as the prophets: The writings include (a) the Psalms(b) 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles (c) Ruth (d) Ezra, c58OBc (e) Nehemiah c53OBc (f) Esther, c56OBc (g) Songs of Solomon, by King Solomon around 940 B.C (h) Lamentations by Jeremiah the prophet around 600BCThe writings are so called because they are poetic in nature. They contain stern warnings against sin, ultimate punishment is promised the sinners. For instance, while the prophets teach us that the source of wisdom is, “the fear of the Lord” the psalms cover the gamut of human emotions from the moments of depression to heavenly praises. It encourages us to continue to believe and trust and praise God in every circumstance.

THE WISDOM LITERATURE: These are:1. Proverbs, probably by King Solomon around 950 BC2. ob- This book is anonymous and without dating3. Ecclesiastics, probably by King Solomon, 94OBc

THE NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS


(see the Holy Bible) Writing of the New Testament books started with oral traditions just like the Old Testament books before they were written down after Christ’s ascension. It took about thirty years after his death before the documentation started. When the selected Apostles who were eye witnesses of Christ started dying away, early Christians and the apostles themselves started writing down all they heard and saw about Jesus. The earliest books of the New Testament were initially written as letters by the Apostles to Christian churches established in Asia and Eastern Europe:. Early Evangelists acted either as companions, Interpreters or writers to the Apostles. Among these Evangelists were John Mark, and St. Luke the physician (see also Danny McCain: Notes on New Testament Introduction; Jos ACTS, l996) 115-130.

THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS:Synoptic means seeing together and comparing things that look alike. The synoptic Gospels are Mathew, Mark and Luke. They are called synoptic because the stories they told about Jesus look alike as if one person wrote the three Gospels, though they have their differences. Please note similarities and differences of the Gospels; life teachings of Jesus as presented in the Gospels have 64% synoptic similarity, while John’s narratives are about 85% not similar.

ST. MARK’S GOSPELC65CE: 93% similar to Mathew and Luke; 7% different.John Mark was the writer of St. Mark’s gospel. Though he was not one of the twelve apostles, his gospel was the first to be written. He obtained his information from Simon Peter


who was a first hand witness of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He interpreted for Peter during Peter’s preachings. He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on the first Missionary journey as far as Perga in Pamphylia from where he returned to Jerusalem. He was also with Paul when he wrote to the Colossians and to Philemon (Col 4:10, Philemon 1:2-4) With these experiences, John Mark was able to write down what he heard his masters preach in addition to the materials he collected from other sources. His gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels; Most of its contents are also found in Mathew.

ST. MATHEW’S GOSPEL: This is the first book in the New Testament arrangement. It was written by Levi, a former tax collector (Matt 9:9; Luke. 5:27 29). It is 58% similar to Mark and Luke; 42% different. Levi (also called Mathew), was probably writing for Jewish readers. It is very likely Mathew had ‘assess to St. Mark’s and St. Luke’s gospels to which he- added other: personal materials to form the gospel of twenty eight chapters, written in about 65CE, though some scholars place it between 80 and 90 CE.

ST. LUKE’S GOSPEL: (41% similar to Mark and Mathew: 59% different) St. Luke got the outline of his gospel from St. Mark’s gospel and improves on it. It is called the third gospel and bears the name of Luke, the beloved physician (Col.4:14), friend and companion of Paul. The same Luke wrote the third gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. He joined Paul at Troas during the second missionary journey, going with them to Philippi (Acts 16:10-41). He was with Paul when he


wrote to the Colossians, to Philemon and to Timothy (Col 4:14) (Philemon 1:2-4, 2Tim 4:11). It is certain that St. Luke collected some materials from St. Mark and other sources including his own personal experiences and documents to write St. Luke’s gospel in about 6OCE. It contains twenty four chapters.St. Mathew, St. Mark and Luke are known as the synoptic gospels, so called because they all tell very much the same story about Jesus in the same way.

SOME SOLUTIONS TO THE SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: E.Gs. (a) They used oral traditions, e.g. the “Q” “quelle” source (b) Priority of Mark as first (c) Five other documents like the,‘M’ and ‘L’ sources; Also the Q, Kerygma and didache: etc

THE SYNOPTIC PROBLEMMathew, Mark and Luke are generally referred to as “synoptic” Gospels because the three Gospels have marked contrasts to St.John’s Gospel which is the fourth Gospel as they appear in our Bible. These Gospels present a “common view” of the facts about Jesus, hence the implication of the term as in the Greek word “synopsis, i.e. a blended view. Actually the term “synopsis” is a combination of two Greek words “sun” (to see or view) and “Opsis” (together), which means seeing or viewing together. As applied to the first three gospels the term is to be understood in three main senses, first, the three gospels view together or present us with a similar account of the events in the Life of Jesus; In order words, they contain parts which when compared, are virtually identical. Second,


the term is used to differentiate these books from the fourth gospel (i.e. St. John’s Gospel). The Gospel of John differs in chronology-in the presentation of the events narrated, in the style and aims of Jesus’ teachings, including in the place of most of his public works. Finally, the term ‘synopsis” relates to the fact that many passages in the three books can be put in parallel columns which can be “seen” together and studied together.The synoptic problem consists in the literal relationship of the three synoptic gospels namely: Mathew, Mark and Luke. It is estimated that there are 31 verses out of the total 66 verses in Mark which are absent from either Mathew or Luke. Mathew alone has about 600 verses of Mark. In some passages where Luke and Mark assumed a parallel, there is a large proportion of verbal agreement and about 50% of the total parallelisms have also verbal agreements. The order of Mark is substantially observed through out by Mark and Luke, where Mathew and Luke differ in order; they are never in agreement in materials against Mark; not in their common Materials. Another striking difference is that Mark uses much Aramaic (Palestinian language) expressions sometimes with a comment to explain; Mathew has not many Aramaic expressions while Luke has none at all.Mark is not often longer and less smooth and often of quite cumbersome grammatical expressions. The uses of vivid historic present tenses are more frequent than in Matthew and Luke: Matthew and Luke often rendered statements of Mark in milder language and form; they seem to have toned down some of Mark’s roughness or to avoid it entirely


For instance, Matthew’ and Luke gave completely independent accounts of the birth and infancy stories [Matthew 1& 2 and Luke 2] but which Mark entirely omitted.(See Quarcoopome T. N. 0 (1985) the Synoptic Gospels; Kenbim-Press Ltd; Ibadan, Nigeria. And www.encarta premium 2009 Microsoft word) see also: The Holy Bible New International Version (1973) International Bible Society; Boardman and Holman Publishers; Nashville, Tennessee)..(Nnaji Ogundu assisted here by Rev. Ayegh Terna Nathaniel: 2010)

THE FOURTH GOSPEL OR THE GOSPEL OF ST. JOHNUnlike the other three gospels, St John’s gospel is different in pattern and purpose. Its purpose is formally stated in St. John’s Gospel, 20:30, and 31 written in order that the readers might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and by believing have life in his name. It was written about 90 CE.

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES: It was written by St. Luke, the physician. This was his second book, a continuation of St. Luke’s gospel. It teaches us the evangelical work of the Apostles after they had received the power of the Holy Spirit. This is an eye witness account of how the Christian Church started after Christ Ascended.

THE EPISTLES AND THEIR DATINGS: This contains twenty one letters of morality and church injunctions written by the Apostles and few of the Apostles disciples.


The epistles are in fulfillment .of Jesus statement that when the comforter comes he will explain much more God’s plan of salvation as fulfilled by the mission and ministry of Jesus recorded in the four gospel narratives of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. Below are the Epistles6. Romans Written by St. Paul: C5OCE7. 1 Corinthians written by St. Paul: C49CE8. 2 Corinthians: c45 -5OCE by St. Paul9. Galatians c 50 CE by St. Paul;10. Ephesians c45 CE by St. Paul11. Philippians c48 CE by St. Paul12. Colossians c49 /55 CE by St. Paul13. 1 Thessalonians c50CE by St. Paul14. 2 Thessalonians c48 CE by St. Paul15. 1 Timothy c45 50 CE by St. Paul16. 2 Timothy c45 50 CE by St. Paul17. Titus c49 cEby St. Paul18. Philemon c49 CE by St. Paul19. Hebrew: This Epistles is anonymous.

Uncertain: c, 50/60CE20. James written by St. James around 60 CE21. 1 Peter written by St. Peter around 65 CE22. 2 Peter written by St. Peterc65 CE23. 1 John Written by St.John c68 7OCE24. 2 John written by St. John c 69 CE25. 3 John Written by St. John c 69 CE26. Jude written by Jude, a servant of Jesus c 75 CE27. The Book of Revelations: Written by St.John, the

beloved Apostle. This is the last book in the Bible, perhaps also the last written. It is also the Apocalypse and eschatos written between 85/100 CE. In the above arrangement, the author used the R.S.V of the


Bible. It is not serially arranged. It should be noted, that St. Paul’s epistles were written before the gospels; that St. Mark’s gospel which is traditionally the first gospel is placed second while Mathew is placed first.

As Christians, we are expected to read all the books in the Bible. We can start with the Acts of the Apostles and the Old Testament then read them every day until we have finished reading all the books in the Bible. As we read the Bible systematically, regularly and expectantly, the word of God will build our faith, keep us pure and help us to develop and improve our personal relationships with God, and with fellow human beings.

RELIGIOUS AND MORAL LESSONS1. Christians and non-Christians are expected to read

the Old Testament books in order to have all round knowledge and full spiritual development, since the Old Testament is common to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

2. In the New Testament, we learn about the life, work and teachings of Jesus including the Good News of salvation through faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit.

REVISION QUESTIONS AND EVALUATION1. Describe how the Bible was developed from Oral

teachings.2. Narrate the discovery of writing from the people of

Egypt and Mesopotamia to the Jewish scholars. How was the Bible translated to your language? May be it has not been translated.


3. What is the Septuagint? Who were the Masoretes? What is the Pentateuch?

4. Name the main parts of the Bible. What is the relationship between them? Give one example

5. What is common to Jews, Christians and Muslims? (b) How many books make up the Bible?

6. Write short notes on any two of the following (A). St. Mark’s gospel, St. Mathew’s Gospel, Luke’s Gospel and Acts of the Apostles.

CHAPTER FIVE

A SHORT HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM IN NIGERIA


As God reveals himself to us for religious and professional services, we should try to answer and render selfless services to various communities. Some people have already responded to God’s call and revelations. They act on their visions and missions. Among such people were Christian missionaries who risked their lives and traveled thousands of kilometers from Europe and Asia by ships to bring Christianity and the gospel of salvation to Nigeria. Some of them were Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Bishop Shanaham, Rev. Father Lutz, Mary Slessor, Hope Waddel, Rev. Henry Townsend, Bishop T.C Tailor, Rev. C.J Patterson, Rev. Father J.M. Coquard, and Rev. T.B. Freeman Etc. We shall examine few of them. (Onyekwelu .H.C, 2009)

BISHOP SAMUEL AJAYI CROWTHER:Samuel Ajayi Crowther was born in lyesin, in Oshogbo of Oyo state. As a Yoruba boy his parents named him Ajayi. In 1823, at the age of fifteen, he was caught by Fulani raiders and sold as one of the slaves. He was taken to Lagos from where he would be shipped to America with other slaves to work in the mines of Peru and Mexico.Fortunately for him, the British Government had passed a law prohibiting slave trade and sent the British Navy on the high sea to free victims of the slave trade.The following year the British warship rescued Ajayi and others from a slave ship and took them to Freetown-in Sierra Leone. There in Sierra Leone, he was looked after by European missionaries of the church missionary society (C.M.S) in free town. The missionaries sent him to school and in 1825 he was baptized, hence his name became


Samuel Ajayi Crowther (Samuel representing the Biblical son of Hannah, and Crowther his missionary step father).In 1827, he attended the Fourah Bay College, the present University of Sierra Leone. He was very brilliant and hardworking; eventually he became a teacher in that school. He developed a special interest in God’s work and became a catechist for the CMS in Sierra Leone. Under the auspices of the British Government, the CMS awarded him a scholarship to study in England. He studied Missions and Evangelism, and became a missionary for the CMSWhen the British Government wanted to send out an expedition to explore the coast of West Africa and the River Niger, the CMS used the opportunity to send missionaries for the first time to West Africa. In 1841 Samuel Ajayi Crowther took part in the Niger expedition aimed at Christianizing the people of Nigeria. In 1843, he was ordained in England as a Minister of the Gospel and sent back to Freetown to evangelize his own people. The CMS then sent him to work as a missionary in Nigeria. He started his missionary exploits first, among his own people, the Yoruba’s.In 1864, he landed at Badagry with a team of other missionaries.” He first went to Abeokuta and joined a European missionary Henry Townsend (and wife) who had set up a school for the CMS at Abeokuta. They teamed up and converted many people to the Christian faith. At Badagry and Abeokuta, they laboured for the numerical growth of the churches.In 1853, he left Abeokuta for Ibadan on another missionary work. He worked hard with David Hinderer and co who were sent as European missionaries. He was very much


encouraged to meet this couple and they worked hard to win many converts to Christianity.He took part in another Niger Expedition in 1857. This expedition nearly cost his life because their boat had almost drowned but God delivered them through the locals. In spite of this threat, he persevered and carried the gospel to the people of Jebba and met the EtSU of Bida to convert him to Christianity. In 1864, Samuel Ajayi Crowther was consecrated the first Bishop and pioneer missionary of the Anglican Church in Nigeria. As a Bishop, he took up the responsibility of overseeing the clergy and the catechists, as well as the growing churches and the converts. Through his missionary activities, the CMS spread further to the south. In 1857, CMS schools like D.M.G.S, St. Augustine’s Grammar School Nkwerre, St. Marks T.T.C. Nise Awka, WTC Umuahiato to mention a few, started. By 1919, the CMS reached lsikwe-Achi,’Oji River, (Enugu State) from where it spread to neighborng towns like Awka. Inyi, Udi, Ngwo, Nsukka, Nike, Agbani, Awkunanaw, Okigwe, Owerri, Mbieri and Calabar etc.Bishop Ajayi Crowther spent his time and efforts to translate the whole Bible to Yoruba language to enable his people understand God’s word.Before his death in Lagos on 3th Dec. 1891, he had left a landmark for his generation and Nigeria as a nation. He was not only patriotic but a consecrated missionary whose life of righteousness and industry was worthy of emulation. Like the Biblical Ezekiel, he carried the gospel to his own people and used their own language to Minister to them. He condemned idolatry and other evils and exposed Christian concepts to people and converts. No wonder his death spread like wild fire in the dry harmattan and affected


all the missionaries, school children and many mourners and sympathizers.To commemorate his devotion to God’s work, a memorial stone was set over his grave at lyesin his place of birth. Also in Sierra Leone; the people built the Bishop Crowther Memorial Church and Ajayi Crowther Amphitheatre at Fourah Bay College in Freetown, all for the blessed memory of his consecration and missionary achievements in Sierra Leone (Freetown).

MARY SLESSOR.Mary Slessor was one of the earliest missionaries in Nigeria. She was born in Aberdeen in Scotland in 1848. Her parents were poor and she passed through hardship. She became a missionary of the Church of Scotland, and in 1876 she was sent to work at Calabar. There she met Rev. Hope Masteron Waddel an Irish missionary who had arrived in Duke Town, Calabar in 1846, and thirty years earlier. The two worked together and established schools and missions at Duke and Creek Towns etc.Despite her weak constitution and constant illness, she worked for thirty years as missionary in Calabar. She preached against societal evils like slavery, human sacrifice and twins murder. She stopped twins murder and human sacrifice at Okoyon and was popularly called “the white Queen of Okoyon”. She was appointed the first woman consul and later president of a native court. She died in1915 and was buried at Calabar. Her grave was visited by Queen Elizabeth in 1956.

REVD. FATHER JEAN MARIE COQUARD.


Revd. Father Coquard was one of the pioneer catholic missionaries in Nigeria, Born in France, he first came to West Africa as a ship’s doctor. An ardent and devoted catholic, he felt very unhappy and uncomfortable with the amount of misery, poverty and wretchedness he saw among the pagans. With this burden, and revelation for God’s work, he went back to France and joined the Society of African Missions in Lyon (France) and became a priest in 1890. As a Reverend Father, he sailed to Lagos that same year and went to Abeokuta. There he joined Revd. Father Lutz, another courageous Catholic Missionary from France and established Catholic Stations at Abeokuta from where the Mission spread to West African towns.Gradually, they established schools for boys and convents for girls; these too later spread to all parts of Nigeria. As a Doctor, Revd. Coquard began to combine his medical practice with missionary activities. He began to attend to the sick and dying to the extent that patients from different races and creeds came to him for medical treatment. Without discrimination, he treated all his patients with the best attention. He trained many African nurses and established a hospital and maternity home, and a leper colony for people. On the other side, he performed his priestly functions.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ISLAMProphet Muhammad was born in 570/571CE into the Hashemite Clan in the Hijaz of the Arabian Peninsula (see Harry Boer: A short History of Islam Ibadan; day star;1976). The prophet was raised up by his uncle Abu Talib: Abu Talib soon also died before Muhammad reached 10 years.


At 25 Muhammad married a 40 year old rich woman, Khadijah,15 years later in 610 CE Muhammad withdrew to mount Hira where he began an ascetic life of 40 days fasting. There he received his first revelation Q96: 1-5‘Recite in the name of Allah, who created you from a cloth of Jin’.After Allah revealed Islam, the religion of the submission to the will of Allah, to the new prophet, Muhammad, the Meccans rejected the message and Muhammad relocated to Medina with his few followers where the prophet clashed’ seriously with Jews who did not really accept his message.By the time Muhammad conquered Mecca in 630 CE he did not really live long to see the expansion of the Islamic empire. He died in 632 CE. The orthodox Caliphs who succeeded him, Abubakar, Umar, Uttman, and Ali expanded the Islamic empire beyond the Arabian Peninsula. The emergence of the Shiites (i.e. followers of Ali) after Caliph Ali, disintegrated the Islamic empire which even helped the expansion of lslam since different ‘factional generals conquered wherever they could including North Africa (ifriqiya) Egypt (Maghreb) Jerusalem, part of India, Spain, Asian- Europe. Etc. spanning 630 CE 1800 CE Etc. West Africa, Kanem Bornu and the old Hausa states received Islam through the trans-Saharan trade routes between North Africa and West Africa: The 18th century Jihadist Uttman Dan Fodio, helped to spread Islam into Nigeria, through military conquests deep into the Yoruba areas of Ilorin and old Oyo empire which touched Igbira, Igala and Etsako lands etc.


CHAPTER SIX

ANALYSIS OF OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS AND PROPHETS

THE PENTATEUCH(a) The Pentateuch Simply means the first five books of

the Bible i.e Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

(b) The word Pentateuch is from the Greek “Penta”, i.e Five, and teachings (i.e Five Books of teachings or Jewish Law) etc.

AUTHORSHIP The general belief among Jews and Christians is that Moses wrote the Pentateuch: though analysis of the Pentateuch by 19th century Biblical Scholars is that the


books could not have been written by one person. There are differences in style, including contradictions in the narratives. It is commonly accepted by scripture scholars today that the Pentateuch is a compilation of four sources (i.e documents). The idea that the Pentateuch could be composed of several sources was raised mainly by the existence of two creation stories covering Genesis 1-3. In order to understand the formation of the Pentateuch, it is necessary to know that in ancient Israel existed severa1 parallel oral traditions regarding the creation of the world and the origin of man, including those of the patriarchs all these which modern scholars have traced four main, traditions in Pentateuchal texts..MODERN PENTATEUCH STUDIES Ancient Pentateuch Studies began in the early 1800’s when researchers developed the theory that the Pentateuch was a composite document rather than the unitary production of a single author;. The first criterion used in identifying and separating the narrative strands was the occurrence of the divine names “Yahweh” and “Elohim” the latter being the general Hebrew term for ‘god’ or “gods’. By this criterion, only two sources could be identified. R Simon (1638-1712) was one of the first to question the sole authorship of the Pentateuch by Moses, and to argue that it is, in fact, a compilation of diverse documents. (Simon Richic: d 1712). After years of laborious efforts, one hypothesis won general critical support, and credit goes to the works of Graf and Wellhausen, that the Pentateuch is a merging of four documents issuing from different places and times, but all much later than Moses. First, there is the narrative source, i.e the Yahwist or (J) which from the story of creation onwards, uses the divine name “Yahweh” Then the


Elohistic or (E) which designates God by the common name “Elohim”. The Yahwistic source was committed to writing in Judah in the tenth century, while the Elohistic was in the worth of Israel, a century later (CCB: 1988).

FORMATION OF THE JEDP SOURCES OF THE PENTATEUCH.When Northern Israel fell to Assyrix from ground 721BC, the two documents were combined (JE). From the time of King Josiah, the Deuteronomist source or (D) was added hence the (JED). After the Exile, the Priestly source or (P) containing laws and more narratives, entered the compilation which gave us the final form called the (JEDP). This is known as the Documentary Hypothesis or Four-Source Theory of the Pentateuch (O.T:- sources) which extend deep into ancient oral traditions circulating among the ancient peoples of Israel from around 98OBC mainly written under Levitical authorities, influenced by the spirit of Moses;. Hence, they are called the Books of Moses. ( see the CCB, 1988, and Goodnews-Collins BSN: 1995)

THE JEDP SOURCES OF THE PENTATEUCH1. THE YAHWIST: From the time of King Solomon,

accounts of Israel’s development from the beginning of creation were written: it was called the “Yahwist” because he refers to God by the Hebrew name “Yahweh” (Jehovah) it started its narratives from the account of creation itself rather than from when Moses received Revelation of the Name “Yaweh” (Exod 3:14-15) in style, the Yahwist is visual, anthropormorphic direct and impressive ( i.e describing God in human form) (Gen 3:8) God has a


great insight into human nature and problems of man like death, childbirth pains, and man’s hardworks: Please read through the Book of Genesis for the early beginnings of Man).

2. THE ELOHIST: The Influential tribe of Ephraim, in the North, produced the Elohist tradition which was highly moralist and called “Elohist, after the use of the divine name “Elolim in Northern Israel used often Elohims or God’s Marvelous deeds around the times of Elijah and Elisha (mid 9th century BC) He gave prominence to Northern figures like Joseph, Rachel and Ephraim. The Elohist started with the call of Abraham, and Israel’s Patriarchs. He does not also have the theological depth and literary quality of the Yahwist, rather he emphasises the distance between God and man which is bridged by means of dreams, visions spiritual intermediaries and the Prophets. The Elohist focuses on the love of God for his people despite their many shortcomings. Their covenant with God covered them ( i.e Israel: North and South). The Elohist emphasizes man’s duties towards God (Please see the Decalogue)

J & E COMBINED ( Please see the CCB, 1988)When the Assyrian army destroyed the Northern Kingdom in 721 BC, the ‘E’ version of Israel’s origins was brought to the Southern Kingdom of Judah. These two traditions were joined together by an unknown editor during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. On the whole, the editor gave preference to the Yahwist story.

THE LEGALIST DEUTERONOMIST,


Deut 5:6-21, is an example of a northern source tradition called the Deuteronomist, or Leviticus law traditions that entered the south from the exiled North from C721BC Scholars called it the deuteronomistic source being the document that formed the heart of the book of Deuteronomy particularly chapter 12-26 leading to king Josiah’s reforms around 621BC (2 Kgs 22:8-23:24.)

THE SOUTHERN PRIESTLY, LEVITICAL SOURCE The Southern Priestly source (P): which completed the JEDP traditions dates from the years of the Babylonian Exile, extending to the first years of the post-Exilic period (i.e, 550-450 BC) The “P” represents the legal traditions preserved and developed by Judaean Priests of the Temple of Jerusalem. The laws constitute the principal part of the Priestly tradition, particularly concerned with the organization of the Holy Tent of meeting the “Koheu” The source focused on worship, lineage recordings and genealogies; which included Sacrifice, festivities, the individual and functions of Aaron and his descendants. From Huraults translation (1988) we learn that the Holiness Code in Leviticus 17:26 is the nucleus of the priestly tradition: (“Be holy”) the Priestly teaching was observance of the laws, hence, the priest tied the people (closer) to God. In that way they tried to organize the religious life of the people of Israel in Exi1e, cut off as they were from the ritual worship in the Temple. Central to their theology was the concept of God who was graciously dwelling in their midst, the God who had revealed the manner in which he might be served and worshipped. The P’stylistic sty is mostly dry and technical. His masterpiece is the creation story in Gen1:1-2:4. (Hurault CCB, 1988)


CONCLUSION The four sources: i.e the Yahwist, The Elohist, the Deuternomist and the Priestly Produced the Pentateuch. Two of these are narrative sources i.e, the Yahwist and the Elohist. The Deuteronomist and priestly are legal sources. The Yahwist and the Priestly sources originated in the South the other two originated from the North.

WHY THE TRADITIONS OR SOURCES WERE WRITTEN: (a) The constant attack of Northern Israel (or Ephraim) by

Assyria (2 Kings 17:3 (1-34) etc ) (b) The Division of Israel from a tribal- Federation to

Kingship and the Jeroboam Northern Session or Separation from the South produced the J and E” Sources: the “J” was more Judean, while “E” was highly northern signifying the division of Israel

(c) The destruction of the Northern Kingdom in 721 BC helped in the formation of the central core sources (chapters 12-26) of the Book of Deuteronomy.

(d) Finally, the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 ( or 586BC by Babylon ( i.e Nebuchadnezzar) prompted the Priestly authors to codify the rules and regulations which finally resulted in the Pentateuch by 400 BC.

THE TORAH (MORAL LAW).GENESIS: Genesis is the first book of the Bible; it means “the beginning”, Scholars say the first five books of the Bible from Genesis, were probably written by Moses or the


Levites in the Sinai desert around, 1800 BCE: it has, [a] the story of creation, Genesis 1 & 2. [b] The call of the patriarch Abraham around 2,500 BCE, [c] The formation of the twelve tribes of Israel through Jacob, [d] The Egyptian enslavement of the Jews. [e] Moses the Jewish Egyptian prince etc. (See the Holy Bible; New International Version Study Bible)

EXODUS: Exodus means to move or leave: Exodus is the continuation of Genesis. It is the second book of the Bible written around the same time as Genesis. Scholars agree that whoever wrote Genesis has a hand in writing Exodus since there are clear evidences that Exodus is a continuation of Genesis. The Exodus narratives mainly tell the story of how God (YHWH) used Moses, a former Jewish - Egyptian prince to lead the Jews out of Egyptian bondage, on their way to Canaan the Promised Land. (Cecil Roth; Encyclopedia Judiaica: 1970)

LEVITICUS: Leviticus follows Exodus’, Moses did not enter the Promised Land, rather God chose Joshua to lead theJews into Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey. Leviticus is a continuation of Exodus; Leviticus means Priesthood or Priestly i.e. family inheritance of priesthood. It is a book probably written by Jewish priests, but some opinions strongly say Moses wrote Leviticus around 1800 BCE. (Cognate 1,400BC) (Wycliffe:1987)

NUMBERS:


As the name suggests, Richard Levin (1992) remembers that the biblical book of numbers is one of the ancient books on statistics. Before the Jews entered Canaan, God called Moses in the wilderness of Sinai and commanded him to count all Israel.

DEUTERONOMY: Deuteronomy has more moral laws from God to the Jews. Genesis to Deuteronomy forms the Jewish Torah (i.e. Law) (Cecil Roth: 1970) Deuteronomy was set on the bank of river Jordan. That was When Moses was preparing the Israelites for entry into Canaan. It was like a rehearsal or reminder of all the moral Laws in the Torah. However, Deuteronomy 34 and Joshua I show that Moses did not enter the Promised Land. Joshua took over from Moses; The laws consist of the covenant Laws received at Sinai. Laws given by God to the Israelites at Sinai and in Canaan were religious and moral codes of conduct.ORIGIN OF PROPHECY IN ISRAEL FROM THE CANAANITES AND THE JUDGES.See Oyekanmi O.A (Ogundu Nnaji, editor) for speculations on Israel borrowing prophecy from the Canaanites and Akkadians (i.e. ancient Mesopotamia). The Hebrew Nabi (i.e spokes-man) also means seer, a prophetic figure who sees into the future, often receiving messages from God directed at the people of Israel.

THE FORMER PROPHETS: Jewish prophets were called Nebhim or seers; They are those who can see into the future (Oyekanmi 2002).


Prophets in Israel received messages from God and delivered the messages and laws to the Jews.

MOSES: Numbers 12: 6-7 shows that Moses was higher than a prophet, born from the Levi family line of Amram of Kohath: (Exd 2:1-10) Thus, Moses and his Senior brother Aaron, were Levites, i.e Priests

JOSHUA: Joshua took over from Moses and has been classified among the former prophets. The former prophets existed mainly about 600-800 years before Samuel appeared as the last judge and the first major prophet. Numbers 12:6 has a criteria needed for someone to be a prophet“And the Lord came down in the pillar of cloud ... and said”, if there be a prophet among you,, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision and will speak unto him in a dream”It is important for us to note that Israel had many prophets which included major, minor and apprentice prophets called Sons of the prophets. Oyekanmi (2002): says that prophecy in Israel may have been borrowed from the Canaanites in addition to it been revelations from God (Deut 18:18-22 or 9-22).

JUDGES (Hebrew, “Shophetim”=Leaders): Biblical Judges functioned between 1,400 BC to 1,100 BC. After Joshua, Caleb became the second Judge and Pseudo Prophet of Israel (i.e Judges 1:1) other judges include Othniel Ehud, Judges 3:27-31; Deborah Judges 4:6, Gideon Judges 6:11-13, etc Abimelech, Judges 9:22-24


(Abimelech was a wicked Judge) Tola, Judges 10:1, Japheth, Judges 11, Samson Judges 14. This study calls Biblical judges’ pseudo prophets since God did not specifically raise them to function as prophets, rather they led Israel immediately after the Exodus when Israel had no kings and prophets. However, while judging Israel, they. were also receiving messages from God. Let’s not forget that Gideon was actually a solider, Deborah was called a prophetess, while Samson was just a young strong, handsome Nazarite.

WHO IS A TRUE PROPHET? See Number 12:6, compared to Ezekiel 1:1, Jeremiah 30, Daniel 7:1-end; Daniel 5: 7, 15-end, Daniel 8 and 9 etc. Then Books of 1 and 2 Samuel, also called l and 2 Books of the kings.

SAMUEL: After Samson, (Judges 14), Israel had no generally recognized judge, or leader. This was so until the teenage Samuel was called (1Sam.3:1- end,). Samuel became the new chief priest, the last judge and the first generally acclaimed new age prophet. First and second Samuel contain Samuel’s mission and ministry in a united Israel, because about 150 years later (immediately after Solomon) Israel divided into two kingdoms, (North and South) Samuel anointed Saul as first king of Israel.

NATHAN: (2 Samuel 7:2 8); Nathan took over from Samuel, Samuel anointed David as second king, Nathan prophesied to David (e.g.: 1kings 1:10 11) Nathan also helped to crown


Solomon king, preventing Adonijah from crowning himself king after very old and helpless David (1 kings 1: 38 53) failed to install a successor

BOOK OF I KINGS AND 2 KINGS: The Old Testament books of first and second kings are called the third and fourth books of the kings. After Nathan appeared in second Samuel, Elijah and Elisha appeared in first and second kings. This was 1,650 years before Jesus was born. Rehoboam had then succeeded his father Solomon as king; soon Jeroboam from the North rebelled against the king, leading to the division of Israel into the Northern kingdom called Israel with 10 tribes, and the south called Judah, with two tribes: only Judah survived till date as present day Israel.

ELIJAH: See 1kings l7:17-24, I kings l8:l to 46, Elijah and his miracles appeared mainly in the days of Ahab in the Northern kingdom. Elijah did not write any Bible book, yet he was one of the most fearless prophets to emerge from ancient Israel, see I kings 18:17-41, for his battle against the prophets of Baal.

ELISHA: (I kings 19:15-16) Elisha took over from Elijah at a time when Jezebel was persecuting Elijah and other Sons of the prophets (i.e. apprentice prophets) Elisha inherited great powers of miracles from his master Elijah mainly as a result of his insistence to see Elijah being taken up to Heaven in a chariot of fire (2 kings 2:1, 7-end).


MICAIAH: Micaiah was one of the hundreds of sons of the prophets. He successfully prophesied Ahab’s death in Israel’s battle against Syria. Jehoshaphat king of Judah escaped alive from that battle (1 king 22:1 3&)Note: (The Major Prophets are so called since they had long prophetic writings in the Old Testament)

THE LATTER OR MAJOR PROPHETS: The latter prophets appeared around 1,200 to 600 BC, Jeremiah probably been the last at about 600 and 590 BC (see NIV study Bible). That was virtually 550 years before Jesus. Jeremiah was still prophesying when Nebuchadnezzar marched into Jerusalem around 600 or 586BCE (2 Kings 24: 1- end) that was shortly after Hezekiah had ruled Judah (2 kings 18:1) Before Hezekiah, Northern Israel had defeated Southern Israel, i.e (Judah) in a tribal war (2 kings 14: 1-end) This was followed by more evil kings and confusion, setting the stage for God’s captivity anger against Israel. (2 king 16:7 records that around 640 or 620 BC Ahaz king of Judah requested Tiglath-Pileser of Assyria to save Judah from Syria. Pileser responded by invading Syria, killing Rezin the Syrian king and carrying Syrra into exile to Kir (2 kings 16:17-10)

ISAIAH: Prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz was a contemporary of Ahaz and Hezekiah around 650 BC, that was when early Greek philosophers were philosophy students in Egypt. He prophesied the coming of the. Messiah after captivity (Isaiah 9:6-8) The book of Isaiah has 66 chapters which some opinions say were not entirely written by Isaiah alone,


Isaiah prophesied the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus of Medo Persia, that was 200 years before it happened and 530 years before Christ which was Immediately after Cyrus (i.e. Darius) of Persia freed Israel from Babylonia etc. The age of Socrates, and Alexander the great of Greece etc. was just setting in (Ogundu C.O, Ibadan PhD Thesis, 2000)

JEREMIAH: Jeremiah’s father, Hilkiah, was a priest of Anathoth in Benjamin Jeremiah prophesied during the days of Josiah king of Judah around 610 to 570 BC, this was during the captivity of Judah by Babylon. Jeremiah was not carried into exile, Jeremiah 29:1 has a record of Jeremiah sending a letter to those in exile concerning false prophets. Jeremiah prophesied that Judah will return from exile after seventy years Jer. 25:11,8-1 3, Jer. 29: 10) (see also Watch Tower; By Creation or Evolution? 1985, Pennsylvania).In Jeremiah 30, God ordered Jeremiah to write down all the prophecies he received from God Jeremiah 1:4 says that God knew Jeremiah before Jeremiah was formed in the womb. Before Judah was exiled around 600 BC, Sargon of Assyria had in c721 BC carried 27,290 Jews into exile from the Northern kingdom (Watch Tower: 1985 outstanding Biblical prophecies) p 209. Jeremiah has 52 chapters.

BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS: This book which seriously laments the evacuation of Jerusalem into captivity is attributed to Jeremiah as the author. It has five ‘chapters. (See Ezekiel 19, see also Danny McCain, New Testament Notes; ACTS; Jos; 1996.)


EZEKIEL: Ezekiel’s very first statement shows that Ezekiel and king Jehoiachim were captives in Babylonia (that was the fifth year of captivity around 595 BC. Ezekiel wrote that he was among the captives by the river of chebar when the Heavens were opened “and I saw visions of God” (Ezekiel 1:1)Ezekiel primarily explained how sin and false prophets had led Israel into the punishment of exile. Ezekiel also prophesied God’s kindness and the end of Israel’s humiliation in captivity; Not forgetting prophecies against Tyre and Egypt Ezekiel 30:6; Ezekiel 24;15-18 records the death of Ezekiel’s cherished wife (see Ezekiel 37, in the valley of dry bones) Ezekiel has 48 chapters

DANIEL: PROPHECY OF PERSIA AND GREEK PHILOSOPHY:The book of Daniel (1:1) clearly tells us that in the third year of the reign of Jehoiachim, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came calling; dooms day for Judah (read Jeremiah above) Daniel like Ezekiel was also carried into exile (Dan 1:1-6). They could not get Jeremiah. It was said Jeremiah was thrown into a dry well, so he escaped exile.Daniel was hermeneutic in that he interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams and the hand writing on Belshazzar’s wall; Surviving the lion’s den, Daniel had a dream of’ the beasts, perhaps connected to - the Apocalypse which means great and remarkable events to come (Daniel 7:1-end, verse 17-18). The four beasts are four future great kings that will arise on earth to fight the saints of the Lord.


Daniel’s other apocalyptic visions include Persia and Greece (Daniel 7, then 8:20-23). By 333 BC 200 years after Daniel, Alexander the great of Macedonia ran into Persian opposition (McCain; 1996); Daniel 8:20-27, 10:20, and I 0;1-end. The Book of Daniel has 12 chapters. The battle between Northern and southern kingdoms of modern times were also prophesied. The fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecies show that after Cyrus freed Israel around 530/520 BC, the power of Greece and Greek philosophy were already rising.

THE MINOR PROPHETS: Onyekwelu (2006) Says-that Minor Prophets are so called because their Biblical narratives are shorter accounts compared to the Major Prophets longer writings: They prophesied punishment of Israel and messianic visitations after Israel’s ordeal. Some of the twelve Minor Prophets were exilic prophets: i.e. they prophesied in exile; Pre - Exilic Prophets prophesied before exile e.g. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Hosea, etc. Post Exilic prophets prophesied after the exile. Though still under debate-if there are postcxilic-prophets)Onyekwelu (2006) says that all Biblical prophets were sent by God; Oyekanmi’s views are a little different and more contentious.

HOSEA: Hosea prophesied in the days of Ahaz and Hezekiah of Judah, (Israel’s southern kingdom,) and in the days of Jeroboam son of Joash in the North around 610 BC, some .10 years before Nebuchadnezzar entered Jerusalem. The major message God gave Hosea was for him to marry a harlot symbolizing Israel as the prostitute


married to God (Hosea 1:1-3) Hosea married Gomer the daughter of Diblaim. Jezreel the name of Hosea’s first son was to signify that God will surely end the kingdom of the house of Israel i.e. the North. (Hosea 1:4) Hosea has 14 chapters.

JOEL: Joel 1: 14-20 gives us a hint of what Joel’s message was all about; Destruction of disobedient Israel was still on the lips of the Minor Prophets. Joel has only 3 chapters After prophesying doom for Israel in chapter 1, chapters 2 and 3 went on to prophesy return from captivity, then punishment for Egypt and Edom (Joel 3:19) Note that the Minor Prophets prophesied in the days of the Greek city states, Shortly before Socrates was born.Joel 3:6-8 says the Jews were sold to the Grecians by Babylon, aided by the Palestinians; therefore God will also punish the Palestinians after the captivity. (Compare this to the Palestinian struggle as the Palestinians cry-out that Israel has made them slaves in their own land)

AMOS: The book of Amos tells us that there was earthquake in the days of Amos (Amos 1 :1) Amos 1:3 says God will not turn away the punishment Israel was about to suffer, Uzziah king of Judah and king Jeroboam (Son of Joash) In the North, were on the throne when Amos prophesied. Amos has 9 short chapters.

OBADIAH:


Obadiah has perhaps the smallest book of prophecy of just chapter 1:1-21. Obadiah prophesied against Edom (Esau) perhaps a symbolic representation of Gentiles fighting against Israel and causing Israel to sin, leading them into the captivity that will engulf all the surrounding peoples in one conflict or the other.

JONAH: Jonah has four very short chapters. From our Sunday school days the story of Jonah trying to run away from Nineveh is very familiar. God sent Jonah to Nineveh however, Jonah decided to run away. But he ended up in the belly of a fish. Eventually the shark that swallowed Jonah vomited him at Nineveh coast after the ship’s crew had thrown him into the sea. Jonah was compelled to go and prophesy to the sinful Nineveh.

MICAH: Micah’s 7 short chapters emphasize that there were false prophets. His prophecies were largely directed towards Samaria (the Northern kingdom) and Jerusalem (the southern kingdom). This was in the days of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah (Micah 1:1) However, Micah says that after Israel is punished, that the deliverer will come because the Lord our God is merciful.

NAHUM: Nahum gave us that quotation that “God is jealous” (Nahum 1:1) Nahum also says that God is slow to anger and great in power.(Nahum 1:3) God will revenge against his enemies, this means that those who disobey God, like Nineveh, must be punished. Nahum’s last chapter, chapter


3 verse 1 says, “Woe to the bloody city of lies and robbery, God shall punish them all”.

HABAKKUK: Habakkuk 1:6 says “God will raise up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) that bitter and nasty nation which shall march through the Land (i.e. Israel) Habakkuk was a prophet that seriously warned that God was sending the dangerous Chaldeans (Mesopotamians) to (i.e. Israel). It has three chapters especially chapter 3(i.e. prayer of Habakkuk) records Habakkuk praying God to have mercy in his wrath.

ZEPHANIAH Greek “Sophoniaks”: Hebrew” Sophoner” = Hidden) BDB, 2007: Zephaniah son of Cush prophesied in the days of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah very close to 600 BCE when Nebuchadnezzar was dated to have come calling. The summary of Zephaniah’s three chapters of message of doom sounds like this “I will utterly consume all things from off the land says the Lord; I will consume man and beast ---- I will stretch out mine hand toward Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and will cut off the remnant of Baal from the place (Zephaniah 1:1-4).

HAGGAI: Haggai prophesied in the days of Darius, king of Persia (and Babylon). Darius is the same as (Cyrus the Persian general who over threw Babylon (see Daniel 5:26 i.e. last verse; then Daniel 6:11), (Ezra 1:1 and Ezra 4: 24). If you trace our discussion so far, you will notice that Haggai was the tenth of the 12 Minor Prophets. He was a contemporary


of Zechariah the eleventh minor prophet. Haggai Was also an exilic prophet which means he prophesied during the exile. Some of his prophecies were directed to Zerubabel the governor of Judah during the exile and to the Jewish remnants, i.e. those Jews not carried away. His prophecies reminded them of Israel before exile (Haggai 2:1-14) Haggai covers only two chapters.ZECHARIAH: Zechariah like Haggai was also speaking to Israel during the exile. “Your fathers, where are they and your prophets, do they live forever? Did they not take hold of your fathers” (Zechariah 1:5-6). Zechariah’s prophecies were written between 600 to540 BC, during the exile. These exilic prophecies were at times psychological messages of hope to Israel in captivity.

MALACHI: Malachi, the twelfth minor prophet addressed the priests straight on “if ye will not hear or give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you. “And I will curse your blessing”(Malachi 1:2) Compare Malachi’s tithe to Abraham’s tenth offering in Gen 14: 18-20 i.e. offering given to Meichizedek (the Priestly king of the Most High God).

400 INTER-TESTAMENTAL YEARS, i.e. 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testament.After the Minor Prophets and Cyrus of Persia, it is said that prophecy ceased in Israel. Jesus was born at the end of that 400 years. The 400 years of silence started with Darius II, then Darius Ill was defeated by Alexander the great of Greece in 333 BCE. This was the time of Aristotle,


Socrates and Plato, during the reign of Darius II C450 400 BC; While Thales lived C620- 546BC exactly the time Nebuchadnezzar entered Jerusalem and exiled the Jews. When Cyrus overthrew Babylon C530 BC, the sophists, and Anaximander etc. were speculating in Greece; By the time Alexander died C323BC, Zeno of citium C300BC Was teaching Stoicism. Diogenes the Cynic had C325BC rebuffed Alexander. By 323 Ptolemy took Egypt and Palestine (Seleucids were in Syria) and philosophy went down, though the stoics were still prominent. The Pharisees, Sadducees, zealots, Maccabees (John Hyrchanus), and the Herodians emerged c 200/120 BCE as Israel waited for the messiah. Jewish scholars like Philo and Josephus were contemporaries of Jesus.

THE KETHUBIM; OTHER OLD TESTAMENT WRITINGSOther Old Testament writings include the following1. The Psalms: Psalms mean songs. Our Biblical

psalms are said to have been written by David and other obscure writers around 1000 BC.

2. 1 chronicles and 2 Chronicles: These are historical writings which look like duplicated accounts of the Books of Kings, i.e. narratives in Kings are also in chronicles, though not carbon copies.

3. Ruth : Ruth is a book set in Israel’s early days of settlement in the Promised Land - Canaan. The simplest summary of the book is that Ruth was a faithful daughter-in-law despite the death of her father-in-law, and her own husband; she remained to help her mother in law.

4. Ezra: Ezra 7:7-13 records Ezra and some Jews permitted by Artaxerxes (probably Darius II or Cyrus) the


Persian king to go to Jerusalem.. Ezra was a Jewish priest and scribe, in , exile (Ezra 7:6-11) He quoted Jeremiah’s prophecy as being fulfilled when Cyrus signed a decree to free Israel; (Ezra 1: 1). Cyrus of Medo Persia over threw Babylon and fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy by freeing the Jews from exile. Cyrus started building a temple for God in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:2),Ezra 6:14, names Haggai and Zechariah as great prophets during Cyrus era.

5. Nehemiah: Nehemiah asked king Artaxerxes of Persia to allow him go and rebuild Jerusalem (Neh. 2:5-15) to be assisted by those who did not go into captivity (Neh.1:3).While rebuilding Jerusalem for the return from exile, Nehemiah encountered opposition from Sanballat and the Arabians: Neh. 4:7 (Please see the book of Nehemiah)

6. Esther: Esther can simply be called the favored woman. This historical scripture is about a Jewish woman in exile who found favor in the sight of King Ahaserus of Persia, i.e Perhaps, after Modecai foiled Haman’s plot to kill all Jews in Shushan. (Esther3: 8-9).


CHAPTER SEVEN

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION

PREAMBLE: Is it that Religion does not solve social problems again; or that Religion may have become a social problem: We cannot solve dangerous religious problems by running away from them: see Phenomenology of Religion for the separation of God from Religion.

SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION:WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY? According to Simpson and wiener; Oxford (encyclopedic) English Dictionary vol. 17 (1989). Sociology is simply the study of human societies, Social structures and their functions including institutions that make up societies of which Nigeria’s Basic social-studies Education curriculum (N.E.R.D.C. federal Ministry of Education Curriculum; 2009) has classified Religion, Marriage, schools, hospitals etc. as social institutions (Nnaji; 2006) editor; Social studies JSS 3 Basic Education curriculum: Enugu, Ministry of Education NERDC; 2006) pp.1-end.

WHAT IS RELIGION? Religion (without etymology) means the relationship between God and man. Man is part of society; Religion is a human activity directed towards the veneration of God, Religion therefore is indisputably a related metaphysical social activity; hence Religion is a social institution that


takes care of man’s spiritual needs, especially the sociological insistence that religion must have nonviolent appreciable and measurable positive effects on society.

WHAT THEN IS SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION? Sociology of Religion is the theological use of sociology to point out that Religion is fast becoming a problem rather than solution to society. Sociology of Religion identifies the position, role, relevance, importance, usefulness and positive contributions of Religion and its institutions to society and humanity. Are we just petrified or hypnotized by the phenomenology of religion. Are men simply over whelmed by the awesomeness of God’s presence and glory? - (Like Rudolf atta’s Mysterium, Tremendum En Fascinum) to such an extent that “the idea of the Holy” figuratively kills anyone who attempts to see God, (the way the image of God paralyzed Moses at Sinai). Or is the idea of God hugely occupied by stoning fornicators to death and strictly observing the Sabbath and ablutions, ignoring questions such as relevance and advantages of these religious laws to the individual, and to society in general.

RELEVANCE, IMPORTANCE AND USEFULNESS IN SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION.Relevance means, do we need religion or supernatural help. Industrial Religion says that morally sound religious people don’t commit bank frauds, abortions; or is it reasonable to say that man has solution to all human problems: Religion as a. socio-cultural activity and institution should be solving human and social problems. However it’s like Religion has become a loaded social problem; society is currently solving religious problems


rather than religion solving social problems. That a Religion has prophets and Holy Books should not be basis for approving the Religion, since Religions that claim revelations are busy killing people; is it really true that God commands people to kill? (See the Biochemistry of Religion).Importance says that if man needs supernatural help, then how important is God to man. Is this God able to solve man’s numerous problems and can religion solve man’s problems especially what sort of social services can religion render to society? Or has religion itself become a serious social problem?Usefulness goes on to seek how man can manipulate supernatural and ecclesiastical power - influences in religion to better selfish economic, political, tribal and other material desires, these which have often been points always made by antagonists of Religion that religion has become business, political-parties and irrational enterprises that can collapse under the rise of science, technology, prosperity and seriously looming God-less materialism and secularism (see Adam Kuper and Jessica Kuper (eds.) The social science encyclopedia 2nd edition (London: Routledge; 1996).

WHAT ARE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF RELIGION TO MAN AND SOCIETIES?What has man benefitted from obeying divine laws and practicing religious rituals and liturgies? Education and divine moral laws, which instilled sanity in lawless societies, are positive contributions of religion to humanity since monotheism, prophecy and Holy books are very vital tools


often needed to sanitize unruly societies; However, after the protestant ethic had helped man to produce capitalism, we now witness extreme materialism, plurality of religious beliefs, intolerance, ignorance etc. all producing bloody religious conflicts and related terrorism killings of many innocent lives, all in the name of God (See also Edgar .F. Borgata Ronda, J.V Montgomery: Encyclopedia of sociology, 2” edition (New York, MacMillan; 2000) p 2964 “Sociology of Religion”Criteria for calling a Religion True: Any Religion that encourages killing of human beings, no matter how beautiful its revelations and Holy scriptures may be, that religion can never be a true religion. God does not send people to violate or kill people,

WHAT SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION SHOULD NOT DOIt is not the duty of sociology of religion to question or investigate religion and miracle-claims; rather Sociology of religion should want to find out if that mountain, tree, river or tiger you call god, contributes positively (e.g. peace and prosperity) to your life and to the generality of society. The (positive) advantages of having religion as a social and cultural institution, is the business of sociology Of religion: If God exists or not, is the duty of philosophy of religion to investigate.Therefore, if sociologists of religion make statements such as, “religion is irrational” then they have made themselves philosophers of religion. However, if they argue that plurality of believe systems and heresy portray religion in bad light, then that is well taken, not forgetting that sociologists of religion have often claimed that materialism


and secularism will reduce peoples believe in the supernatural; can that be true?

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION:Philosophy of Religion is a theological instrument of investigation created to help in verifying religious claims, and demythologizing canonized revelations (Ogundu .c) Validity of Truth in counter Claims; MA Dissertation; Ibadan 1994)

VERIFICATION OF RELIGIOUS CLAIMS: Since philosophy involves love and search for knowledge, philosophy of religion tries to find out (a) if God exists (b) if people actually came (or still come) into contact with supernatural or metaphysical elements such as sprits, ghosts, witches and God etc. (c) was existence produced through creation or evolution (d) How true are miracles (e) if -people received revelations from God, are everything in the scriptures revelations or Jewish and Arab customs which have crept into revelations (f) can we compare many events people call religious experiences to hallucinations and delusions technically called schizophrenia or psychoses in psychobiology and psychiatry: e.g. Thomas Hobbes in his book Leviathan c 1659, said that madmen will not allow us know who is a mad man and who is a prophet. Current research studies in psychobiology show that faulty neurotransmitter actions in the human brain (C.N.S) often lead many people into irrational religious behavior which they obviously attribute to revelations from God; for example many religious extremists carry out bloody terrorist murders which they always claim God sent them to do; can that ever be true? How true is it that God


sends people to kill people of other faiths, which seriously violates God’s sanctity of human life. Since when did God make religion by force? (See Diogenes .E. Understanding Philosophy of Religion London; Scm and knoss; 1985”)Do miracles really occur? Is it possible for laws of nature to be violated so that extraordinary events like miracles can occur. Is it too awesome or simply unbelievable and impossible for some one to receive back his sight or be raised up from death?Do religious languages, signify anything more than man’s limited abilities to verify what he believes exists, but that he (man) can only express possibility of divine reality in mere beautiful languages of venerations, which Phenomenology of Religion calls mere expressions qf God’s qualities like “Immortal”; Philosophy of Religion questions statements such as “God exists”, “God answers prayers”, or more still do I have to dismiss the statement receive your sight in Jesus Name;” or is it still relevant to look for an object or being that looks like the word “God”, Does it really work that way?

PROBLEM OF EVIL: People who antagonize religion ask these questions (I) why should a good God create an imperfect world endemic with volcanoes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, wars, religious conflicts etc. More questions keep rearing up their ugly heads; such questions include (II) why is it that good or righteous people always suffer doing good, while criminals, corrupt politicians, pinching civil servants, terrorists, sexual immoralities, prostitutes, adulterers, examination cheats, armed robbers, corrupt lawyers and accountants, medical abortionists etc. keep on getting away with their loot and


evil acts? How do we explain that God allow divinely avoidable disasters and misfortunes to ravage humanity while people who deliberately commit evil continue to prosper and boast in their devilish acts? Link this to the moral argument for the existence of God.

REVELATION AND PROVIDENCE: The question of revelation and providence in philosophy of Religion is simply the ability of man to balance the need to obey God’s law (revelation) while being confronted by physical realities, which God should have foreknown but probably did not provide for, as shown by excessive avoidable human suffering. E.g.is it right for a good girl from a very poor born again family whose father is dying in a hospital to morally reject N100,000 offered for sex; or for a poor graduate girl who desperately needs a job to reject a mouth watering oil company job made possible by one night with the MD? Certainly some very poor girls can reject sex and loose the,huge offers, yet find some other help; However, was it not possible God foreknew and prevented those temptations and pressures; Or were they being tested for their faiths. (See the problem of Evil).

GNOSTICISM AND AGNOSTICISM: Gnosticism and Agnosticism are really not main points in philosophy of religion since Gnosticism agree that it is possible to know God, while agnostics do not seem to want to know anything, let alone know God. Does that riot sound like a familiar out dated rhetoric?

FAITH, REASON AND EXPERIMENT (OR RELIGION AND SCIENCE):


Faith represents religion; reason and experiment represent science; The Holy Bible encourages believers to believe by faith, things not yet seen (Hebrew 11:1) while scientific-philosophy says believing without seeing is irrational (see Biblical Thomas). Science thus insists on observation and experiment to prove the reality of the supernatural. (Judges 6:36-40) However, faith argues that science is incapable of investigating the supernatural. (See Quantum Theometry) Hence, someone once said that man is bigger than nature, but there is something bigger than man. Man’s plural religious beliefs are man’s continuous search for that thing that is bigger than man. (e.g. 2010 world cup organizers in south Africa want to sacrifice cows in their ten new stadiums to attract divine intervention, an example of man’s limited abilities);(See also Olukunle A/C; Witch craft in Yoruba Metaphysics. Ibadan PhD,1980)

METAPHYSICAL ISSUES: On 27th November, 2009, the British Broadcasting cooperating aired a business news report that an American satellite T.V called in a medium to communicate with late Michael Jackson;The medium said that Michael Jackson was adjusting to his new life in the spirit world, but that Michael said he was not happy he was not buried beside Marilyn Munroe, a former American first lady; Mediums are spiritualists who claim they can communicate with the dead (See Witch of Endor in the Bible when king Saul wanted to communicate with Late Samuel). Since Philosophy of Religion investigates the existence of metaphysical claims like ancestral spirits, ghosts, witch - craft, apparitions, psychic powers, exorcism, occultism, mysticism, magic etc. the above very current metaphysical episode transmitted by


a scientific - U. S/T.V satellite channel to over 600,000 viewers is a very good explanation of metaphysical issues in Philosophy of Religion. Definitely inherited psychic extra ordinary powers exist which many people confuse for Holy Spirit powers. The Japanese also buy charms for good luck.

THREE KEY ISSUES IN PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGIONPhilosophy of Religion has three other major issues. The major issues are (a) Debates for and against the existence of God (i.e. the ultimate reality) (b) Creation against Evolution (c) The problem of evil and providence(1) Arguments for the Existence of God (see John

Hicks in Olukunlé Ibadan PhD 1980). Investigating the existence of God or the ultimate reality was the basic reason why Egyptian Theology (3,500BC) and Aristotle’s (35OBC) logical philosophy advanced proofs for the existence of God; Also recalling Anaximander (500BC/470 BC) who called the original stuff (essence) of existence an indestructible infinite - first cause that had no beginning. A restatement of a monotheistic God. (T. U Nwala, 1997) see five Arguments for the existence of God.

(2) Battle between Evolution and Creation: When Philosophy started investigating how existence came into being it got confronted by two polar positions (a) the Holy Scriptures say God created all things including man. That is what we call creationism (See Genesis 1:1-end and Genesis 2:1-end in the Holy Bible (b) The other position is from the Biological sciences which has developed Charles Darwin’s Origin of species (1859). This biological theory says


that man probably evolved by chance mutation of genes through lower animals over sedimented millions of years, starting from 3 billion years ago when the first unicellular cell appeared; from where? Who was behind that cell; or since when did things start appearing from nothing; Physicists have further linked this theory to what physics calls the Big bang theory scientific explanation for the origin of the universe; A situation where by the universe was produced from the burst of a mysterious tiny bubble leading to billions of galaxies and trillions of planets and stars, is not acceptable: The sun, moon, earth, stars. (i.e. other planets etc.). are among these billions of thousands planetic bodies suspended in space. Ancient people speculated God by worshipping the planets as gods. The questions remain: (a) Where did that tiny mysterious bubble come from? (b) Where did the first unicellular cell come from?Later on Theistic theologians emerged; they argue that God or some other higher intelligence was surely behind evolution.

WHAT PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION SHOULD NOT DO?Philosophy of Religion can investigate (to demythologize) religious claims:“However Philosophy of Religion should not question, abuse or insult Religion, since “the stone mister- nobody chose as his god, is his own headache, so far such religious beliefs do not abuse, condemn or kill people from other religious faiths.”


CHAPTER EIGHT

OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Greece emerged as an ancient Island of city states whose history dates back to the Aegean civilization of 2000 to 1500 BCE; exactly between the times of the Jews in Egypt and the Mosean Exodus (Walter Wall - Bank; Scott foreman’s History and life (Illinois; Foresman; 1990) pp 70-86. Early Greek city states included lonia, Athens, Sparta, and Crete etc. Early Greek Philosophers were philosophy students in Egypt around 1000BC/500BC.Such early Greek philosophers included Thales (620- 546BC) this was exactly when Nebuchadnezzar marched into Jerusalem and exiled the Jews. Let us note that the earliest unrecorded Greek philosophers go back to 1000 to 700 BCE after Sargon of Assyria had carried the Northern Kingdom of Israel into captivity. Some of those early Greek thinkers also include Epicurus, Pythagoras, Protagoras, Socrates (450 BC), Plato (428 BC) Aristotle (350BC) etc. It is obvious that history did not capture some early Greek Philosophers before 1000 BCE; just as great effort produced Egyptian Ptah Hotep as the world’s first recorded philosopher (3500 BCE)


EARLY PHILOSOPHY TOPICSEarly Greek thinkers asked questions over a number of issues which include;A. Origin of existence; Metaphysics i.e-on things above

nature; see Anaximander and Aristotle etc,B. Ultimate Reality, (i.e. God) See Anaximander’s

monotheism and Egyptian Memphite Theology 3;500BC)

C. Essential Quality of things; Thales on water, Empedocles arid Anaxagoras on water, Earth and fire; Anaximanes on air etc.

D. Creation and unity of the universe.E. Nature and necessity; Glaucon, Aristotle. Etc.F. Determinism and free will: Zero, Seneca, Diogenes etcG. Existence of God (see Aristotle’s proofs for the

existence of God)H. Anaximander’s- monotheism. Etc.

DEFINITION OF PHILOSOPHY:Philosophy comes from two; Greek words,(i) Philos i.e. love (ii) and Sophos or Sophia, i.e. wisdom;

which put together, Philosophy means love of wisdom; however, as at today, Philosophy has advanced beyond love of wisdom to scientific investigation of origin and meaning of existence.

MAJOR BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHYAccording to Aristotle, metaphysics or Theology study those higher beings which physics cannot study; Ontology study perceived higher beings like God and Spirits; Cosmology looks at the structure of the universe often


involving origins of planetic bodies, while Cosmogony study origin of the Universe ans its deities.

METAPHYSICS: Metaphysics primarily employs human reasoning in the investigation of Nature, necessity, essence and the ultimate reality popularly called God. However, the true meaning of metaphysics is the study of those entities and beings (Ontos) which are higher and beyond nature and human comprehension (Transcendence)

EPISTEMOLOGY: Epistemology study processes and methods required to obtain knowledge of any sort. Hence, how to know and. what is known and how to obtain .knowledge; is it through pure reasoning, intuition,revelation claims, metaphysical forces or scientific method. Epistemology is interested in truth; logic stands on validity of arguments.

LOGIC: Logic is the science of correct reasoning. Logic comes from the Greek word; logia’ or Logos’ which means spoken words, theory, argument or debate backed up by evidence to arrive at a good conclusion.

ETHICS: (Also called moral philosophy), Ethics is the science of arriving at moral laws through human reasoning and through a people’s accumulated customs and norms, quite different from moral theology, which is moral laws as commanded by God.


AXIOLOGY: This is the philosophical study of human values. Ethics and Aesthetics (Philosophy of Beauty) combined to form Philosophy of Axiology.

NEW BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHYPhilosophy of Religion: Philosophy of Religion investigates religious claims such as existence of God, miracles, spiritual forces, creation and evolution, problem of evil, religious experience and religious language, also Immanence, Pantheism, panpsychism providence, revelation etc.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION: Philosophy of Education seeks to understand the major reason and aims why people should undergo education; it also analyses teaching methods i.e (Pedagogy) Philosophy of Law , Investigates aims and

contributions of human laws to Human societies, including methods of laws.

Philosophy of Science and Social Sciences : Investigate reliability of scientific methods and meaningfulness of empirical research results not tainted by deliberate manipulations to obtain results and achieve scientific fame; Etc.

ARGUMENTS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GODMetaphysics is originally Philosophy of Religion which is perhaps bigger than other major branches of Philosophy since early philosophers like Ptah Hotep, (T.U Nwala: 1977) Ikhnaton, Anaximander, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle


etc. all speculated the existence of God (Hutchins R.M: Great Books of the Western World 1960) Early Egyptians and Greek Philosophers spent time on the reality of an ultimate being called God, and on cosmogony i.e. creation. For years philosophical debates centered on the existence of God, creation and the universe. Today we know much more about where we are coming from, while science is explaining religious-claims and at the same time telling us where man is probably going to. Topics under Philosophy of Religion also invovle arguments for the existence of God. The arguments include (I) Ontology (ii) Cosmology / Contingency Religious experience (iv) Teleology i.e. argument from design (v) moral arguments Arguments for the Existence of God: (Please note Quantum Theometry which means the minuteness of spiritualOntological argument for the existence of God: (by St. Anselem; 1033 CE) it says that if God is not alI powerful and all perfect, then he will not exist; Hence God is perfect that is why he exists, because he is all- powerful, thus he necessarily exists, since he is beyond and before creation.Cosmological and contingency arguments, state that something is responsible for the existence of another thing i.e. the theory of an uncaused first cause that had no beginning, Anaximander also says it is an indestructible infinite being. Something does not create itself which means that contingents are sent by something greater than them. (Saint Thomas Aquinas;.1224 CE). Hence, the existence of an object is a projection of the existence of another object.


Religious experience argument: says that it cannot be denied that many people in history claim they had contacts with God, however, can we verify such claims?Teleological or argument from Design: (By William Parley 1841) says that something as complex as a wrist watch has a designer who produced it. (See also the eye and the telescope debate). Hence our much more complex existence must have a designer and maker.The moral argument for the existence of God: (Immanuel Kant) it says that everything good is God. Therefore to love good is to love God; but critics argue that how come a good God created a world full of problems.Note: All the above arguments for the existence of God have critics which may not be treated here.

SELECTED INFLUENTIAL EARLY AND MODERN PHILOSOPHERS Thales of Miistus 620 - 546BC (Essence is water). Pythagoras 450 BCE, the stuff and everything are

numbers, (He also spoke on theological-Morality and transmigration-.

Socrates 450 BCE, that the spirit of Philosophy is morality; Also on Religious Philosophy: Knowledge is Virtue, Cognate, Ascetic Diogenes and cynic-Ascetic philosophy; C43OBC.

Epicurus 480 BCE, that pleasure is the real good. Plato 428 BCE on Socratic dialogues, communist

ideas, and immortality of the Soul (McCain p69): Idealist; views that the Physical world is an idea of the real.


Aristotle. 384 BCE on Nichomachean ethics: and organon on the; existence of God, Also He Opposed Plato’s idealism.

Philolaus c 350/300 BCE a Socratic Glaucon 359 BCE; nature and necessity Zeno 300 BCE or stoicism: Get out if pain becomes

too much Antisthenes c 300 BCE –stoicism Seneca (dating stoic c270 BCE Cleanthes dating stoic, see also Marcus Aurelius:

121 BCE- also stoic Anaximenes - C500BC - Essence is air Anaximander - C500BC - Essence is the infinite

(monotheism) Xenophanes – (dating) – that Essence is water Heraclitus – (dating) – Essence is fire Protagoras - (dating) - philosophy of essence Parmenides - (dating)- essence is being (Ontos) Democritus - (dating) - Essence is Atom (see Quantum

Theomety) Teihard de Chardin Jean Jacques Rousseau Baron de Montesquieu Paul Tillich Gilbert Ryle Paul Edwards Jean Piaget Ernest Cassierer 1874 John Dewey Charles Secondant Jean Pearse Jean Paul Satyr


Nitchze.

PHENOMENOLOGY OF RELIGION: (How extra-ordinary is God?) This philosophical concept simply follows Edmund. Husserl’s idea that objects including God should be analyzed exactly the way they appear to the human senses of perception; this which obviously implies that emerging or appearing God should be analyzed by the human mind the way he appears, untainted by preconceived knowledge.

PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION Psychold of Religion asks questions: Such as “is Religion a biochemical human behavior or an extra-sensory experience? Is religious mentality a mental problem considering current bloody religious violence and terrorisms?

INDUSTRIAL RELIGION (APPLIED THEOLOGY) That Religion is relevant to our industrial age or that Industrial Religion is a new field of study that teaches religious studies students something about all professions like Medicine, Banking, Accountancy, Law, Aviation, Journalism, etc. so that wherever they are employed, they will be well-equipped to handle all related religious and moral issues arising in those professions and establishments, since it is not right for people not trained in religion to continue to handle religious and related issues in a Volatile country like Nigeria. Examples of areas that only religious studies experts should handle are:a. Information – Theology that in Journalism:

Reporting and writing religion i.e. information and


translation Theology, should be exclusive to graduates of Religion

b. Law: Bible and Quranic swearings, oath-taking, Affidavits etc. in law courts and the Judiciary. in general; i.e Only experts in Religion should handle Holy Books in law courts and the Judiciary. It is called Theonomy.

c. Banking: That Financial Theology and Religious statistics experts must always investigate teachings of Religious bodies to prevent militant groups from operating Bank accounts; They will also handle billions of Naira yearly religious festivals Banks withdrawals and billions of Naira Christmas Diaspora remittances including total billions of naira related-religious festivals spending; while also preventing abuse of naira notes at religious offerings and reducing related- religious excess liquidity etc.

d. Civil Service etc.: Industrial theologians are trained to handle all related religious issues in the civil service and to ensure that Religious sentiments and manipulations do not influence appointments, screening, postings, deployments, promotions, retirements, work ethics, punishment for offences, administration, operations and decision-making etc.

e. Bilingual and Translation Religion use Holy Books to preserve our Indigenous languages by translating the Holy Books into those languages since languages used in writing Holy Books do not easily get extinct.

BIOCHEMISTRY OF RELIGIONPREAMBLE:


It states Religious behavior is biochemical and genetic. God exists, but God is not involved in Religion; especially in violent religions.

INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY OF RELIGION (CHEMICAL THEOLOGY). The Biochemistry of Religion researches into religious behavior to find out:a) If biochemical compounds in the human brain (CNS)

control or even produce religious behavior; especially the sort of religious hatred that kills human beings, or

b) If there is a religious gene built into the human DNA; or better still

c) If religious behaviour is extra-sensory, then religiosity is, supernaturally inspired.

Therefore, if religious behaviour is not biochemical and genetic, but divinely inspired, it then means, according to the Logical Rules of Implication (and equivalence) that God sends or inspires people to kill other people simply due to differences in religious beliefs.Hence religious behaviour has to be biochemical and genetic for God to be exonerated from blood-shedding theologies, especially as senseless religious mentality often seem to cohere with low mentality and underdevelopment.

OBJECT OF BIOCHEMISTRY RELIGION Therefore the Biochemistry of Religion primarily looks for the chemical and genetic compounds responsible for religious behaviour in order to prove that any Religion or denomination that encourages hatred, fanaticism, extremism, violence and eventual bloodshed, that Religion can never be from God.


THE RELIGIOSITY GENE The Religious Gene is not inherited rather it is innate and primordial, which means that it is in all human beings, asevident in the statistical fact that Christians are over 2.5 billion, Muslims over 1.5 billion while Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, mystics, animists and traditionists are over 2 billion:Calculated, it shows that the world’s religious population is over 6 billion, while the world’s total population is about 6.6 billion, which means that the world is about 95% religious, indisputably proving that the Religious Biochemical gene is innately inbuilt into the Human DNA i.e. the building blocks of human life, being the reason why people are adamantly and senselessly religious.

ADDITIONS TO THE BIOCHEMISTRY OF RELIGION.Psychological Advantages of Eb Flat Major-Minim, Orthodox Music (Just an Extract from this study)This study searchlights how consistent slow orthodox organ music influence Neurotransmitter actions in the human Central Nervous system to such an extent that it produces what Pentecostalism calls docile spirituality in orthodox Christian behavior. (Orthodox Churches include Catholic and Anglican faiths etc.While Pentecostalism involves new generation exuberant spiritual churches).1

Pentecostalism sees its restless spirituality as metaphysically induced devoid of any neurochemical suggestions (see Frederick Bethlehem and J. March; Introduction to organic chemistry and Biochemistry. New York Saunders; 1984, pp.629, 630.) 2

The absence of solemn music in Religion can often produce hostile religiosity, this which emphasizes the fact


that docile spirituality can be more desired than hostile and violent religious behavior. Violent religiosity is often traceable to a statement made in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, which points out that people like Cassius who do not love music often exhibit dangerous and murderous behavior. Certainly, that Shakespearean statement was vindicated when Cassius and Brutus conspired with other soldiers to murder Julius Caesar. That observation still holds sway as the Neuro-sciences and numerous religious suicide Bombings and terrorism continue to prove that people and religions which have no traditions of music, especially solemn music, end up hostile, violent and uncompromising.(Sandra Ackerman (1992) on the Human Brain; Washington; Academy of sciences pp. 1-4. introduction). See also James Kaler; Introduction to Psychology, 4thedition: (Pacific- Grove, Brooks: Cole, l996): on p597, abnormal psychology,e.g. Iranian Shiites flogging blood out of their bodies as acts of Sufi penance

BIBLIOGRAPHY

(Orthodox Churches include catholic and Anglican faiths etc., while Pentecostalism involve new generation exuberant spiritual churches).

Frederick Bethlehem .& J. March; Introduction to organic chemistry And Biochemistry. New York Saur1ders; 1984, pp629, 630.)

(Sandra Ackerman; Discovering the Human Brain; (Washington; Academy of Science; 1992); pp. 1-4. Introduction).3. See also James Kaler; Introduction to Psychology.4 edition: (Pacific Grove. Brooks/Cole, 1996) p597.


E.S.C Weiner and J.A Simpson; Oxford. Encyclopedic English Dictionary Oxford, Oxford press, 1989) Music vol. 15.

Church of Nigeria, Anglican communion, Ibo liturgical hymnal and chants Translation; Broad Street: CSS Bookshop, reprint 1991)

Paul Ala, Which Religion is true, (Owerri; Assemblies; 19856.)

William Smallwood; Piano Forte Tutor; (London; F and D LTD; reprint,’ 1990) , pp2-3

Ibid, p2.Atkinson. R.C et al; Introduction to Psychology;

11thedition; Forth worth; Jovanovich; 1993, introduction page.

Ogundu C.O; A Philosophical and Religious Analyses of Suicide; (lbadan-Ph.D Thesis; 2000),

Brockman R. and Pescantini U. (1991) revised by Father Steven Njure (2004), History of the Catholic Church (Nairobi; Paulines).

Eliade M. (1989) Encyclopedia of Religion vols.1-20: (New York: Britannica).

Foresman S. (2000), World History from ancient times to the Medieval (Washington: Scott Foresman).


CHAPTER NINEAdditions to

PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION(THE HUMAN BRAIN PRODUCE AND CONTROL RELIGIOUS BEHAVIOUR)

INTRODUCTIONPsychology of religion by Nnaji, 2015, in Biochemistry of Religion, simply means finding out the role of the human brain (Hebrew “Nephesh” = soul) in human religious belief and spiritual activities; particularly if Religious belief is an intrinsic cerebellum-cerebral Neuro-Transmitter (genetic) predispositions or an extrinsic inexplicable human activity (Hebrew “Niphilosapher” Job 5:9, Psalm 139:6); imparted by “Phililiah” (i.e. beyond human control), called Extra-Sensory Perceptions, (ESP) in Psychoanalysis, but called Hallucinations and Delusions in Scientific-Logical Positivism and Empiricism. (Atkinson; 1992, and Ackerman; 1993): Please see Freud and Jung on the human Sub-consciousness.


SCHOLALY CONTRIBUTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION

ASSISTED BY THE FOLLOWING RESEARCH ASSISSTANTS(ATERE JOHN, SOKWO JAMES, ADAMU B. MUSA, MALIZU LOVELYN).

ALLEN BERGIN (1934 - )

Bergin (1980) on "Psychotherapy and Religious Values", is known as a landmark in scholarly acceptance that religious values do, in practice, influence psychotherapy. He received the Distinguished Professional Contributions to Knowledge award from the American Psychological Association in 1989 and was cited as challenging "Psychological Orthodoxy” in emphasizing the importance of values and religion in therapy.

KENNETH PARGAMENT (1950)Pargament (1997) in Psychology of Religion and Coping including a 2007 book on Religion and Psychotherapy, and a sustained research program on religious coping. He is professor of Psychology at Bowling Green State University (Ohio, USA), and has published more than 100 papers on the subject of religion and spirituality in psychology. Pargament led the design of a questionnaire called the "RCOPE" to measure Religious Coping strategies. Pargament has distinguished between three types of styles for coping with stress: (1) Collaborative, in which people co-operate with God to deal with stressful events; (2) Deferring, in which people leave everything to God; and (3) Self- directed, in which people do not rely on God and try exclusively to solve problems by their own efforts. He also describes four major stances toward religion that have been adopted by psychotherapists in their work with clients,


which he calls the religiously rejectionist, exclusivist, constructivist, and pluralist stances.

SIGMUND FREUD (1856–1939)Freud explained the origins of religion in his various writings. In Totem and Taboo, he applied the idea of the Oedipus complex (involving unresolved sexual feelings of, for example, a son toward his mother and hostility toward his father) and postulated its emergence in the primordial stage of human development. In Moses and Monotheism, Freud reconstructed biblical history in accordance with his general theory. His ideas were also developed in The Future of an Illusion. When Freud spoke of religion as an illusion, he maintained that it is a fantasy structure from which a man must be set free if he is to grow to maturity. Freud views the idea of God as being a version of the father image, and religious belief as at bottom infantile and neurotic. Authoritarian religion, Freud believed, is dysfunctional and alienates man from himself.

CARL JUNG (1875–1961)Jung adopted a very different posture, one that was more sympathetic to religion and more concerned with a positive appreciation of religious symbolism. Jung considered the question of the metaphysical existence of God to be unanswerable by the psychologist and adopted a kind of agnosticism. Jung postulated, in addition to the human unconsciousness (Pro-Fruedian), the collective unconscious, which is the repository of human experience and which contains "archetypes" (i.e. basic images that are universal in that


they recur regardless of culture). The irruption of these images from the unconsciousness into the realm of consciousness he viewed as the basis of religious experience and often of artistic creativity. Some of Jung's writings have been devoted to elucidating some of the archetypal symbols, and include his work in comparative mythology.

WILLIAM JAMES (1842– 1910)William James is regarded by most psychologists of religion as the founder of the field. He served as president of the American Psychological Association, and wrote one of the first psychology textbooks. In the psychology of religion, James' influence endures. His Varieties of Religious Experience is considered to be the classic work in the field, and references to James' ideas are common at professional conferences. James distinguished between institutional religion and personal religion. Institutional religion refers to the religious group or organization, and plays an important part in a society's culture. Personal religion, in which the individual has mystical experience, can be experienced regardless of the culture. James was most interested in understanding personal religious experience. In studying personal religious experiences, James made a distinction between healthy-minded and sick- souled religiousness. Individuals predisposed to healthy-mindedness tend to ignore the evil in the world and focus on the positive and the good. In contrast, individuals predisposed to having a sick-souled religion are unable to ignore evil and suffering, and need a unifying experience, religious or otherwise, to reconcile good and evil. William


James' hypothesis of pragmatism stems from the efficacy of religion. If an individual believes in and performs religious activities, and those actions happen to work, then that practice appears the proper choice for the individual. However, if the processes of religion have little efficacy, then there is no rationality for continuing the practice.

RUDOLF OTTO (1869–1937)German Protestant theologian Otto in, “The Idea of the Holy” (Published first in 1917 as Das Heilige), defines the concept of the holy as that which is numinous. Otto explained the numinous as a "non- rational, non-sensory experience or feeling whose primary and immediate object is outside the self." It is a mystery (Latin: mysterium tremendum) that is both fascinating (fascinans) and terrifying at the same time; A mystery that causes trembling and fascination, attempting to explain that inexpressible and perhaps supernatural emotional reaction of wonder drawing us to seemingly ordinary and/or religious experiences of grace. This sense of emotional wonder appears evident at the root of all religious experiences. Through this emotional wonder, we suspend our rational mind for non-rational possibilities. It also sets a paradigm for the study of religion that focuses on the need to realise the religious as a non- reducible, original category in its own right. This paradigm was under much attack between approximately 1950 and 1990 but has made a strong comeback since then.


FRIEDRICH HEGEL (1770-1831)Hegel described all systems of Religion, Philosophy, and Social Science as expressions of the basic urge of consciousness to learn about itself and its surroundings, and record its findings and hypotheses. Thus, Religion is only a form of that search for knowledge, within which humans record various experiences and reflections. Others compiling and categorizing these writings in various ways, which forms the consolidated worldview as articulated by that Religion, Philosophy, and Social Science, etc. His work, The Phenomenology of Spirit was a study of how various types of writing and thinking draw from and re-combine with the individual and group experiences of various places and times, influencing the current forms of knowledge and worldviews that are operative in a population. This activity is the functioning of an incomplete group mind, where each individual is accessing the recorded wisdom of others. His works often include detailed descriptions of the psychological motivations involved in thought and behaviour, e.g., the struggle of a community or nation to know itself and thus correctly govern itself. In Hegel's system, Religion is one of the major repositories of wisdom to be used in these struggles, representing a huge body of recollections from humanity's past in various stages of its development.

ALFRED ADLER (1870–1937)Alfred Adler, (Ex-Freudian), emphasised the role of goals and motivation in his Individual Psychology. One of Adler's most famous ideas is that we try to compensate for inferiorities that we perceive in ourselves. A lack of power often lies at the root of feelings of inferiority. One way that


religion enters into this picture is through our beliefs in God, which are characteristic of our tendency to strive for perfection and superiority. For example, in many religions, God is considered to be perfect and omnipotent, and commands people likewise to be perfect. If we, too, achieve perfection, we become one with God. By identifying with God in this way, we compensate for our imperfections and feelings of inferiority. Our ideas about God are important indicators of how we view the world. According to Adler, these ideas have changed over time, as our vision of the world – and our place in it – has changed. Consider this example that Adler offers; the traditional belief that people were placed deliberately on earth as God's ultimate creation is being replaced with the idea that people have evolved by natural selection. This coincides with a view of God not as a real being, but as an abstract representation of nature's forces. In this way our view of God has changed from one that was concrete and specific to one that is more general. From Adler's vantage point, this is a relatively ineffective perception of God because it is so general that it fails to convey a strong sense of direction and purpose. An important thing for Adler is that God (or the idea of God) motivates people to act, and that those actions do have real consequences for ourselves and for others. Our view of God is important because it embodies our goals and directs our social interactions. Compared to science, another social movement, religion is more efficient because it motivates people more effectively. According to Adler, only when science begins to capture the same religious fevour, and promotes the welfare of all


segments of society, will the two be more equal in peoples' eyes.

GORDON ALLPORT (1897–1967)Allport (1950), in, “The Individual and His Religion” illustrated how people may use religion in different ways. He makes a distinction between mature religion and immature religion. Mature religious sentiment is how Allport characterized the person whose approach to religion is dynamic, open-minded, and able to maintain links between inconsistencies. In contrast, immature religion is self-serving and generally represents the negative stereotypes that people have about religion. More recently, this distinction has been encapsulated in the terms "intrinsic religion", referring to a genuine, heartfelt devout faith, and "extrinsic religion", referring to a more utilitarian use of religion as a means to an end, such as church attendance to gain social status. These dimensions of religion were measured on the Religious Orientation Scale of Allport and Ross (1967). A third form of religious orientation has been described by Daniel Batson. This refers to treatment of religion as an open-ended search (Batson, Schoenrade & Ventis, 1993). More specifically, it has been seen by Batson as comprising a willingness to view religious doubts in a positive manner, acceptance that religious orientation can change and existential complexity, the belief that one's religious beliefs should be shaped from personal crises that one has experienced in one's life. Batson refers to extrinsic, intrinsic and quest respectively as Religion-as-means, religion-as-end and religion-as-quest, and measures these constructs on the Religious Life Inventory (Batson, Schoenrade & Ventis, 1993).


ERIK H. ERIKSON (1902–1994)Erik Erikson is best known for his theory of psychological development, which has its roots in the psychoanalytic importance of identity in personality. His biographies of Gandhi and Martin Luther reveal Erikson's positive view of religion. He considered religions to be important influences in successful personality development because they are the primary way that cultures promote the virtues associated with each stage of life. Religious rituals facilitate this development. Erikson's theory has not benefited from systematic empirical study, but it remains an influential and well-regarded theory in the psychological study of religion.

ERICH FROMM (1900–1980)Fromm modified the Freudian theory and produced a more complex account of the functions of religion. In his book, Psychoanalysis and Religion, he responded to Freud's theories, by explaining that part of the modification is viewing the Oedipus complex as based not so much on sexuality as on a "much more profound desire", namely, the childish desire to remain attached to protecting figures. The right religion, in Fromm's estimation, can, in principle, foster an individual's highest potentialities, but religion in practice tends to relapse into being neurotic. Fromm said humans have a need for a stable frame of reference. Religion apparently fills this need. In effect, humans crave answers to questions that no other source of knowledge has an answer to, which only religion may seem to answer. However, a sense of free will must be given in order for religion to appear healthy. An authoritarian notion of religion appears detrimental.


ROBERT EMMONS (1958)Emmons offered a theory of "spiritual strivings" in his 1999 book, The Psychology of Ultimate Concerns. With support from empirical studies, Emmons argued that spiritual strivings foster personality integration because they exist at a higher level of the personality.

JAMES HILLMAN (1926 – 2011)Hillman, at the end of his book Re-Visioning Psychology, reverses William James' position of viewing religion through Psychology, urging instead that we view psychology as a variety of religious experience. He concludes: "Psychology as religion implies imagining all psychological events as effects of gods in the human soul."

JULIAN JAYNES (1920 – 1997)Julian Jaynes, primarily in his book The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind, proposed that religion (and some other Psychological Phenomena such as Hypnosis and Schizophrenia) is a reminant of a relatively recent time in human development, prior to the advent of consciousness. Jaynes hypothesized that Hallucinated verbal commands helped non-conscious early man to perform tasks promoting human survival. Starting about 10,000 BCE, selective pressures favored the Hallucinated verbal commands for social control, and they came to be perceived as an external, rather than internal, voice commanding the person to take some action. These were hence often explained as originating from invisible gods, spirits, ancestors, etc.


RONALD F. INGLEHART (1934 - )In response to the religious transformation hypothesis, Ronald Inglehart piloted the renewal of the secularization hypothesis. His argument hinges on the premise that religion develops to fill the human need for security. Therefore the development of social and economic security in Europe explains its corresponding secularization due to a lack of need for religion. However, religion continues in the third world, where social and economic insecurity are rampant. The overall effect is expected to be a growing cultural disparity.

JAMES W. FOWLER III (1940 - )James W. Fowler, a developmental psychologist at the Candler School of Theology, in his Stages of Faith developed the most well-known stage model of spiritual or religious development. He follows Piaget and Kohlberg and has proposed a holistic staged development of faith (or spiritual development) across the lifespan. The book-length study contains a framework and ideas which have generated a good deal of response from those interested in religion, so it appears to have face validity. James Fowler proposes six stages of faith development: 1. Intuitive-projective 2. Symbolic Literal 3. Synthetic Conventional 4. Individuating 5. Paradoxical (conjunctive) 6. Universalising. Although there is evidence that children up to the age of twelve years do tend to be in the first two of these stages, adults over the age of sixty-one show considerable variation in displays of qualities of Stages 3 and beyond, most adults remaining in Stage 3 (Synthetic Conventional). Fowler's model has generated some


empirical studies, and fuller descriptions of this research (and of these six stages) can be found in Wulff (1991).

STEVEN ARTHUR PINKER (1954 - )Arthur Pinker, an American experimental psychologist, cognitive scientist, and linguist, is Johnstone Family Professor, Department of Psychology, Harvard University, known for Evolutionary Psychology and the computational theory of mind.Evolutionary psychology is based on the hypothesis that, just like the cardiac, pulmonary, urinary, and immune systems, cognition has a functional structure with a genetic basis, which therefore appeared through natural selection. Like other organs and tissues, this functional structure should be universally shared among humans and should solve important problems of survival and reproduction. Evolutionary psychologists seek to understand cognitive processes by understanding the survival and reproductive functions they might serve.Pinker in an advocacy of evolutionary Psychology, noted that the universal propensity toward religious belief is a genuine scientific puzzle. He thinks that adaptationist explanations for religion do not meet the criteria for adaptations. An alternative explanation is that religious psychology is a by-product of many parts of the mind that evolved for other purposes.

PASCAL BOYERBoyer’s Cognitive Psychology of Religion, accounts for the psychological processes that underlie religious thought and practice. In his book Religion Explained, Boyer shows that there is no simple explanation for religious consciousness.


Boyer is mainly concerned with explaining the various psychological processes involved in the acquisition and transmission of ideas concerning the gods. Boyer builds on the ideas of cognitive anthropologists, Dan Sperber and Scott Atran, who first argued that religious cognition represents a by-product of various evolutionary adaptations, including folk psychology, and purposeful violations of innate expectations about how the world is constructed (for example, bodiless beings with thoughts and emotions) that make religious cognitions striking and memorable.

JAMES H. LEUBA (1868 - 1946)The American Psychologist James H. Leuba, in A Psychological Study of Religion, accounts for mystical experience Psychologically and Physiologically, pointing to analogies with certain drug-induced experiences. Leuba argued forcibly for a naturalistic treatment of religion, which he considered to be necessary if religious psychology were to be looked at scientifically.

PASTORAL OR CHURCH PSYCHOLOGYTHOMAS ODEN (1931)Thomas Oden (around 1984) severely criticized mid-20th century Pastoral care and the Pastoral Psychology that guided it as having entirely abandoned its classical and traditional sources, and having become overwhelmingly dominated by modern psychological influences from Freud, Rogers, and others. One application of the psychology of religion is in Pastoral Psychology, the use of Psychological


findings to improve the Pastoral care provided by Pastors and other Clergy, especially in how they support ordinary members of their congregations. Pastoral Psychology is also concerned with improving the practice of Chaplains in healthcare and in the military. One major concern of Pastoral Psychology is to improve the practice of Pastoral counselling.

STUDY RE-EVALUATIONPsychology of religion is the discipline that studies religion and religious Phenomena using Psychological theories, concepts, and methods. It is interested in how religion interacts with Personality, Biology, and Culture and with the multiple dimensions of human beings and their development in society (i.e. cognitive, affective-emotional, relational, social, and moral dimensions). This discipline considers religion as influenced by Psychological realities and as having an impact on these realities. Psychology of Religion flourished until the 1930s, but then remained dormant for about three decades. In the last several decades, a renewed interest in psychology of religion has emerged. A number of books and a host of empirical studies suggest that it is once again a viable area in the discipline of psychology (Batson, Schoenrade, and Ventis, 1993; Hood and others, 1996; Paloutzian, 1996; Wulff, 1997). Psychologists involved in the psychology of religion today work in a wide variety of settings, including colleges and universities, hospitals, clinics, counselling centres, churches and synagogues, schools, research institutes, and private practice.


SUMMARY OF THE STUDY ON PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION Psychology of religion is the discipline that studies

religion and religious phenomena using psychological theories, concepts, and methods.

Psychology of religion consists of the application of psychological methods and interpretive frameworks to religious traditions, as well as to both religious and irreligious individuals.

American psychologist and philosopher William James is regarded by most psychologists of religion as the founder of the field. In the psychology of religion, James' influence endures. His Varieties of Religious Experience is considered to be the classic work in the field, and references to James' ideas are common at professional conferences.

Continued dialogue between psychology and theology may foster greater understanding and benefit both fields.


REFERENCES/ FURTHER READING

Batson, C.D., Schoenrade, P., & Ventis, W.L. (1993). Religion and the individual. New York: Oxford University Press.

Belzen, Jacob A., ed. (2012). Psychology of religion: autobiographical accounts. New York: Springer. ISBN 978-1-4614-1601-2.

Emmons, Robert A. (1999). The psychology of ultimate concerns: Motivation and spirituality in personality. New York: Guilford. ISBN 978-1-57230-935-7.

Fromm, Erich (1950). Psychoanalysis and Religion. New Haven, CT, USA: Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-00089-8. Retrieved 10 February 2010.

Hood, R.W., Jr., Spilka, B., Hunsberger, B., & Gorsuch, R. (1996). Psychology of religion: An empirical approach (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.

Kenneth I. Pargament (1997). The psychology of religion and coping: Theory, research, practice. New York: Guilford. ISBN 978-1-57230-664-6

Paloutzian, R. (1996). Invitation to the psychology of religion (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.


Starbuck, (1899). The psychology of religion. London: Walter Scott.

Wulff, D.M. (1997). Psychology of religion: Classic and contemporary. New York: Wiley.

WEBSITE www.wikipedia.org

CHAPTER TEN

THE ROLE OF PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETIES

ByCharles Ogundu Nnaji

Department of Philosophy and ReligionsFaculty of arts

University of [email protected]

08022785999

AbstractThis presentation search lights not just the role, but the relevance of Religions and Philosophy in our contemporary societies,. Our objective is to identify and present how Religion and philosophy can be useful in contemporary human societies. The method of study is deductive, which means consulting relevant literature (or books) while also highlighting the Vox-Populi, The study found out that Religion and Philosophy have common grounds in their moral and Skeptical Sopherim (i.e. teachings) while the study recommends the improvement of ethical standards


mailto:[email protected]

among Theologians and Philosophers, rather than engaging in endless Sophistry.Keywords: Role, Religion, Philosophy, Contemporary, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTORY CLARIFICATION OF TERMSROLE: Hawkins (1995), that the word “Role” has something to do with what one has to offer or to do in particular situations, since human participations are required for concepts to be materialized into practical realities.

RELIGION: Eliade (1985) that Religion (as a Term) has Latin origins, i.e. “Religere”, which means to bind, to be attached or addicted to something one cannot do without. Hence Religion means “Habits” often senselessly practiced or adhered to without asking questions. Often Religion present spiritual moral teachings or doctrines, while many questionings or attacks on Religion are often Sophist, Sophiqu and senseless (Hebrew O.T. 2005; Gen.3:P15).

PHILOSOPHY: Robinson and Davidson (1996) defined Philosophy as “Human Judgments” (From the Hebrew “Philashapha”), or Human Teachings from the Old Testament Hebrew “Shophetim” of Judges 6:13 “Niphilosophru”, i.e. Wonders our fathers (Abbotenu) taught or told us (Sophru) see Hebrew O.T. (2005:; London, 1940): The word Philosophy was hence transliterated into Greek as “Philosophia” translated in the Goodnews Canon as “Epicurean and stoic Teachers” (i.e. Philosophers) and corroborated by the


Amplified (2003) and NCB (2008) translators as “Human teachings” further proven as “Anti” or (Hephequ) Christian teachings by the Interlinear Greek-English New Testament (see Brown and Comfort, 1990: Illnaze: and Metzger, (2001).

CONTEMPORARY: Simpson and Weiner, (1987) in the Encyclopedia Dictionary of current English presented contemporary to mean Contemporaneum, which adds to or means “Currently existing”, or something that is “In the Present”, rather than in the Anachaeos (i.e. in the past, or before its time, i.e. in the future), or Anachron.

NIGERIA: Benton (1990) in the Britannica states that Nigeria is a country geographically situated on the western axis of the continent of Africa: thus, Nigeria as a west-African country has many ethnic and language groups such as Ibos, Yorubas, and Hausas; (with an English Lingua).

STUDY SYNTHESIA: (PSYCHO-SOCIAL FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY)1. Study synthesia involves polling together our definition

of terms into a study Nucleus able to answer innate questions presented by the study topic and objective.

2. From our clarification or definition of terms, the roles of Religion and Philosophy in contemporary societies include the following

a. Religion often becomes a community or social bond, which holds together a people living together in multi-cultural societies: egs. (i) Christian Doctors


Association. (ii) Muslim Lawyers Association (iii) Muslim and Christian Business men’s Associations etc.

b. Religion and Philosophy teach morality or the science of “Dos and Don’ts” since societies which have no moral instructions that curtail or control human excesses or human bad conducts, end up in the anomie or anarchy.

c. Religion infuses in man the fear and respect of Divinity, the supernatural (or God) these which can put into man fear of the unknown, hence fear of committing evil.

d. Christian and Philosophical existentialism engender in man a self consciousness that he is not an accidental existing being; rather that his ability to rationalize means that he has a purpose for coming into existence; hence, he must conscientiously pursue that purpose given him by the ultimate creator, called God by Religion.

e. Religion in a secular sense currently has employed thousands of people in Nigeria into its organizations and institutions, which include Schools, Hospitals, Rehabs, Banks, Transport Companies, Radio and Television Stations; also Printing and Publishing houses, Asylums etc.

f. Religious bodies also play massive roles in controlling and keeping together marriage bonds and families: including controlling Juvenile excesses, and managing the dead and dying, often called “Hospices” etc.


CONCLUSION OF THE STUDY (PHILOSOPHY IN INVESTIGATING RELIGION, SHOULD NOT ABUSE RELIGION)Our conclusion of study comes from our research findings that:(a) Though Religious spiritual observances and moral

doctrines help to maintain social order, yet religious bondages and groupings often produces extremist behavior.

(b) Hence Philosophical reasoning can help moderate religious excesses, without necessarily abusing religion, since Philosophy often craftily abuses, ridicules and disrespects Religion in its claim of investigating Religion

CHAPTER ELEVEN


INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN ONTONOMICS(i.e African-Philosophy)

ABSTRACTAfrican Ontonomics states that traditional Africans do not argue the existence of God, rather Africans largely believe that God and divinities exist, and that the most important issue in the African psyche is harnessing transcendent and mysterious powers which are (clearly evident in nature) in solving or resolving human miseries and human predicaments. From Kant, cited by Ogundu (2000)1, people who have never encountered problems are likely going to contemplate suicide when real problems appear. Hence, does philosophy have mental strategies for solving human problems?Keywords: African, Ontonomics, Philosophy

INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT OF PROBLEM OF THIS STUDY(a) One major problem in African Philosophy is that

scholars in African Philosophy are still Busy discussing and arguing European and Ancient Greek themes in sophistry ( i.e Themelion) rather than philosophically addressing indigenous (pseudo superstitious ) African cultic belief systems which consistently retrogrades the average African reasoning power and the general socio-economic development of Africa. Hence, African Ontonomics tackles underdevelopment and social-misery (i.e. human problems) from the point of view of awakening African philosophers to the need to carve out and develop a structure and distinct identity for African


philosophy not tailored towards senseless arguments and overemphasizing what Plato and Aristotle said 2,400 years ago, but streamlined on how human reasoning can best solve people’s problems in Africa. Thus, African Ontonomics rather than aimlessly questioning the existence of God, unreservedly believe in the indisputable existence of God and Spirits as living realities who have endowed humanity with the mental and reasoning capacities capable of helping man resolve his legionic trailer- loads of imposed and self- imposed problems.

(b) While the general public stereotypically views philosophy as a field which creates unnecessary and confused arguments, African Ontonomics seeks ways of producing a distinct African philosophy able to use man’s (God-given) reasoning powers to solve human problems of all ramifications.

(c) Simply put, African Ontonomics without apologies, states that philosophy and philosophers are misusing man’s God-given reasoning abilities in generating senseless debates called “Dialegeto” in the Greek New Testament”. (Brown and Comfort; 1990; Interlinear Greek- English New Testament: Illinois: Tyndale)2.

OBJECTIVES OF AFRICAN ONTONOMICS(a) African Ontonomics primarily aims to create an African

philosophy which uses man’s powerful reasoning abilities to solve human problems, rather than engaging in crafty (Ophis) and senseless arguments


called “Sophion” in Hebrew (i.e. Sophoteros or Sophistry). See Aland and Newman, 1983, p 194.3

(b) African Ontonomics also aims at breaking the mentality of an average African philosopher, away from extreme citations and dependence on ancient Greek and European philosopher’s views and methods, for a much more indigenous and independent African method and sense of reasoning.

DEFINITION OF TERMS(1) African: the word “African” is from the Arabic “Ifriqiya”

which means dark or black “continent”, this which gave us the words “ Africa and Africans” i.e. people who originated from or were born in Africa, particularly people with dark or black skins (Nnaji: 2012) pp 113- 126)4. See also Simpson and Weiner, 1989, Vol 1.5

(2) Ontonomics: Ontonomics coined by this author is from the New Testament Greek “Ontos”, “Onta” or “Ons” which means “really or being (not Being)”, not necessarily the “reality” of Ontology in Philosophy, but the adverbial “really”. The real Greek words for reality are “Upostasis- to hypostasis”, which means “existence”, reality or supporting evidence (H. Koster in Bromiley, 1985, PP 1237- 1239)6.See also Greek “Aletheias”- “Truth” or “Reality” 1 John 3:18 compared to Ontos. The New Testament Greek word for “real” is Ontos; see Galatians 3:21, the Greek “Ontos” (really) e.g. I came yesterday; “really”, can be translated “indeed or certainly, while Col 4:11 “Ontes is translated “being” (i.e. I have being sleeping) not “Being” as in deity or spirit etc. see Brown and


Comfort (1990) Greek English Interlinear New Testament, Tyndale).

(3) Philosophy: Philosophy traditionally comes from Greek “Philos” (love) and Sophia (wisdom) hence; philosophy is love for wisdom (Ugwuanyi and Oyeshile, 1997)7. However, Nnaji (2012)8 challenged that etymology by arguing through linguistic etymology that philosophy is from “Greek philos” ( friend not love) and Greek “Ophis” or the Hebrew “Sophis” ( i.e a snake or snakish- craftiness) which gave us “Sophos” Mtt 10:16 “Jesus said, “be ye as wise as serpents” (Ophis- Sophis); while according to W. Forester in Bromiley, 1985, p 750, ancient philosophy especially Gnostic Ophites called wisdom a serpent (Ophis)- which gave us ‘sophos’9 (see also Metzger, 2001, p 32)10. Also Forester, (book v1) stated that ‘puthon’ (python- Pythagoras) was the snake spirit of divination (Hebrew ’sophis’) which was the guardian of the oracle of Delphi where Socrates received his inspiration to wisdom (See Bromiley, 1985, p 973)11. See also Asaju, 1999, p 3612, where Socrates said nothing will stop him from going to the Daimon- god of Delphi which gave him his inspiration. See also Andrew Skinner, 200113 (serpents and symbols in the ancient East) on the serpent and ancient wisdom religions etc. See also Aland and Newman, 198314, on the puthon or python- the snake- spirit of divination or fortune telling. Heraclitus said he was led by the gods to the gates of the sun; hence he was called the fire philosopher. Also Boetus recounted how the spirit of divination gave him oracles in his dreams.


LITERATURE REVIEWBrown and Comfort, 199015, edited by veteran theologian J.D Douglas and commended by another veteran theologian Bruce Metzger (2001) presented the Greek language New Testament in its original form which contains very many words spoken today as English (including Ontology) which clearly indicates that the Greek language New Testament was used to reconstruct ancient Greek, since the vocabulary of ancient Greek no longer exists. What people currently (wrongly) call ancient Greek is ancient Greek vocabulary reconstructed from Greek words in the Greek language New Testament (Metzger 2001, pp 64)16. Ancient Greek manuscripts disappeared around 410CE when German Barbarian Vandals (Visigoths and Ostrogoths) destroyed what remained of ancient Greek documents. (Brockman and Pescantini, 1991 reviewed by Stephen Njure, 2004, Paulines Nairobi)17. Greek language Colossians 4:11 “Ontes or being”, and Acts 14:13 “Ontos” means e.g. Zeus Temple “being” outside the city”- not Zeus as a Being, Lk 22:3, “Onta” (being) Judas Iscariot “being” one of the twelve”. The above are some usages of the word “Ontos” which according to translations can be “really” “being” “indeed or certainly” (Aland and Newman, p 121)18, this conflicts with what current philosophy has made the word, in terms of “reality or existence”, or Spirit Beings as living realities etc. The real words for reality and truth are “Aletheias and Upostasis”, not Ontos (Bromiley, 1985)19.Using Ontonomics in relation to a perceived African ontology, or African Ontonomics, this study intends to properly use “Ontos” to mean something being done, not God as a Being. Ontonomics means that God cannot be


investigated since God transcends all human tools of investigation, be they “human rationale or experimental science”. Ontonomics does not intend to use “Ontos” as “God is a Being”, this which is its use in philosophy, i.e. seeing God as a Being whose reality (Ontes) is in doubt until verified. Ontos in its Greek New Testament origin means, “being” i.e. an auxiliary verb of “God is being (Ontos) worshipped” or an adverbial usage of, “Is God really existing”, or “the law is indeed or really divine”, etc. Hence, in looking for the origin and true meaning of many terms in philosophy, philosophy books will not give us the answers; rather Greek language New Testament studies will give you the answer since philosophers lifted many of their terminologies from the Greek language New Testament, this which was done by Christian philosophers during the medieval Christian philosophy era of 400CE to 1500 CE.

LITERATURE REVIEW; INTRODUCTION TO COSMONOMICSLinguistics cosmonomics means that philosophical statements bordering or related to cosmology or interchangeably “worldview”, are more often mere “linguistics” or terminologies that often turn out meaningless. Hence, when philosophers discuss “African Cosmologies”, they more or less do not actually discuss world views and beliefs we understand, and which are probably understood to a lesser degree by their students who are often under pressure to understand them. Thus, the cosmonomics in African cosmology or worldviews is that the jargons in the philosophical presentations of an African ontology make you wonder if those philosophers actually understood what ontology means (Aland and


Newman, 1983)20 or that they have made philosophy a field which deliberately plays with words purposely to confuse those who are already finding it difficult to understand the difference between “cosmology” and “worldview”. In order to land safely, cosmonomics simply insists that a people’s worldview, also called cosmology in philosophy, can truly be firmly understood if the language of the philosopher can kindly come down to the level of those people already confused. Hence, for an ontonomist to properly handle what we call Philosophy of African Traditional Religion, terminologies like necessity, teleology, deontology, cosmologies and theodicy etc (Nnaji, 2011)21 may not even be so necessary since, come rain or come shine , the average African traditionalist (not African Christian) does not argue or question the existence of God. To African traditionalists, God indisputably exists, not even disasters and catastrophes can question the existence and indispensability of God and his divinities (Nabofa, 1996)22.

ACADEMIC RELEVANCE OF AFRICAN ONTONOMICSOntonomics is a scholarly attempt to move the African philosopher away from traditional western (European and American) methods of platonic and Aristotelian thinking, since it is very wrong for African students and teachers of philosophy to be teaching themselves how to think or reason like the White European. If the Whiteman comfortably attacks God, which shows that the Whiteman has no respect for what it cannot verify and disprove. Thus, does the black African have to emulate them?

LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY


In trying to source indigenous themes in African philosophy, Dukor’s Theistic- Humanism” cited by Nnaji (2013)23

including Nlemanya Onwu and Ilogu, etc cited by Ugorji (2011)24 and Anozie (2012)25readily come to mind. Other African thinkers and writers such as Ngugi wa Thiongo , on “Weep not Child”, discussed “Totemism”26 (i.e. the concept of personal gods) and Ola Rotimi of “the gods are not to blame” fame; to Berta Ugorji (2011) who analyzed the idea of the Chi in Ibo metaphysics”27 etc. While Soyinka was trying to write and speak English better than the English; Achebe (1958)28 was analyzing how the Whiteman fell things apart in a previously united socio-cultural Ibo (African) setting. However, in all these, the generality of these African thinkers and writers hardly suggested or laid down solid methods and strategies which African Ontonomics can glean from, in its quest to produce or adopt indigenous African philosophical or reasoned strategies for solving human problems in Africa.WHAT IS AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY?African Philosophy primarily gravitates on how Africans reflect, ruminate or reason over what man’s attitude to life should be, and not really on the origin of existence. In Africa, the spiritual controls the physical.

WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?(Please note, philosophy does not really mean love for wisdom: the true etymology of philosophy is “philosophis or sophis”, from the Hebrew ‘Philasaphim’”29 which means the snake, magic or serpent as symbol, source and spirit of divination that gives secret spiritual knowledge-Gnosis (or wisdom) on the origin, structure, nature and purpose of existence. Ancient philosophers including Socrates and


Pythagoras used divination spirits (or gods, i.e. daimonion) to obtain knowledge on the origin, structure and secrets of existence. Socrates was executed in 399BC for refusing to stop visiting the oracle at Delphi from where he confessed he receives inspiration. (Asaju 1999, p 36)30. Pythagoras belonged to the Pytho cult of the god Dionysos. Parmenides and Heraclitus were also involved in divinations.

BY EXTENSION WHAT IS AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY?African philosophy or the African way of looking at existence, is that the spiritual controls the physical; hence, African philosophy is not mechanically scientific, but highly theistic; i.e. God indisputably exists. The point of argument is the nature, form and structure of God

WHAT IS AFRICA?Don’t assume you know what Africa means. The word “Africa” is from the Arabic “Ifriqiya”, which means “dark or black” (continent) where nothing good comes out from31.The African is different from ancient Greeks in that Africans are not necessarily interested in the origin, structure and secrets of nature, rather, Africans are averagely highly theistic and metaphysical, which means that Africans have already concluded that God exists especially that the spiritual controls the physical, and that metaphysical or spiritual powers exist which determines the fate or destiny of all humans. In other words, African philosophy simply means that African belief systems strongly portray an average African as being very theistic, or religious with a strong believe in theistic or spiritual powers that control the physical. Therefore human mentality is spiritually from God;


though man misuses his metaphysically or metapsychically produced intellect. African philosophy, (summarized) means that Africans strongly believe in an existence where the spiritual controls the physical. The average African has already concluded that the spiritual with its lesser divinities and the supreme God exist; Africans do not argue the existence of God; their philosophy is that God exists: The nature of God is what is in dispute i.e. is God one or many ( i.e polymonotheism and Monopolytheism).

PLEASE NOTE AGAINAfricans are not arguing the existence of God; rather, Africans have already concluded that God exists, while the spiritual controls the physical.It will be very difficult for me to mention here, supposed, African philosophers since existing scholars in African philosophy have not met these definition criteria, though many have come close to it, yet many of such African thinkers who present Africans as highly religious people, do not view African religiosity (or metaphysics) as philosophy or as genuine metapsychic experience, rather cynicisms of derogatory finger-pointing at superstition consistently dogs or ridicules African theistic philosophies as inferior to much more fancied (supposed) logical and scientific Aristotelian- wranglings. Hence, often prompting so-called western educated African philosophers to always see the basic African world view through the eyes of classical and western philosophies which wants Africans to think like Europeans and Greeks, which is very wrong. The following are few examples of what African philosophy should be. The figurative sayings below clearly show that one cannot make such sayings without experience and sound


reasoning, because mentally indolent people cannot render idioms, proverbs and figurations.(a) An Ibo kola-nut broken at a marriage ceremony

signifies the number of children being expected through the number of lobes produced from the kola nut. It may be true and it may not be true or logical; yet that is what they believe in.

(b) You are the thing that swallowed an elephant(c) Onye wetara oji, wetara ndu: He who brings kola

brings life; i.e. if I offer you kola, water, food or entertainment; it is a sign of friendship and peace, though it can be deceptive.

(d) We do not tell the deaf or blind that war has started.(e) If a child crawls and pinches me, I too will crawl and

pinch him.(f) The head we saw, is the reason for sowing the cap

etc. If you are not important to yourself, you are important to us.

(g) You cannot run faster than your shadow.(h) Where you are running to is not better than where you

are running away from.(i) A toad running in a dry season afternoon is very

strange; there must be an explanation for it. If you cannot explain something, it does not mean it does not exist. This is what we call Theistics. These sayings show that “Africans speak through experience”.

(j) No one has two heads; i.e. if I cannot prove to you that God exists, then you cannot prove to me he does not exist.

(k) There is nothing the eyes see that will make it shed blood.


(l) When someone is dancing alone beside the forest, look very well, the drummer is inside the forest.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE Historian- William Durant dates philosophy to 2880BC to the writings of Egyptian Ptah-hotep on monotheism and moral philosophy titled “the maxims of Ptah- Hotep by his grandson Ptah- Hotep Tshefi. This lends credence to facts that ancient Philosophy also had roots in Africa.32

a. African Philosophical ConceptsThis simply means that the African ideas of God, gods, goddesses, spirits and divinities could be mere concepts, i.e. ideas full of unverifiable myths that may not be existing. These constitute some scholars views (western and local) that African traditional religions are myths and superstitions. However, concepts in African belief systems indicate living realities coded in African metaphysics of the extra-sensory.

b. Nature of African Traditional Religious Beliefs involve a structure or Hierarchy of beings from (a) The Supreme- deity or being (b) Spirits (c) Divinities, diviners and divination (d) Mediums and medicine, now called Medical practice (e) Pharmacy from Pharmakon or Pharmakeia, originally means magic, sorcery, witchcraft or extraordinary powers of producing magic- portions for healing or destruction of life etc. (f) Then ancestors who graduate from spirit and divinity states to gods and goddesses etc.

c. What is African Traditional Religion; and what are the sources or origins of African Traditional Religious Practices.African Traditional Religion originated from primordial and pre-human related


religious observances that regulated man’s actions in his anthropological evolution- developing stages (a) Magical practices show the nature, process or how African traditions evolved. (b) Festivals like New yam, Eyo, Oro, Ekpo, Ekpe, Ijele, Odo and other tribal masquerades etc also help to explain source of African traditions. (c) Initiations into cults, age-grades, womanhood, manhood, marriage and trades, also help to reconstruct sources of African Traditional Religions. (d) Shrine-Divinations throw more light on the sort of religious behaviors which our African forefathers passed on to their descendants showing that our African forefathers believed in spirits and invoking or consulting them for assistance.33

d. Problems of African Traditional Religions (e.g, Derogations of ATR); African Traditional Religions, currently, experience neglect due to the labeling of African traditions as ‘’Barbaric, Pagan, idolatry’’, heathen, fetish, animist, demonism, diabolic, satanic etc (over the years), considering its secrecy and nocturnal (or nightish) nature. Certainly, if something is ritualistically secret, rooms will be given to Science, Christianity, Islam and philosophy to call such a thing diabolic or suspect.

e. Future prospects of the A.T.R and Religion: The world probably cannot do without religion since it comes with the mind; and the mind is a spirit that no one knows how it moves. Humanities which means- Human welfare, or man as an existential centre-focus of reality (being), has the duty to project and care for the spiritual aspects of man, since what we often disregard as the arts or humanities constitute the


human spirit which utilizes its spiritual intellect to produce our scientific culture. Science and technology did not produce themselves. Without the human spirit, soul and religious beliefs, etc, there will not be science, technology, modernism and advancement in culture and civilization, since the human spirit (soul) is the seat of the human intellect, creativity, wisdom and knowledge.

RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS THE BIG ONTONOMIC QUESTIONS(1) The big question in Ontonomics is, “How do Africans

solve endemic human problems which consistently humiliate African leaders and African thinkers? Noting, especially, African thinkers and elite who spend more time arguing and playing with English words.

(2) The point is very clear. Numerous unnecessary and self-imposed problems have continued to humiliate the African elite and the African sense and abilities of reasoning, particularly, noting that Nigeria, as a case study, parades a myriad legion (or Chiliary) of professors and doctorates, yet more problems are daily being created rather than being solved.

(3) But, particularly, are Africans really interested in solving their problems?

RESEARCH DATA FINDINGS AND SUGGESTIONS1. From literature consulted, this study found out that

African philosophy has no distinct identity; rather African philosophers are still busy arguing ancient Greek philosophy themes, while also modeling their


reasoning patterns according to modern European sophistic debates.

2. This study has found out and points out that philosophical study, and by extension African philosophy, which has no supporting empirical field-data analysis, is an unreliable and unacceptable arm chair academic frivolity; this is in relation to Christian statistics which states that any study which has no supporting physical field data analysis, is unreliable, unacceptable and unscientific. (Nnaji, 2014, pg 1-10) etc.34

3. African Ontonomy hence, suggests that (a) A distinct identity for African philosophy must be created. (b) This which must not be a speculative arm chair philosophy or reasoning. (c) But a field-data analyzing-philosophy that must constantly empirically survey and interact with society and its people in order to find out social and people’s problems, and how rational philosophy can help in solving such human problems.Greek goddess of wisdom, “Pallas Athene” Hebrew, “Phalasophya)

FALSE PROPHECY PRODUCED PHILOSOPHY Isaiah 2:6, “Philisophiku” (Philistines mock God with

pagan gods- i.e. Phalasu (saphca) sexual immorality, 2 Chronicles 15:16, BDB, 2007, pp 1054-1060 etc.

Baalzob; Phalasoph: consulting the dead Isaiah 8:19; Saphilsaphim, witchcraft which Socrates

was executed for in 399BC for being a member of the witchcraft cult of Delphi (Pythia in Greek; sophis in Hebrew, i.e. serpent wisdom; Mathew 10:16, Asaju 1999, p 36.


(Job 22:13 Hebrew “Ephelisophot” (Blind or human judgments) from “Elishaphat”-God judges: 2 Chronicles 23:1)

Job 34:32- Phalisipha (self righteousness: Colossians 2:8-23).

Isaiah 41:24- Phalisaphar; Micah 1:1, Ezekiel 27:30 (dust, worthless or man made)

Note: Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 6:17 “watchman”, Hebrew “Sophe” (or prophet) while “Phaalasophe” (Zophe; Numbers 23:14) is false prophet, Isaiah 58:10.

Hebrew “Losopher” (to teach or …..) Hebrew “Losophat (to judge or lead) Hebrew “Philosopher” (scribe, learned priest, spiritual

leader or spiritual teacher, see Ezra 7:11-12, 2 Chronicles 34:15-20-shaphar from sopher, i.e. scribe or phlasapha, i.e. Temple teacher or scribe; or vilisopher.

Goodnews translation used “philosopher” for Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, 12, Ecclesiastes 12:9- Teacher) i.e. Hebrew “koholet”……..

Proverbs 28:6-7, Proverbs 19:1, Phila-sephti (fool’s mouth).

Daniel 4:9, Hebrew, “Aphialasaphir” (i.e. Babylonian Beltesazzar, chief priest or chief magician).

Job 5:9 Hebrew “Niphlaotsapher”, (Philu) i.e. extraordinary or inexplicable etc.

Check Goodnews Acts 17:18, Stoic and Epicurean teachers (i.e. philosophers or losophers- to teach.

Job 22:13, “Phelishophot” (Blind Judgment). Joel 3:12, Hebrew “Yehosaphat or Losophot” (God

judges) to Philosaphot (human judgments).



REFERENCES

Achebe C (1958) Things Fall Apart (Ibadan and London; Heinemnan)

Aland and Newman, (1983) Opcit, p157Aland and Newman, 1983, (Opcit), p121Aland and Newman, 1983, Opcit, pAland K and Newman, B (1983) The Greek Nero

Testament(Stuttgart; UBS) p 194Anozie .K.P (2012) Sin and Instant Punishment among the

Ibo’s(Abuja Independence ResearchAsaju .D, (1999)Christian FoundationsIlorin; Bahfik) p36Asaju. D (1999) Opcit, p36Brockman .J and Pescantiri, U, (1991/2004) History of

Catholic Church (Nairobi; Paulines)Bromiley .G, 1985, OpcitBrown .F, Driver P, Briggs S.C (2007) Dictionary of Biblical

Hebrew (Massachusetts; Hendrickson)Brown and Comfort, (1990) OpcitBrown, F and Comfort P.W ; (1990) Interlinear Greek –

English New Testament (i1llinois; Tyndale)Forester in Bromiley, (1985) Opcit, p973H. Korster, “Upostasis”, in Bromiley Geofrey (1985)

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDN) pp1237 – 1239

Metzger, (2001) Opcit. p64Metzger, B (2001) The Greek New Testament Lexicon

(Illinois: Baker) p32Nabofa .M.Y (1996) Symbolisms in African Traditional

Religion(Ibadan: MYN)Nabofa M.Y (1996) Opcit


Ngugi Wa Thiongo (1970) Weep not Child (London and Ibadan), Heineman.

Nnaji . CO (2012) Opcit, pp 1 - 6

CHAPTER TWELVEPAPER EXTRACTS.

THE PHILOSOPHY AND LINGUISTICS OF THE HEBREW “SEPHAR OR ZEBAH

(i.e ancient religious sacrificial)153 | Theories on the Origins of Religions

(Highlighting Ibo Sacrificial Correlates)

ByCharles Ogundu Nnaji

Department of Philosophy and ReligionsFaculty of Arts

University of [email protected]

08022785999

RESEARCH BASICS: What Balaam did in Numbers 23:1-end was called “Phalasophim” (Nahum 3:4, Ezekiel 13:18-20), i.e. killing seven animals as divination sacrifices in order to receive information, knowledge, or wisdom to resolve mysteries or problems. They are called Babalawos and Dibias in today’s Nigeria. Numbers 23:4 clearly proves that Balaam or Phalam’s Sephar, i.e. sacrifice attracted the gods; see 2Kgs 17; 29-31- Sepharv-i.e. burnt-offerings.

RESEARCH PROOFS: “Balaam-sophi is Baalzephon or Baalzebub” to Hebrew “Phalasophim”, i.e. Balaam is Phalasu or false prophet. Hosea 9:10-, going to the high places (Sophi) of the gods to inquire and receive messages through sacrifices (Sephar). Thus, note that what Balaam did in Numbers 23:1-end, (see also Colossians 2:8) was ancient philosophy. To transliterate Balaam to Hebrew see Revelations 9:11. Also Acts 7:43, Rephan is Baal; see Jer 32:35.

ABSTRACT


mailto:[email protected]

The study looks at the Hebrew origin and true meaning of the word sacrifice compared to the actual practice of sacrifice, particularly if the basic meaning of the Hebrew “Zebah or Sephard” or “Sophel” (i.e. to spoil, slaughter or kill) actually corresponds to stereotypical or conventional definitions of sacrifice; or perhaps sacrifice has become more figurative than realistic, specifically noting from the literature review that sacrifice in Ibo tradition (interestingly called “Igba Afa” (Apha) note the Hebrew Phalasu)still retains the idea of slaughtering animals to appease, invoke or elicit favour from the gods (i.e. Phalasu or idolatry) . Though our data method of research led to findings that traditional practices (along with belief in slaughter sacrifices) are 90% fast fading out, the obvious reason being the anti-customs and traditions religions, called Christianity.Keywords: Philosophy, Linguistics, Hebrew, Sephard, Ibo, Sacrifice, Zebah

FOCUS OF THE STUDY: The study points out that the Hebrew “Phalasu or Tophilaso” to Phalasaphur was sacrificing seven animals at the Sophim (sacred hill) to consult the gods (Numbers 23:3-14) is linked to the Ibo “Igba Afa” (Afar). We note the Hebrew/ Ibo linkage in ancient sacrificial divination.

ANALYTICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE WORD SACRIFICE (HEBREW ZEVAH OR SEPHAR) Check Isaiah 8:19, Saphilsaphim i.e. witchcraft or sacrificial consulting of the dead (also called Asaphim or Baalzebub or Phalasophim)The Hebrew “Sephard” (Safar from the Phoenician “Zabah, Zevah to slaughter or Zabah) gave us the English “sacrifice” often erroneously attributed to Latin (Chambers, 1996) being 155 | Theories on the Origins of Religions

part of the anti-Semitism whereby Latin, Greek and French manipulated and indigenized many Hebrew words. That word in ancient times was ancient philosophy which means the occultic practice of slaughtering (Zebahor Sophol) animals as sacrifice (Sephardin) to the gods (Sephur) at the high places (Sophi, Numbers 23:3-7) of Baal (vaal, vile, Phaula) in order to receive messages, information, prophecy, knowledge, wisdom or solutions to mysteries from the supernatural occultic powers called “Phili”, Pillows or Philos Ezekiel 13:18-20 I hate your “Pillows”, transliterated from Ephramite Hebrew to Greek “Philos”, i.e. magic charms or extraordinary powers; see Mathew 23:5 “Phylacteries”, i.e. tied like protective magic charms (Phylasso) (BDB, 2007).Hence, what Balaam did at the Hill of Sophim, i.e. place of consulting the gods through sacrifices Sephard: Exodus 8:8, was actually ancient philosophia of receiving messages from the gods (elemental spirits) i.e. Phalasu, idolatry condemned by Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:8, Galatians 4:8-9, 2 Corinthians 4:4. Its oldest known forms were “Baalzebub” (2 Kings 1:1-3), Baalzephon (Exodus 4:1) or Balaam sophim (Numbers 23:3-14) i.e. the Hebrew “Aphialsaphir” (Daniel 4:9 and 18) etc which means the magic (sophan) cults (sophis or sophot) of the gods of idolatry, for consulting or inquiring from supernatural powers at the mountain (saphon or northern) cults, or mountain homes of the gods i.e. where Balaam or Phalas, i.e. false prophets, go to receive false messages and false wisdom from the gods. Numbers 23:3-14 etc.


CHAPTER THIRTEEN

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY OF RELIGION

BRIEFS ON FUNCTIONAL, MAGNETIC RESONANCE (BRAIN SCANNING) IMAGING FMRI IN MEDICAL – IMAGING AND NEURO-THEOLOGY.The Magnetic Resonance Imaging discoveries of the 1970’s has done much in helping to map out the human brain, especially identifying many functions of the human intellect. Brain scanning according to Dr Mark Lefco of the University of London analyzed on BBC Discovery 2/6/2010, has even helped this writer (Nnaji Charles Ogundu) to introduce Neuro-theology which uses brain scanning Magnetic Resonance


Imaging to try to discover how brain functions (especially Neurochemistry) influence or produce religious behavior since FMRI scans show that emotion, anger, telling lies, general human moods etc. are controlled by complex biochemical and tissue activities in peoples brains.

SUMMARY OF BIOCHEMISTRY – RELIGIONDEFINITIONa. Biochemistry Religion teaches precursor brain functions

and metabolite Neuron Nerve fiber impulses or messages which when electrochemically transmitted round the human brain produce hypocritical and dangerously brain-distorted religious behavior and teachings (see Bethlehem and March, 1989 also Paul Schilder (1962) Developmental Neuropsychiatry; of a girl who heard the voice of her god instructing her to throw herself into fire for purification..

b. Simply put, brain chemicals called, electro-chemical Neurotransmitters in the human brain delude and hallucinate people into brain-deceptions making them strongly believe that they are hearing supernatural voices or seeing strange things called visions (see Prov. 23: 30-35, “Those who linger over strong wine will see strange sights and hear strange voices; being the reason why Lasebikan (1984) in Schizophrenia and Prophecy agreed with Hobbes (1669) that madmen will not allow us know who is a madman and who is a prophet; (see Atkinson (1993) “abnormal behavior”.

c. 2 Thes 2:10-11 “for their unbelief, God sends them a strong apathe (brain-disease) which will deceive and delude them into believing false teachings (Greek planes


or planetos or Schizoid- that is brain chemicals deceiving them into believing false or pseudo teachings) Pseudo gave us sophos or philosophy – Col. 2:8 or 2 pt 1: 16, i.e. deceitful or cleverly invented teachings and Religions (Brown and comfort: Interlinear New Testament; 1990).

d. See also Jer. 14:14, Jer. 23: 21-25 “These prophets have prophesied the delusions of their minds in my name; I did not send them; I did not speak to them”. (i.e madmen, schizophreniacs or mentally disturbed self-ordained priests, claiming to be prophets and messengers of God, because their brain chemicals deceive them into believing they are hearing and seeing God).

e. See 2 Cor. 11: 13 – 15: vs 3” But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning (Ophis or Sophis also 2 Pt. 1:16 – sesophis-crafty) your minds may somehow be led astray …. Vs 15 “for such men are false apostles – (i.e Pseudo–or Psophos) deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. V14 and no wonder for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of God (or light). (Please note, Apostle Paul calls brain chemical – deceptions as works of the devil –; current scientific research tells us better).

ALSO NOTE: When Apostle Paul went about destroying early Christians before his miraculous conversion, his brain was strongly deceiving him that he was doing God’s work by helping to kill Christians (as Jewish and Hellenist heretics).

THE TRUTH:


It takes very strong miraculous Intervention to convert violent and hypocritical religious people who strongly believe they are doing the right thing. Their actions come from their brains not from God:-See Isa. 29: 13, Mk 7:6, Matt. 15: 8-9: These people worship me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me: They worship me in vain: Their teachings are but rules taught by men: 1 Tim. 6:5; “Men of corrupt mind think that being religious is a …… means to financial success”.

BRIEF DATA SYNOPSIS OF BRAIN FUNCTIONSHow Brain-chemicals produce Religious, violent and hypocritical behavior in massively religious, yet massively corrupt and criminal-minded religious societies.Precursors and metabolites

Analyses Effects on behavior

Effects on behavior

Brain-chemicals or Neurotransmitters----------------Amino-Acids

-------------------GABBA,Glutamate oxytocin e.t.c from Brain cells

---------------Sedated or tranquilized moral behavior

---------------Intestine– SerotoninLow levels affect memory, learning and happiness negatively

Monoamines (2) Dopamine (high levels) Exuberance (b) and wild behavior

Arousing emotions/pleasure leading to wild excitement and schizophrenia (abnormality)

Cerebral-cortexSelf – control

Psychotropic and hard-drugs

Amphetamines, cocaine, Hemp e.t.c from Herbs

(a) Addictive, psychoactive, distorting- awareness,(b) Pushes dopamine to produce pleasure & emotions

Cerebrum and Amygdala involved in arousing emotions and aggression.


Monoamine/serotonin Mood levels: Depression, Sadism

Produce pleasure & emotions.Aggressive & sadist religious behavior

(See Mann and Stanley cited by Ogundu (2000) Stanley, et al “Psycho biology of suicide). (See Meyers Stephen (2000) Neurotransmitter precursors. (See Ackerman (1992) The Human Brain. (See Watch Tower, 1995; Evolution and creation).

BASIC RESEARCH DATA – HYPOTHESISThe Human Brain Produces and controls religious behavior(a) It is likely that highly religious and criminal people don’t

really understand what they are doing because they are being controlled from their brains being the reason why insanity and hard drugs completely destabilize human behavior to the extent that such people don’t have religious behavior.

(b) Proofs; Specimen 1 (i) The cerebral cortex (cerebrum) where intellect,

reasoning consciousness and conscience are processed is also the brain area where Religious behavior is developed or preprogrammed, this which separates man from lower animals.

(ii) The conditions of the Nerve fibers, and electro-chemical impulse or message transmissions in the cerebral – cortex determines how religious, corrupt, moral, docile, criminal, reasoning, intelligent, extremist or violent that person will be.

(iii) Low levels Dopamine (monoamine) will lead to jittery or unstable mental state, while high level Dopamine makes the person loose his conscience and sanity to the extent


that nothing means anything to him: He no more has feelings: This is Schizoid.

(iv) Low levels serotonin (Monoamine) makes a person a sadist, and depressively withdrawn from people, with feelings of hatred for things and people, which definitely leads to hating people not from your Religion, or even hating Religion e.t.c.

(v) Normal Dopamine produces feelings of pleasure, or youthful exuberance.

(vi) (See Noradrenalin – or Norepinephrine) which can arouse or motivate one to violence or uncontrolled sexual exuberance.

(1) The Amygdala of the brains Limbic system has much to do with aggressive behavior and dangerous human emotions. This system is deep at the centre of the human brain, unlike the outer cerebral – cortex.

(3) No 2 proves that few humans have good conscience and intelligence since the cerebral context is a late brain development, while most humans are corrupt and criminal since the limbic zone was carried over from the aggressive and unconscious animal stages of human evolution.

(4) The cerebellum balances and stabilizes human behavior.(Note Barbara Moran, (Jan 27 2014) wrote that “Believe in God” may have been genetically wired into our Brains (Net, 2014) See also Natalia Emmons- Boston University

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 1. The Nervous System include nerve fibres (or tissues)

which circulate nerve impulses or messages (Electrically) round the human body in order to properly co-ordinate all


actions and movements of the human tissues. Connecting Nerve – fibers actually do not touch each other, rather messages are circulated round the human body from one fiber to the other through body chemicals positioned in-between the fibres: hence the messages are transmitted through those synaptic (i.e in-between) chemicals of the body (also called “Neurotransmitters).

2. The control tower of our (body) Nerve – fibres, is called the central Nervous system (CNS) Another name for the Central Nervous system is the Human Brain which stretches from the Spinal Cord (Note: in cases of Brain Hallucination , compare Jer 14:14 to Quran 39:32 i.e lying divinations (Ezk 13:6) see also Q 7:20-22: Satan deceived Adam and Eve, or that their brain chemicals were’ deceiving them)

3. Neurology (and the Neuro-Sciences ) is the study of the Nervous system (Hawkins 1995) See Brain Exogenous (or Epi -genetic) chemicals and factors in the Human Brain: which are chemicals like psychotropic and Amphetamines often introduced into the body (which includes Stimulating music )

4. Neurosis (See Psychoneurosis) this which simply means minor mental problems while schizophrenia and psychosis are outright madness.

5. Endogenous elements are body chemicals partly found in the nervous system (Some of them are Neurotransmitters ) (Meyer Stephens (2000) on the use of Neuro Transmitter Precursors For Treatment Of Depression (Wikipedia–Net, 2013) see Q 18:4-5: if you say Allah has a Son you are Probably mentally disturbed )


6. Endogenous Chemicals are Chemical Properties which genetically originated in the Human body, especially in the Nervous system e.g. some are mono amines (Like dopamine and serotonin etc) then the Amino Acids – (Check the GABBA.)

TABLE 1: Endogenous and Exogenous chemicals of the Nervous system and their functions.Examples of Endogenous and Exogenous chemicals Endogenous chemicals are naturally produced in the human body, while Exogenous chemicals are Introduced into the body from outside (See the Oxford Dictionary of Biology (1995) Oxford University Press.

EXAMPLES OF ENDOGENOUS AND EXOGENOUS CHEMICALS Endogenous Chemicals Exogenous ChemicalsThey help to transmit information round the central nervous system)

They mainly distort and sedate or calm the human psyche or mood

1. Nor epinephrine 2. Adrenalin3. Catechocine 4. Dopamine 5. Serotonine 6. Noradrenalin 7. Gama butyric Acid (i.e GABA)Note: Serotonine and Dopamine are Monoamines (See chapters 1-4 ) see also Amino – Acids.

1. Methamphetamines; 2. other Psychotropic drugs like Heroin, Marijuana Cocaine, Amphetamines, Valium, LSDs, Sedatives, “depressants and Anti-depressants etc.

POLITICAL AND CULTURAL RIVALRY IN THE ORIGINS OF RELIGIONS.Boer, 1976 noted that the origins of Islam lie deep rooted in the cultural rivalry between Jewish and Canaanite Political


histories going back to the Abrahamic questions of “who did the seed of promise pass through?” According to Yusuf Ali (1970, Curson) The Arabs have had to consistently throughout history challenge the Jewish claim to being God’s Channel of mediation of blessing to mankind, a claim which have historically been attributed to the Jews. Note that when a prophet of an opposing Religion brands other prophets as “False” then Political Sentiments and Psychological claims to revelation come to play. Hence, in any study of the origins of revealed Religions, Political and cultural rivalries or factors cannot be wished away, which means that such people can develop Holy Scriptures wrongly attributed to divine revelations.

STIMULATING MUSIC IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS Eliade (1989) on Shamanism, noted that ancient music (Particularly drum beats) created Spiritual ecstasies and frenzies that stimulated religious behavior. Certainly, the origin of music in ancient Africa are strongly tied to the origin of Religious behavior among the black race. The inspiring nature of music consistently proves that music tones are touching or stimulating Brain Chemicals which in – turn stimulate spiritual ecstasies, this which researchers are yet unable to explain, relating to biochemical processes involved. In an interaction with a professor of Biology (Omotoye Olorode,) the eminent professor Highlighted the Ogburo Festival of Ogbomosho of Nigeria; he noted that the stimulating effects of music on the undertakers led some of them to eat raw meat which is related to some ecstatic


Nsukka traditionists of Nigeria, who tears off the heads of life Chickens (Nnaji C.O, Data Theology 2007, and 2014).

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF MUSIC IN ISLAM.The Quran (i.e Holy Book of Islam) is silent on the rightness or wrongness of music; while the traditional (Sunnah) or Islamic position on music is that the Holy Prophet (Muhammad) disapproved of music on the basis of its bad stimulating Psychological effects. The Islamic Sunnah believes that music stimulates undesirable and wrong sensual thoughts and cravings which can be dealt with by completely rejecting music;Sometime ago “(2011), a BBC World- service presenter interviewed an Islamic scholar on music in Islam which the Scholar confirmed that Islam has no fixed position on music, since the Quran is silent on it, while the Prophet (Muhammad ) rejected it in his Sayings and practices contained in the Hadith (i.e traditions of the prophet) (See Bukhari or Muslim)

ADDITIONS TO THE INTRODUCTION OF BIOCHEMISTRY RELIGION (Note: Bilical citations of Psychologic Worship of God) (see pp 25 – 28)Biochemistry-Religion isolates, analyzes, and explains how brain chemicals deceive people that God is talking to them BIBLE CITATIONS: (a) Prov. 23:30-35, “Those who linger over wine ---- v33,

your eyes will see strange sights and your mind will imagine confusing things” etc.

(b) Jer. 23; 21-25 – I did not send these prophets – I did not speak to them vs 25, “They claim I had a dream … delusions of their own minds.


(c) Isaiah 29:13, Mk 7: 6, Mat. 15: 8 “These people praise me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from me”.

BASIC – DEFINITION OF BIOCHEMISTRY RELIGION(a) Biochemistry - Religion supported by Christian

Psychology (i.e. psychonomy) monitors, studies, analyzes and explains the mentality and reasoning of corrupt and criminal – minded people in Christianity whose brain chemicals consistently and hypocritically deceives them that they are children of God or that God is talking to them.

(b) BIOCHEMISTRY – RELIGION and Genetics of Religious Behaviour(Biochemistry – Religion explains how brain-chemicals decieve many people that God is talking to them or that they are children of God).Prov. 23: 30-35 alcohol, hard drugs and brain chemicals make people to hear and see strange things.Jer. 14:14-15, Jer. 23: 21, 25-end. Mtt 15:8, Mk 7:6; Isiah 29:13, 2 Thess 2:11 (Delusions)

ACADEMIC RELEVANCE OF BIOCHEMISTRY – RELIGION; Biochemistry – Religion rejects human reasoning and philosophy of Religion. Biochemistry Religion thus presents itself as a better method of investigating religion since it empirically investigates brain chemicals believed to be deceiving people that God is talking to them. Hence, Biochemistry-Religion identifies, Isolates and studies brain chemicals which produce and control religious and related behavior.


SYNOPSIS: (Please also see this study’s research findings)The human brain is caged or protected inside a hard shell where it cannot be destroyed easily, because the brain intelligently controls man including producing Religious belief. Biochemistry Religion simply studies, to identify, isolate and consistently analyze and explain brain chemicals which produce and control religious behavior. These brain Neurotransmitters constantly deceive religious people that God is talking or appearing to them, or that they are children of God:

Jer. 14: 14, “Then the Lord said to me,….......... (Jer. 23: 21-25). The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them, or appointed them, or spoken to them: They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations (i.e. ancient philosophy) idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. I did not send them…” (See Prov. 23: 31-35)

Hence, Biochemistry – Religion identifies, classifies, analyzes, and constantly explains to people how brain chemicals (called Neurotransmitters) constantly produce and control religious, corrupt and criminal behaviors in man, often wrongly attributed to God and evil spirits. See King Saul’s mental problem- 1sam 16; 14-end, including (Prov. 23: 31-35).(a) So far the human brain can be induced by hard drugs to do

violence and criminality, the same drugs can deceive the brain or the person that God is talking or appearing to him ( see Prov. 23: 30-35)

(b) To prove that Brain chemicals produce and control religious behaviour, young people have higher mental capabilities because brain chemicals flow properly at that age.


(c) Spoken and written words arouse or stimulate the brain: See monoamines. Also e.g - a) Religions which teach forgiveness and love, produce docile and inactive members (b) Religions which teach vengeance produce violent members (c) Hence, Biochemistry – Religion focuses on the origin of religious behaivour; it does this by primarily looking at the human brain and its chemical properties (i.e the human brain is the human mind or the central Nervous system).

(e) Biochemistry religion thus states, that brain chemicals are deceiving many Christians, (especially corrupt and criminal minded people) that they are children of God.

(f) These are highly corrupt and bruthal minded people who claim born-again, yet they seriously hate others, while bearing wicked grudges and planning evil against others, while also claiming to be born-again: This is a mental – problem.

EXAMPLE OF HOW BRAIN CHEMICALS INDUCE BEHAVIOR IN MAN(a) Steroids injected into a woman changes her into

masculine behavior eg male voice, muscles, aggression etc develops.

(b) Dope – Dopamine in the brain; induce Adrenalin to produce ecstasy Stamina and strength. (See Noradrenaline)

(c) Sertonin conditions the entire body to respond to feelings, especially depressive Mood comes from low serotonin flow.

(d) 3,000 years ago prov. 23:30-35 told us that alcohol (intoxication) produce delusion (i.e seeing strange sights and hallucinations ( or hearing voices)


THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY RELIGION.(1) Biochemistry Religion may involve laboratory tests of the

behavior of Biochemical elements in the human body, while Christian psychology only uses Biochemistry – Religion tests or results to argue its points. See Atkinson: 1993; Abnormal psychology.

(2) Christian Psychologists are trained music-experts (music-Theologians) or music – Psychologists, who constantly explain how stimulating religious music produce spiritual ecstasy or stimulate Brain chemicals to produce such ecstatic spiritual exuberances in both genuine and criminal minded Christians; this clearly explains that the human brain can often be stimulated to produce religious behaviour (Lefco, 2010). Keywords: Bio-chemistry, Religion, Christian, psychology.

LITERATURE EXTRACTS: Popa Radu (2004 p12 Watch Tower 2010): a Microbiologist and anti-creationist, contradicted biological evolution in 2004 when he said that the intricacies in mechanisms needed for the functioning of living cells are so enormous that chance evolution is not possible. These human cells are so extra-ordinary and complex in their molecules that the DNA and RNA proteins exhibit elements of design. Brain cells (or Neurons) are part of these over 100 trillion tiny cells in the human body. These cells are not necessarily preprogrammed to make someone genetically predestined to be religious, rather brain chemicals stimulated from external forces like music, sickness, hardship, psychotropic drugs, trauma, or by internal forces, like tissue- damage or chemical distortion, can 170 | Theories on the Origins of Religions

produce religious, criminal or moral behavior; i.e misery in someone’s life induce the brain to secrete body or brain chemicals e.g Acetyline, dopamine, the GABBA – related Adrenalin (Agents for ecstasy); or serotonin shortage which can induce serious depression, sober religious-Mood or aggression etc.

LITERATURE ANALYSISTRADITIONAL BACKGROUND TO BIOCHEMISTRY OF RELIGION Smith and Schilder (1962) in Developmental Neuro-

psychiatry cited a girl who said she heard the voice of her god who instructed her to jump into a burning fire (or furnace) for purification. The fire fatally burnt her which landed her in hospital with serious burns.

Atkinson (1992) under “Abnormal psychology” recorded Iranian mystics (or shites) who constantly brutally flogged themselves to draw blood out of their bodies as part of mystic mortication or cleansing from earthly ills.

BBC – Science in Action and Discovery (2012) cited the case of oxytocin chemicals which stimulate positive mood disposition in man in contrast to low serotomin distortions in the human brain which produce manic-depression and serious mood disorders in traumatic – conditions. Sybil Parker (1994) in the Dictionary of Science and Technology noted that Biochemical elements in the human body really affect human behaviour, this which includes inducing belief – systems since psychotropic drugs and methamphetamines distort human behaviour and human moods.


Thomas Noguchi (1997) in Forensic medicine, cited by Ogundu (2000 in Philosophical and Religious Analyses of suicide clearly stated that in determining criminal – cases in law courts, coroners or medical – officers are called in to analyze the mental states of accused criminals (including religious - terrorists to ascertain the mental sanity of such accused persons, since terrorist – religious activities are often attributed to psychoneuroses in abnormal – psychology.

Mann and Stanley (1984) working on the psychobiology of suicidal behaivour or actions, clearly refers to the fact that religious suicide – bombings can never be divine – commands since God does not send people to kill in the name of God.

Ogundu (2000) analyzing the Japaneze second world – war Kamikazes, weighed mental – sanity to the Japanese military worship of the emperior “as god”, (worthy to die for) in suicide-missions so far Japan does not loose the war.

DIAGRAM OF BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE HUMAN BRAIN


(Watch Tower: 1985, pp 170-174) Thomas Hobbes (1651) in Leviathan clearly stated that,

“madmen will not let us know who is a madman and who is a prophet. The above statement points to the observed fact that madmen and prophets seem to have the same eratic behaviour.

Miracea Eliade (1989) cited Shammans of over 2,000 years ago who run into spiritual frenzies from ritual – drum beats which produce spiritual ecstasies similar to modern day Pentecostal spiritual frenzies; see 1 Samuel 16:14-end. “When the evil spirit from God entered and tormented King Saul, David would play his Harp i.e (music) and the evil spirit will leave Saul”.

Brown and Comfort (1990), in Greek – English Interlinear New Testament translated the New Testament Greek compound words “Pneuma kokou” as “evil spirit”, different from “Pneuma Agiou” (i.e. Holy Spirit) Pneuma kakou is comparable to the evil spirit of 1 Samuel 16:14-end which tormented king Saul, but which often left Saul at the sound of music from David’s Harp: That obviously confirms this study and Christian psychology, including Neurotransmitter studies that chemical properties in the human brain stimulate brain tissues to produce religious, moral and deviant behaviour. This is what Abnormal – psychology calls “Hallucinations and delusions.

(i) Hallucinations in Achkerman (1992) refer to actions in the human brain which makes the individual believe he is hearing voices: see Paul – Schilder (1962) Developmental Neuro-psychiatry: i.e the girl who claimed


she heard her god tell her to jump into fire for purification, which totally burnt her.

(ii) Delusions according to proverbs 23:30-35 and Jer. 14:14 confirm Biochemistry of Religion that Brain chemicals produce and control human behaviour, including religious behaviour.Prov 23:31-35 “Do not gaze at wine when it is red Vs 32 in the end it bites like a serpentVs 33 your eyes will see strange sights (i.e delusions). (See 2Thes 2:11) And your mind will imagine confusing things.Vs 34 “you will be like one sleeping on the high sea”Vs 35 “They hit me; you will say, but I’m not hurt; they beat me, but I don’t feel it.When will I wake up so that I can find another drink. (Prov. 23: 30-35)The above is clearly a Biblical description of how alcohol and psychotropic drugs alter brainchemicals which in turn alter human-behaviour.(See also Jer. 14:14 and Jer. 23:21-25).“The prophets are prophesying lies in my name: I have not sent them: they are prophesying false visions --- and the delusions of their minds”. The above directly corresponds to Biochemistry – Religion which clearly states that people’s brains are deceiving them that God is talking or appearing to them. Going over to 2 Cor. 13; 1- 3, Apostle Paul tries to make a demarcation between people whose brains are deceiving them that God is talking to them from those who are truly hearing from God.


2 Cor. 13: 1 “This will be my third visit to you; Every matter must be established (stathesetai) by the evidence of two or three witnesses”.Vs 3: “…since you are demanding proof (Dokimen – Document) that Christ is speaking through me.The above passages overwhelmingly prove Biochemistry – Religion that for over two thousand years, people have consistently being deceived by their brains those spiritual forces are either talking or appearing to them. Such accusations were levelled against Apostle Paul by people who believed that (Paul) was under the delusion and hallucination that God was communicating with him. Before Apostle Paul, the issue of brain – delusions was addressed when Aaron and Miriam seemed to have murmured against Moses. See Numbers 12: 1-8.

V1: “Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite (Ethiopian) wife: for he had married a cushiite”

V2 “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses; they asked: Hasn’t he also spoken through us”. And the Lord heard this:

V 6 “….. Listen to my words- When a prophet of the Lord is among you I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams.

V7. ….my servant Moses …v 8 …. I speak to him face to face clearly and not in riddles: He sees the form of the Lord”The problem with the above Numbers 12: 1-8 is found in 1 John 4: 1-3 which addresses the obvious fact that wrong or evil spirits can appear in the form of


God, or that your brain – can deceive you that God is talking to you.

a. 2 Cor. 11:13, “for such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ: v14, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

b. 1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

c. From Matt. 12: 24-29 Jesus encountered the Pharisees who were insinuating that (Jesus was deceiving himself that he was working miracles through the power of God. Jesus said to them, if I cast out Satan through Satan, does that make sense. How can Satan cast out Satan; that is definitely a house divided against itself. The truth is that the Pharisees had brainchemicals deceiving them that Jesus could not have been a true prophet, so far Jesus remained against their hypocritical antics.

Watch – Tower (1984) in Evolution and Creation (p. 170) attempted an analysis of the evolution of the sophistications in the human-brain which it called “a miracle”. In that analysis, the behaviour- creating functions of the Neurotransmitters were analyzed which obviously indicated that human behaviours and actions are often dictated by what goes on in the human brain: Watch-Tower in that study cited outstanding works in Biochemistry, Biology, psychology, archaeology, anthology and Biological evoution etc, related to that study.


Boer (1969) in A Brief History of Islam treated “sufi”, i.e. mysticism in Islam, which has records of Muslim mystics claiming contact with the divine: Al Halaj was executed around 922CE during the Abassid eraaround Basra for abnormally claiming that he is “the Truth”, which means he had achieved unity with God, that which is complete insanity in Islam for someone to claim he is united unto God. (Boer, 1969, p 81)

EVALUATION OF LITERATURE BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY; IS GOD REALLY TALKING TO ANYBODY?The literature –background to this study says it clean and clear, that for centuries gone past, the problem had been how to draw a line of demarcation between madmen and Prophets, especially people whose brains had deluded and deceived them that God or spiritual forces were communicating with them. “Biochemistry Religion simply calls claims to contact with divinity, “products of chemical stimulations of the human brain”, which produce hallucinations delusions and distorted human behaviours and perceptions which deceive the people in question, that God was speaking to them; being the reason why Jer. 14: 16 comes to focus:

“The prophets are prophesying lies in my name – I did not send them”, I have not spoken to them. They are prophesying false – visions and delusions of their minds”

Delusions simply means false visions i.e., things people thought they saw and heard, which are not true, but which are


traced to distorted brain chemicals that deceive such people that spiritual forces (especially God) are speaking to them.

OBJECTIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY RELIGION(1) Biochemistry Religion aims to reveal that so many

negative religious behaviours (including extremist and violent behaviour) are not from God, but products of chemical compounds in the human brain.

(2) Biochemistry Religion makes a very strong statement that the human brain produces and controls religious, moral, and criminal behaviour.

(3) Through Biochemical studies in Religion we have come to realize that a prophet can actually be a madman claiming to be receiving divine messages since insanity has the same characteristics of hearing voices (Hallucinations) and seeing things (delusions) the same way prophets hear and see things.

(4) Biochemistry Religion also aims at stating that God has nothing to do with human religions so far Neurotransmitter actions in the human brain will not allow us know who is truly a prophet or a madman, this which simply means that current Holy Books have questionable origins.

METHOD OF RESEARCH. Biochemistry – Religion is not human reasoning, but empirical investigations and analyses of brain chemicals to ascertain their functions and to what extent they are implicated in religious, moral, deviant, ascetic, suicidal, and criminal behaviours etc.

EXPERIMENTAL-GENETICS IN THIS STUDY?


Biochemistry- Religion proves that Religious behaviour is Biochemical and Genetic, not extra – Sensory: Also, immoral – behaviour can be Genetic: Brain chemicals are 90% stimulated to produce religious, moral and Criminal behaviors.(1) Genetics does not necessarily mean inherited, but

predisposed: Hence, if religious behaviour is genetic, then children of Bishops, archbishops, and prayer – warriors will inherit the religious genes of their parents and become prayer-warriors also. This is not always the case; rather, often times, 80% of prayer-warriors children are truants or indifferent, while those who end up becoming priests may be children of indifferent parents.

(2) Chambers (1996) (Noguchi (1997), Ogundu (2000) etc cited abnormal psychology cases were by drug ingestion, indoctrination, brainwashing and ritual-music stimulated brain-chemicals which stimulated religious or violent behaviour.

(3) The Brain chemistry is preprogrammed, to stimulate religious behaviour, not that the brain is preprogrammed to be religious; Human experiences like suffering, frustrations, illness and music, stimulate brain chemicals to produce religious or criminal behaviour.

(4) If the human brain is programmed to be religious, then God, (or whoever created us) or evolution will be forcing all of us to be very religious; hence, we have no freedom not to be religious. That means, no matter your experience in life, problems, or no problems; we will all continue to be religious.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM OF BIOCHEMISTRY RELIGION


(1) The basic problem facing Biochemistry Religion is that fire-fire born-again religious people must definitely label its author “devil” since religious –brain chemicals working over-time will not allow them objectively asses this study. Of particular note is that Biochemistry-Religion is not trying to become science, hence it will not go deep into experimental science, but to concentrate on using discoveries in science to argue its positions or points.

ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL RELEVANCE OF BIOCHEMISTRY – RELIGION(1) Biochemistry Religion is an eye-opener that Religious

studies is increasingly becoming scientific and experimental to the extent that academic-research may investigate religion from its behavioral sources or origins: This means that people should not simply accept revelations just like that, rather biochemical investigations of the sources or methods of people or prophets behind such revelations must be dissected and verified, since too many conflicting revelations are indications that some revelations are delusions or false visions, (in relation to No. 1 above),

(2) Truth is buried in claims; Biochemistry Religion will help us excavate and extricate buried truth from mounting – claims.

THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BIOCHEMISTRY – RELIGIONThe theological importance and significance of Biochemistry – Religion is that currently, nothing is capable of investigating truth in the origins and genuiness of Religious claims except brain research which questions mental states of those who 180 | Theories on the Origins of Religions

claim to receive revelations; that tool must be objective scientific dissection and psychobiological experiments on the origins of religious behaviour, rather than subjective philosophical human reasoning which has already condemned Religion as senseless before it began its very faulty speculative investigations.

FOCUS OF BIOCHEMISTRY – RELIGION Biochemistry Religion is focused on killing philosophy of Religion which is an outdated, very faulty and aimless philosophical investigation of Religion that depends mainly on faulty human reasoning to investigate transcendental Religion and God: This which is not possible since human reasoning without experimental scientific-research cannot investigate or verify God and Religion.

POINTS TO NOTE IN BIOCHEMISTRY – RELIGIONIn Biochemistry – Religion, we fully well understand that the physical cannot investigate the spiritual, so far there are indisputable evidences that there exists intelligence higher than man. Man does not have tools capable of investigating things that are higher than him.

See Ecclesiastes 8: 16-end.“Then I saw all that God had done.No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun; Despite his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning: Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it!, (see also Ecclesiastes 9: 1, and 7: 27-28 (etc)”.


I hope that optimist – scientists will not get me wrong that I have concluded that man cannot verify existence: Not at all: The point is that current scientific research has barely scratched the surface, and just as it will take 100,000 years at the speed of light for man to travel from our Galaxy (Milky-way) to the next Galaxy, in a universe with thousands of Galaxies, and trillions of planets, then you will start understanding that even if it takes man 100,000 years to travel to just one Galaxy out of thousands to see if God is there, then you will need to wonder if it is really possible for physical and perishables like man to verify the infinite that we call spirit: It is like fighting something which you cannot see, but that thing sees you.

DEFINITION OF TERMS Biochemistry : Biochemistry is a compound word from

“Biology” and “Chemistry. Biology is from the Greek “New Testament “BIOS, BIOSIS, Bion, or Biotika which means “livelihood (savings), life – experiences, then ‘life’ (Brown and comfort 1990). The above definition of “Bios” clearly shows that “Bios” initially did not really mean animal life or living thing: rather the core word for animal life is “Zoon” while “Zoe” is spiritual-life, Another great word for animal life is “phusis” which means “nature and its living things”. (Metzger 2001). Physics is thus what we should have called Biology.

(b) The word “Chemistry” is from the New – Testament Greek, “Stoicheia or Stoicheon”.Stoicheon – entered Latin as Chem to chemistry; Stoicheon means Foundamental – principles or elemental spirits responsible for existence (Col. 2:8) (Bromiley 1985) –


Hence, Chemistry is meant to be studying fundamental – elements or compounds which combined to produce existence.

(c) Biochemistry, thus means the chemical – compounds which bonded together to produce the human body (also animals) while those chemical – elements also have different functions in the human body, including brain chemicals which produce and control religious behavior.

Religion : The word Religion originally from its Latin root “Religere” has nothing to do with God and spiritual things: Religere means to be addicted; or binded (bond) to something one cannot do without; Hence, Religion is a habit or compulsive obsession; it is not spiritual. (Eliade, 1989).

Christian Psychology :(a) Christian psychology is a related Biochemistry – Religion

field. The difference between Christian – psychology and Biochemistry – Religion is that Christian – Psychology focuses on how Brain chemicals and ecstatic spiritual music produce religious behaviour in corrupt and criminal-minded Christians, while Biochemistry Religion focuses on how the human brain and its chemical – properties generally produce religious, moral, criminal, violent and extremist behavour in all religions. (Please see focus of Biochemistry- Religion above) (b) Christian – Psychologists use spiritual music to demonstrate and explain how music stimulate brainchemicals to produce and control religious behaviour.

SEE BELOW THE HUMAN BRAIN AND ITS FUNCTIONSDATA ANALYSIS


Note: The cerebral cortex makes man higher than other animals because it is the seat of the human mind, conscience, consciousness, reasoning, and intellect (watch Tower 1995, pp 121-270).

PARTS OF THE HUMAN BRAIN AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

(The Human Brain, net, 2013)

(1) The Cerebrum : (a) controls human consciousness (b) Thinking ( c) learning (d) Emotions (e) sensitivity (f) and voluntary actions and movements; etc.


(2) Cerebellum : (a) Co-ordinates balance; i.e mental and movement stability of a person and muscle movement (or coordinated muscle movement, e.g in sports.

(3) Amygdala : (Joined to the limbic zone)(a) Controls or involved in aggressive behavior. (b)Also

emotions.(4) The Reticular (Formations - part of the Brainstem) (a)

probably linked to sexual and other arousals (b) fibers that carry sleep-related stimulations.

(5) Thalamus : (a) Relay center for the cerebral – cortex ( i.e frontal lobe) i.e handling incoming and outgoing millions of messages, in and out of the cerebral cortex.

(6) Hypothalmus : (a) Responsible for a person being hungry, thirsty, body temperature e.t.c

(7) Hippocampus : (part of the Limbic) (a) for learning and memory.

(8) Pituitary Gland : (a) Regulates other Edocrime-Glands(9) The Pons : (a) linked to arousal, sensitiveness and sleep(10) Medulla : (a) Linked to Man’s unconscious actions like

breathing, urinary, sweating and blood circulations e.t.c.(11) Spinal Cord : (a) Transmits information between the

brain and other parts of the body (b) including body simple reflexes (or brain-stem) See Neuro-modulation, psychoactive, addictive drugs, Neuroanatomy etc.

NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND THEIR ACTIONS(1) The Cholinergics: Linked to learning, reward behavor,

shorterm memory e.t.c(2) Amino-Acids: Glutamate: Brain Excitation and

stimulation: Excess Glutamate overstimulates the brain,


causing seizures (ii) Also involved in memory – storage (see also aspartate, D. serine,.

(3) Y-aminobutyric – GABBA(a) Involved in sedation (i.e tranquilizing) Glycine works in the

spinal cord.(4) Peptides: e.g Opiod peptides- substance – p

(Somastostatin and over 52 – Neuroactive peptides) (i)Substance P transmits pain and relaxes blood vessels e.t.c (ii) Opiod-peptides-, linked to pain, emotion, pleasure (also analgesic and ecstatic).

(5) Monoamines; (a) Dopamine- DA (see endocrines) Transmits pleasure, motor or movement, cognition, motivation and emotional coordination (ii) Body arousal (iii) Linked to balance – i.e unstable body movements like shaking hands, shivering body, Nausea and unstable mentality. (See Biogenic monoamines).

(6) Norepinephrine (see Noradrenalin NE, NA) Linked to the Adrenal Gland and Adrenalin for stamina and aggression.

(ii) It is a monoamine related to dopamine and serotonin.(iii) It is involved in much brain functioning’s like arousal,

motivation e.t.c.(iv) Low Norepinephrine destabilizes human mental

awareness, balance and can produce brain deceptions or low agitation.

(v) See also Epinephrine (also called Adrenalin – for stamina, strength and Aggression or Endurance) (d) Reward behavior.

(7) Serotonin (related – Histamine SE, 5-HT) produced mostly in the human intestines, then in the CNS-Neurons (a) Regulates memory, sleep, appetite, learning, body


temperature, mood, general human behavior, muscle movements and proper functioning of the Heart (cardio vascular and the endocrines) (b) linked to abnormal and normal human behaviors. c) low serotonin linked to Depression withdrawal – behavior and sadness which can produce violence and aggression (d) metabolites linked to production of serotoning are found in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissues.Single iions- eg (i) S ynaptic zinc; under study.

(8) Neuro Muscular Acetycholine(ACH: including Adenosine, Anandamide, Nitric Oxide, hydro – sulfide and carbon-Monoxide (co) called gaseous molecules. Acetycholine connect motor nerves to muscles to aide movement; including other brain functions.

MORE PROOFS THAT THE HUMAN BRAIN PRODUCES AND CONTROL RELIGIOUS BEHAVIOUR.Please note: If hard drugs destabilize the human brain, then, automatically, religious behavior is destroyed since mentally disturbed people do not practice religion.Those who have mental problems do not practice Religion since the brain produce and control religious behavior, hence once the brain gets distorted or disorganized by hard drugs, disease, insanity, depression or serious head accident, the human brain looses its control of the human body including production and control of religious and related behavior (b) Hence, that individual looses awareness, though he is alive and conscious, but he looses control of himself, in that he moves about aimlessly not knowing what he is doing; e.g, he is walking about, but he does not know where he is going to.


Also, he is talking and eating, but he knows not what he says and what he eats.

DATA ANALYSES IN BIOCHEMISTRY RELIGION Table 1: Basic Statistics Biochemistry ReligionJudaism Christianity Islam Buddhism96% Jews believe that the Old Testament is the only true Holy Book

Christians Believe only in the Holy Bible

Prophet Muhammed was sent to correct errors in Christianity

Buddhism strongly believes in mysticism rather than in revelation

Biochemistry religion

Different Holy Books were subject to the mental states of their different receivers or prophets.

Data Theology; 2013Table 2:A.T.R(Animism)

Grail-messageAnd Ekankar

Amorc - Rosicrusian(Secret societies)

95% believe in Aninist – polytheism i.e worship of many spirits and gods in nature

Revealed to properly explain Christianity. Also remember that Islam was revealed to correct Christianity.

They claim to have secret knowledge which no other one has.

Biochemistry Religion Religions were produced according to the mental states of their founders

(Data Theology, 2013)

RESEARCH FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THIS STUDY(1) Biochemistry - Religion is a replacement for

philosophy of Religion in the investigation of 188 | Theories on the Origins of Religions

Religion and the existence of God, since philosophy of religion is outdated, including its pure human reasoning which cannot investigate God and Religion; while Biochemistry – Religion rests on experience and scientific experiments which does not rely on human reasoning alone.

(2) (a) Biochemistry – Religion challenges the fundamental basis (of receiving divine revelations) upon which most world Religions were founded (b) Receiving divine revelations involves the human mentality, consciousness and intellect: Once there is a question-mark on the ability of man’s consciousness and mental ability to recognize and receive divine messages, then the entire foundation of such a Holy Book becomes questionable and unreliable.

(3) This study discovered that philosophy of religion is faulty for making subjective biased arguments merely from human reasoning without producing empirically strong or analyzed data to support its arguments

(4) In relation to the above No. 3, Biochemistry Religion obeys Christian – Statistics which encourages, data analyses in obedience to 2 Cor. 13; 1-3, “establish (stathesetai-or statheste now statistics) all arguments by the evidence of two or three witnesses”.2 Cor. 13:3 “Since you seek proofs (Dokimen now Document) that Christ is speaking through me”.The above Greek word “Statheste or stathesetal is the often denied Greek-language New Testament origin of modern statistics.Please note: The word “statheste – now statistics never existed in ancient Greek, latin, Italian, French or


German”, it was Coined in the Greek language New – Testament from another New Testament word “Epistatheos”, ll 9:33, ll 17: 13, which means “Master or Lord”, stand or line-up (sta) before God’ (theotes) which gave us statheotes, now statistics which anti-God and anti-Christian scholars are vehemently denying since they hate the religious or New Testament origin of modern statistics.

(5) Hence, to produce evidence for the arguments that brain chemicals produce and control religious behavior, in relation to 2 Cor. 13: 1-3, Biochemistry – Religion has identified a number of Brain chemicals called Neurotransmitters which are linked to religious behavior in the human – brain – (i.e over 30 of them: see Watch Tower, Evolution and Creation: 1985, p. 170) etc.

(6) Thus, Biochemistry Religion does not believe in making empty philosophical arguments without supporting empirical - data or proofs.

ADDITIONS TO DATA – ANALYZEDSee Diagram of the central Nervous system (i.e the Human Brain) and the positions of Brain chemicals and their Neurotransmitter actions which influence human-moods and behaviour. Example: (a) Low Serotonin influences or induces aggression and

depression.(b) Dopamine, Largely influences pleasure and ecstasy,

being the reason why the word “dopamine” is strongly linked to the words”, “dope or doping” (see Oxford English 2005).


(c) Low GABBA, (Y- Aminobutryric Acid) leads to loss of awareness (Schizoids or madness) or a dead conscience of killing life and not feeling it etc. [gama-aminobutyricacid (GABA)]

(d) Acetyline, - Norepinephrine and related Adrenaline and other Monoamines and Amino – Acids, affect human low or high moods and behavior generally.

REFERENCES

Ackerman, Sandra (1992), Discovering the Human Brain (New York; Academy of Science).


Aland, Kurt and Newman Barclay (1983), Greek New Testament and Lexicon (Stuttgart; WBS).

Atkinson, Richard (1993), Introduction to Psychology (Fort Worth: Jovanovich) Abnomal Psychology.

BBC Science in Action and Discovery (2012) Oxytocin in discovery –

Boer, Harry (1969). A short History of Islam (Ibadan: Dayster) p. 28.

Brown Robert, and Comfort Philip (1990) Greek – English Interlinear New – Testament (Illinois, Baker).

Darwin, Charles (1859)’ Origin of Species (Darwin: Australia)Eliade, Mircea (1989) Oxford Encyclopaedic Dictionary of

English (New York: Oxford press). Francis Brown, S. Driver, .C, Briggs; (2007) Brown – Driver –

Briggs: Hebrews and English Lexicon (Hendrickson massachus etls ).

Gorovitz, Samuel (1996), Moral Problems in Medicine (Cited by Ogundu – Co. 2000, Ibadan).

Hobbes, Thomas (1669), Leviathan: edited by Robert Hutchins in Great Books of the Western world; (London & New York; Britannia; 1960).

Lasebikan, Goddwin (1984) Schizophrenia and Prophecy (Ibadan PhD Thesis).

Mann, J and Stanley.M (1984), Psychobiology (New York: Scientific)

Metzger Bruce (2001) Greek New – Testament Lexicon (Illinios, Baker) He cited over 80 texts (Books) on the Greek New Testament, including Nesttle Greek New Testament and Pring J. on the Greek New Testament etc.


Newman Barclay (1978) Greek New Testament lexicon (Illinois; Baker).

Nnaji C.O and Opara C.C (2013), Data–Theology (Abuja & Enugu, Theometry).

Noguchi, Thomas (1997) “Forensic Medicine” Cited by Ogundu. C.O (2000) Ibadan. PhD Thesis–Suicide.

Ogundu. C.O. (2000). A Philosophical and Religious Analyzes of Suicide (Ibadan PhD Thesis).

Parker, Sybil (1994); Mcgraw Hill Encyclopoediaof Science and Technology (New York, Mcgraw Hill).

Schilder, Paul (1964) Developmental Neuro-Psychiatry: cited by Ogundu – C.O, 2000, in Philosophical and Religious Analyses of Sucide; Ibadan, PhD Thesis.

Watch Tower (1985), Evolution and Creation “The human Miracle called the Human Brain” (Pensylvania; Watch Tower).

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

PHILOSOPHICAL THEORY

(TRUE ORIGINS OF PHILOSOPHY)(1) Philosophy primarily labels Religion as a figment of

human imaginations. Yet, philosophy rose from


teachings, (Hebrew “Sopherim”) or inquiry from the gods on origins of existence; (Philips, 1953,) p94.

(2) Aland and Newman, 1983 (p196) defined philosophy as “Teachings’, while philosopher is “Teacher” from the Hebrew “Phalasopher” (i.e. false teacher or theologian who teaches false doctrines). Hebrew Sopher is translated “Scribe” (Nehemiah 8:1-8, i.e. Ezra the learned scribe or teacher, i.e. Hebrew “Sopher”). See Matthew 23:1-end woe unto you scribes (and Pharisees false teachers (Philosopherim); see Colossians 2:8 i.e. people who claim their teachings are from God; See James 3:15 (13-17). Phaulosophia, i.e. wisdom (Sophia) that is not from above or from God (Phaulos or Baali, i.e. evil) or 2 Peter 1:16 “Sophis” i.e. cleverly invented or Matthew 10:16 crafty-serpent (Hebrew “Sophis” Daniel 4:9, “Aphila-Saphir”, i.e. chief magician: Isaiah 8:19 Saphilsaphim (consulting the dead) Isaiah 45:20 (Philisaphir) Jeremiah 7:3 “Tophilasophet”, Isaiah 41:24, 1 Samuel 6:1-10, Isaiah 46:1-10 (v6) Isaiah 44:12-17, Phililia-saphir, (worshipping man made gods or receiving information from elemental spirits (Colossians 2:8, Acts 17:29). See also Exodus 28:18and Ezekiel 28:13, Exodus 24:10, i.e. Hebrew “Nephil” (Nephec) Saphaire (i.e. Philosaphan) i.e. philosophers’ stone (i.e. magic stones, Greek-Psephon, for balloting or casting lots or for Astrology (Sopharph) i.e. finding out mysteries or for Alchemy (i.e. Earliest mixtures in chemical studies or experimentations; Chambers, 1996, Bromiley, 1983, pp 1269-1272, 1341 etc)

(3) New and Philip, 1953 (pp 94-96) clearly stated that Greek Religion had no “Ethea” (i.e. Ethos or moral laws) rather Greek Religion was highly sacrificial (Hebrew


Zebah, Zevah, Sophar or Soph, i.e. killing sacrificial animals (Colossians 2:8 KJV-spoil, sophol)

(4) While sacrificial Greek Religion played down on morality, it encouraged high level inquiry, i.e. the Greeks were encouraged to be inquisitive rather than being moral; however, they largely inquired from the gods (The Olympian deities led by Zeus) particularly from Mount Parnassus, the site of the oracle of Delphi where Apollo (Hebrew Phaulo or Abaddon Revelation 9:11) was the destructive (soph) god of prophesy (Sophis, i.e. the serpent spirit of inquiry or fortune telling: Acts 16:16- familiar spirit Hebrew “Phaalim-Sophrot”; Greek “Puthonia or Python” 1 Samuel 28:1-11 “Phoenician Baalizob” (Hebrew Phalasoph) i.e. Phalasu- or Philistia, those who consult the dead and magic Isaiah 2:6, Deut 18;1-17 etc.

(5) Apollo the Greek god of prophecy gave destructive answers which required you to use your brain in decoding the revelation, that which was a mixture of Religion and human reasoning (Example: As a king, if you go to war, a kingdom will fall). Hence, is it your own kingdom or the kingdom of the enemy that will fall? That is, Apollo has not solved your problem: He is either deceiving you, hiding something or toying with your brain, i.e. answer your own question of “Will I win the war?”

Ancient Religion was Hebrew Phaliscepha (Isaiah 41:24) Phalisapha (Daniel 4:9) or Phalasophot (Ecclesiastes 12:11) i.e. worship of man-made gods or the occult called secret Assemblies (Hebrew “Sophoner”, for false worship (Philil) of the serpent (Sophis) McCain,


2005, BDB, 2007, Bromiley, 1985,New and Philips,1953, Aland and Newman, 1983, etc)

Arabic “falsafa” (falsehood) or Hindu “Phallusiva” (the gods).

ANCIENTS WERE CONSTANTLY CALLED “OPHILISOPHI” FOR GOING TO OFFER SACRIFICES TO THE GODS: 2 KINGS 17:31 (SEPHAR)a. Ancient Religion rose from Phoenician and Babylonian

Baalsophim (Babylonian Baalzephon or Phalasephon: mountain ophet cults) Nehemiah 3:26-27, Nehemiah 11:21, Micah 4:1-8 (ophelosoph mount of the gods; check Colossians 2:8) Hebrew “Phalasophim; Nahum 3:4, witchcraft; or Numbers 23:14 (Phalasophim or Hill of divination) see Numbers 24:1 “Copham, sopham or ceseph consulting witchcraft) i.e. magic and fortune telling (See Ezekiel 13:18-20) KJV “Pillows” or “Philos” NIV magic, Numbers 23:3-15, Numbers 24:1- sorcery; (Hebrew ceseph or Asaphim; through fallen angels called Nephilim –masters or giants; Genesis 6:4 or Phalasu or Philisti, i.e. inventors of magic and witchcraft; Isaiah 2:6; 1 Samuel 6:1-3, i.e. consult Philistine diviners; i.e. Phaaliceseph or Micah 1:8-10 “Philasti-saphir” (i.e. worthless beauty) see Colossians 2:8 or Colossians 2:4 “Philaosiphle, Phlosphorus or plausible (i.e. fine but false.

b. See Phoenix (magic bird) or Philox (Felix; i.e. fortune teller, not fortunate) Acts 16:16, Greek “Puthonia”, Hebrew “Phalasaph).

VERY IMPORTANT


1. Ancient religion (Hereli-idolatry or Qaraeli or Phalasu (sepharv) was Tophilosophet”, i.e. paganism calling the gods through burnt offerings or fire divination; Jeremiah 19:5-10, 2 Kings 17:29-31., Numbers 23:1-4, 14-15 etc Ancient Hebrew prophets were called “Sophe” (Phoenician “Zophe”, Aramaic “Sopha”, i.e. watchmen) Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 6:17, which gave us “seon or seer”, 1 Samuel 9:9. Isaiah 56:10-Ephelia Sophim (i.e. blind guides; 1 Corinthians 4:4-Greek Tuphlosen (Blind leaders).

2. Colossians 2:8 (KJV) “spoil” (Hebrew Sophol, Sophet or Serphol; i.e. to burn, oppose, attack or destroy) see no 1 above.

3. Hebrew “Ahitophel” (evil brother or bad advicer) Ahi (brother) Tophel Jeremiah 19:5-9, Jeremiah 7:29-31 “Tophil” (Tophet) i.e. divination, idolatry or to speak (Phel) against (Sophiku) Isaiah 2:6-10 Philisti-Sophiku (Philistines mock God- i.e. paganism).

4. Isaiah 56:10, Ephelia sophe (Phalasophe) i.e. false prophets; to Greek Tuphlosen (2 Corinthians 4:4) i.e. blind-guides, consulting false gods; Galatians 4:7-9 (see Jeremiah 7:30, Jeremiah 19:5-9) “Tophilaso” false prophecy. Ezekiel 22:28.

ADDITIONS: ANCIENT RELIGION WAS PHILOSOPHIKU (Philisti-sophiku: Isaiah 2:6; i.e. magic, sorcery or idolatry)Micah 4:8, Nehemiah 11:21 “Ophelsophi”(Numbers 23:3-14) people shall come to the Hills and mountains of Zion (Sion or Sophi) to consult God; Numbers 23:3-14, Balaam (Phala) Saphim (mountain of divination). 1 Samuel 6:1-7


“Phalicesoph” (i.e. man-made gods and images for Terephil: Hosea 3:4 – i.e. divination i.e. going to witchcraft or sacred mountains (Opheli; Nehemiah 3:26-27, Genesis 10:30, Numbers 23:14 (Sophim) to consult the gods (Tophil-soph; i.e. gods of the mountains; Hosea 3:4. 1 Samuel 14:12-15 etc.1. People (Phelos) going to sacred (Phili) mountains (Baali

or Phaali) Exodus 14:1 “Baalzephon” (Hebrew-“Phalasephon”, i.e. mountain cults of Baal, Phaal or evil gods, Colossians 2:8) or 2 Kings 1:1-3 “Baalzebub” or “Phalasephir”, i.e. mountain (Opheli) cult (Asophot) of Baal (Phali or Phaulos; the evil one). James 3:13-17.

See Numbers 25:1-5 Baal-Peor (or Phalasopheo) i.e. mountain or hill (Ophel; Nehemiah 3:26-27, Nehemiah 11:21- Ophelosopha (i.e. Temple or mountain spiritual leaders or rulers; Colossians 2:8-23 or Ecclesiastes 12:11 “Baalsophot or Phalasophia (i.e. masters or rulers of spiritual assemblies or shepherds (Sopherim) i.e. leaders or Aphila; i.e. mysterious leaders of the occult (Sophot) who claim “gnosis” or “Sopherim”, i.e. mysterious knowledge from the gods (saphne; Egyptian “Zaphnath” Genesis 41:43-45; i.e. he who speaks (sapha or Phe) for the gods (Saphnim).

2. Read carefully Deuteronomy 18:9-16, Isaiah 8:19, Ezekiel 13:18-20, Isaiah 26 “Phili-sophim” (ancient Religions of consulting magic or witchcraft powers)

3. Note: Job 34:32 and Hosea 7:1 used the word “Phalosipha” (i.e. idolatry or falsehood or doing evil) for ancient consulting of the Baal’s or Phaali (i.e. spirits and gods; see Colossians 2:8 KJV “spoil” (Hebrew “Sophel” i.e. abaddon, apollyon, Philon, Pillows KJV Ezekiel


13:18-20, “magic” or destructive occultic practices Deuteronomy 18:9-16.

4. Very Important: Deuteronomy 17:9, Colossians 2:8-23 Hebrew

Philosophet (human reasoning or human leaders, i.e. physical or political; not spiritual).

Deuteronomy 17;8- Hebrew “Phalisaphat” (i.e. mountainous, big or mighty: Genesis 6:4 Nephilim or giants) i.e. mountainous (phili or extraordinary) problems, difficult to destroy or solve or kill- Colossians 2:8- spoil or sophen from (soph) or settle or judge (sophet or saphat) i.e. Deuteronomy 11:8-9, Phalisaphat (take it to the “Lewiyim” or “Lauyan”; i.e. priests and Levites for judgments). Go to ophel (the Temple Hill) of God on the sophi (i.e. zion or sioph, i.e. sion or Sinai) Hebrew Old Testament, 2005.

Hence, Balaam (or Phalam: sexually immoral son) etc . See Isaiah 62:4 –Beula or Philia (immoral) needed to consult God, he went to the Sophim (or Zophim) that is the hill of divination for consulting gods (Micah 4:5).

5. Note: (Micah 1:11 “Philasti-saphir”, i.e. shameless, enticing or capturing (Philasoph) beauty (sapphire) Exodus 28:18 (Sapphire: i.e. beautiful stone).

In Colossians 2:8-23,Micah 1:0-11, Exodus 24:10, Ezekiel 28:13 (Nephal-Saphire- i.e. pleasure or fine but false teachings (Sopherim) or worthless worship (Philal) see Goodnews, that which spoils (KJV) or captures and destroys Hebrew “Sophiku” i.e. mocking , opposing or attacks God (NIV) Genesis 3:15 to bruise or attack or Isaiah 2:6 “Philisophiku”, i.e. worthless, Philisti (Phala)


Philistines mock (sophiku) or attack God (i.e. under paganism)

Note Very Important: Colossians 2:8-23 corresponds perfectly to Micah 1:10-16 (v 10-11)- i.e. Philastisaphir (i.e. those who live in pleasure , worshipping false gods , you will be exiled (v 16).

6. Deuteronomy 33:2, Micah 4:1-8 (The Lord came from Sinai, Sion the Sophi or Zion: i.e. Holy Mountain, see Numbers 23:3 (High place from Hebrew “Sophi) v 14 “Sophim” (Zophim i.e. Hill of Divination), Mount Ebal (Ephil), Mount Horeb or Sinai (for Moses) on Mount Hira (Muhammad) or Mount Olivet (Ophili: Jesus) or Mount Parnassus of Delphi (Apollo), to Mount Olympia (Olumphia: for Zeus and the Olympian gods: see 1 Kings 18:16- Elijah on Mount Carmel etc. See Ezekiel 28:14, Isaiah 14:12-14, Isaiah 8:18 Mount Zion to Mount Ophel-Sophi (i.e. Micah 4:8) Jerusalem, Sion or Zion: God’s mountain or Holy home see Hosea 9:10, Numbers 25:1 Mount Peor or Baal Peor (Baal’s mountain or Baalsephon, Exodus 14:1, or Phalasophel: Nehemiah 3:26-27, Nehemiah 11:21 etc.

Note: Matthew 4:5- Hebrew “Ophel” (Temple Hill) etc all the above were sacred hills and mountains frequented by prophets and worshippers to receive messages from the gods.Please read this

Ancient peoples believed that the mountains or hills (Opheli-sophi) Nehemiah 11:21 (Ophel) Nehemiah 3:26-27, Genesis 10:30 (Sephar) Numbers 23:14 (zophim or Sophim) etc were sacred abodes (saphon) of the gods (saphne, sion, Sinai, zion, sioph, sophim etc) hence


people particularly prophets (Numbers 23: 1-end and Numbers 24:1) went to the hills and mountains to consult gods to solve inexplicable (Niphilaot-sopher) issues; Job 5:9, see Job 37:16-Miphilosoph- (can you explain the clouds).

Phoenician Balaamsophim, Hebrew “Phalasophon” (Numbers 23:14)means “false-prophet” (Joshua 13:22, 2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14, Joshua 13:22 “Phalacsepha or Balaamcsepha or Blaspheme (spiritual rebellion) which means consulting sorcery, soothsaying or witchcraft: Numbers 24:1 “Copharen”, i.e. magic or familiar spirit or fortune telling: Acts 16:16. (Hebrew “Baalat-ob”, or Phalasoph)

7. The serpent (sophis) of Delphi was on Mount Parnassus outside Athens (New and Philips, 1953, p 96).

Micah 4:8: The Jerusalem tower or Temple Hill was called “Ophel” (Nehemiah 3:26-27, Nehemiah 11:21)

Jerusalem (the city of the Temple or Tophel or Ophel, Jeremiah 19:5-7etc, of God) is built on a mountain called “Sophi”, “Sion” or “Zion”, hence people go to Jerusalem (Ophilosophi) to consult God.

Sinai is from Sophim, then to Sion or Zion –God’s home.

PROVING THAT ANCIENT RELIGION WAS PHILOSOPHIA (FROM HEBREW “PHALASOPHIM)Baalsophot (Bishop: Shepherd; Phalasopher: Spiritual leader)Note this: Daniel 4:9, “Aphialsaphir” (Chief magician or Arabic “falsafa” (falsehood: Hosea 7; “Phalasaqad”) or saphaq from Babylonian “Baalzebub” (2 Kings 1:1-3) and


Phoenician “Baalsophot” (cult leaders) or shepherds or masters of secret assemblies; Asopha.1. Ecclesiastes is from Greek “Ekkle” (Ekklesia) from the

Syrian and Sabean (Arabic) “Kahala” (Qhalifa) Khalifa- i.e. Temple or spiritual leader or preacher.

KJV used the word Ecclesiastes as preacher (BDB, 2007, pp 874-875).

2. In Hebrew, it is “Kahal”. It became “Koholet” (Qoholet: i.e. Koholet to Greek “Ekklesiates” (i.e. preacher or Temple (Hekal) leader (Mansoor, 2004, pp 235-247).

3. The original Hebrew (Aramaic) equivalent of the Sabean and Syriac “Kahal” (Assembly) is “Sopha”, Sopher, or Sophra (BDB, 2007, p 706) i.e. Temple door keeper (guarding the thresholds, i.e. temple doors) 2 Chronicles 23:4 etc. See Ezra 2:55 and Nehemiah 7:57 “Sophereth”, i.e. Temple servants trained as scribes, i.e. teachers and writers or secretaries of Moses law: Matthew 23:1-end- Phaulo (or Psudo)sopher (i.e. false teachers).

See Nehemiah 8:1-8 Ezra the scribe (Hebrew “Sopher”, i.e. learned priest in Moses law or Moses Books: Hebrew for Book is “Sepher” while “leque” (is learning) then Hebrew Yada or Wida (i.e. wisdom is Hebrew for knowledge, the Greek is “Oida”, see the Hebrew Old Testament, 2005, Metzger, 2001, Aland and Newman, 1983, Brown and Comfort, 1990 (Interlinear Greek- English).

4. Very ImportantHence, Goodnews translation used “Philosopher” for Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 and 12, Ecclesiastes 12:9) since “Phaulosopherim” was the ancient name for spiritual leaders or cult masters and shepherds:


Ecclesiastes 12:11. Spiritual temple leaders which Goodnews used; which Apostle Paul condemned in Colossians 2:8-23 as ancient false spiritual leaders who teach physical circumcision and worship of the sun and moon which they called wisdom (but they are false wisdom: Greek “Gnosis”, Hebrew- Aphilasaphim (i.e. magicians; see Daniel 4:9) They were not wise men, but magicians, erroneously called wise men: Matthew 2:1-16, Colossians 2:8-23, 16-23, Colossians 2:4; “Plausible”, Hebrew “Philosaph” (or Blaasapha) i.e. fine but false.

5. NIV used the word “Teacher” (Hebrew Teqen, Techen, Technology or to build or straighten, repair or fix, or Aramaic “Sophra” (Hebrew “Sopher”) i.e. learned (Leque) Temple Theologian (Sopher, Temple).

6. See Goodnews translation, Colossians 2:8, “Philosophy was translated as human teachings from false (Phaulos) gods (Saphne).

See Acts 17:18, Goodnews translated “Stoic and Epicurean philosophers as “Teachers” (Hebrew Aramaic, “Sopherim”, i.e. learned spiritual teachers).

7. Hebrew “Asaph”, gave us Assembly (Phoenician; Asab) see 1 Chronicles 16:37, 1 Chronicles 15:17 “Asaph and associates or the Assembly.

EXTRACTSa. 2 kings 18:4, “Nahasuphia” (Phiphonsopher: Ancient

worship of the serpent)b. Isaiah 41:24, Hosea 7:1 “Phalisaphir”, i.e. worthless

man-made gods) Isaiah 46:1-8.


c. 1 Kings 18:21 “Phalasophim” (Baaliseaphim) double minded (cephet) worshippers (Philal) of Baal (Phaulos) a crafty serpent god (sophis)Note: Please check the Hebrew Old Testament (2005; London) and BDB, 2007 etc

d. Deuteronomy 17:8 “Phelizaphat” (things difficult to judge)e. 2 Chronicles 23:1, Psalm 82:1, “Elisaphat” (God judges),

Hosea 7:1 “Phalasaqad” (Phalasaphir; Micah 1:11, falsehood) Genesis 49:21 “Naph-tali-sapha” (double talk or flattery.

f. Numbers 21:4-9, Genesis 49:17, Acts 28:4-6 “Philosophen” (the serpent as judge)

g. Balaam sophim or phalasophi: consulting God at the mountain. Isaiah 41:24, Micah 1:11, i.e. worthless worship. See Colossians 2:8 (Goodnews).

h. Isaiah 8:19-saphilsaphim, i.e. consulting the dead (witchcraft noise)

ANCIENT RELIGION WAS PHALASAPHIR (i.e. magic, Daniel 4:9and 18)and witchcraft and consulting the dead 1 Samuel 28:1-8 (Sophaot; Ezekiel 13:18-20) to Hebrew “Phalasapha” (Arabic “falsafa” from or Baalsaphon (Blasphemian) or Baatzephon or Baalzebub (i.e. the occult, see Exodus 14:1, 2 Kings 1:1-3, Matthew 12:24, Nahum 3:4 (Phoenician Baalsorphim: Numbers 23:14 “Zophim”, Hebrew “Phala-sophim”, (witchcraft and sorcery) BDB, 2007, p 80 etc.

WORD LIST PHALASOPHIM(Baal worship, phililion; i.e. false visions are spoils (KJV Colossians 2:8) or double standards (sophim: 1 Kings 18:21)


(See Job 32:34, Phalisipha, evil or the occult) Exodus 28:6-18, Exodus 24:9-10, compare to Colossians 2:8, “Ephod (Ephili) saphir (sacred stone for consulting God).(1) Numbers 21:4-9, 2 Kings 18:4 ‘Sophis” or Nahas

(Nehemiah 2:13, Revelations 12:9-sephet or sophis or worthless things) i.e. ancient worship of the dragon or serpent (Leviathan or Phi-lucifer) Colossians 2:8-Goodnews, i.e. Belial or Phelos (i.e. worthless devil or serpent sophis, worship, Ezekiel 8:10) Matthew 10:16, Numbers 21:4-9

a. See Ezekiel 8:10-12 Hebrew “Zoele” or phiphon-sophion (Genesis 49:19) Baal was the serpent god-sophis.

b. Psalm 58:4-5 (serpent worship) Hebrew “Kesoph” (sorcery: Exodus 22:18)

c. 1 Corinthians 10:9 (psalm 78:18) 2 Corinthians 11:1-5 etc.

(2) Isaiah 41:24 “Phalisaphar” (worthless man-made gods) 2 Kings 5:24- “Ophel” (is high and worthless) man-made things, i.e. gods. Isaiah 46. See Colossians 2:8-23.

(3) a. Micah 1:11 (1-11) “Philasti-Saphir”, worthless or shameful beauty;

b. See Colossians 2:4-plausible, i.e. beautiful, and sound, but Phaulos, i.e. false, Arabic “falsafa”, Phoenician “Baalzebub”, Hebrew “Phalasephur”, Aramaic-Phoenician Blaagsapha (Blasphemy) or Phlasapha, Philosophones (phosphorus: shining bright but false)

(4) a. Isaiah 2:6: Philisti-sophiku (or Philistines mock God) 1 Samuel 28:3-7-Baalzob (soph) or through false gods) Phalasaphir.


b. 2 Samuel 21:18 (1 Chronicles 20:4) “Philisapha” (or worthless giants; Genesis 6:4- “Nephilim” or Colossians 2:8, worthless (phelos) doctrines or teachings (sopherim).

c. Colossians 2:8 “Philosophia” (i.e. double standards Levitical Temple) Ophel: Nehemiah 11:21, Nehemiah 3:26-27) doctrines or teachings (sophru)

(5) Daniel 4: 9 and 18, “Aphialosaphir (chief magician) or Babylonian “Beltesazzar” or Phoenician, Baalzebub, or Egyptian “Phanisaphne” (Genesis 41:43-45: Zaphnath-Paneah: He who speaks-Phe; for the gods; Saphne; i.e. Hebrew Aphialosephur, i.e. master magician, i.e. he speaks for the gods.

a. 1 Chronicles 23:1 “Elisaphat (Phelisaphat) or Elizaphan, Deuteronomy 17:8- difficult or extraordinary, from Phoenician Baalsaphat or Phalasaphat or Phelisaphan; see Baalzephon; Exodus 14:1- Baal’s mountain cults ophet or Ophel(sophi) for consulting Baal or Phaula; 2 Kings 1:1-3 etc.

(6) Jeremiah 19:5-6 (Tophila) Jeremiah 7:30-31, Isaiah 45:20, Colossians 2:8 “Tophilserphe” (2 Kings 17: 29-31, sephar) i.e. to burn (serphe) offerings (zebah) at the high places (sophi, Genesis 10:30) mountains (Numbers 23:14) of Baal (Baal is Tophila) Revelations 9:11, “Abad is Apol” Acts 7:43 “Baal is Rephan” see Jeremiah 32:35, 2 Kings 23:10

(7) Job 5:9 “Niphilaot-sopher” (that cannot be explained or counted.

(8) Job 37:16, “Miphiloseph” or “Miphilasu” (i.e. that cannot be explained or obscene) 2 Chronicles 15:16)


(9) Daniel 4:9 and 18, “Aphialsaphir” those who claim spiritual powers (phili) to explain the inexplicable or the uncountable (osophos).

(10) Note: Psalm 78:4 “Philaot-sophron (teaching through God’s wonders).

(11) Ecclesiastes 12:11, Phoenician “Baalsophot”, Hellenist Hebrew “Phalasophon” (i.e. masters, shepherds (sopherim) or leaders of the occult called Assemblies of the wise (i.e. Asaphim or occultic wisdom, through the serpent- spirit called “sophis”- Matthew 10:16, be wise as serpents (sophis).

a. Hence, Goodnews translation of Ecclesiastes called the preacher or teacher, a Baalsophot or philosopher- (please check it).

(12) 2 kings 18:4, Matthew 10:16 (2 Peter 1:16). As wise as serpents (sophis, or Numbers 21:4-9) ancient worship of the serpent as symbol of wisdom (2 Kings 18:4).

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

STUDY SYNTHESISSee below Philosophy and Linguistic Analysis of the Hebrew

“Sephar” or Zebar, i.e. sacrifice and Philosonics

NOTE: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS INCLUDE207 | Theories on the Origins of Religions

(1) Judaism (i.e. Religion of the Jews centered on the Law given by Moses, i.e the Old Testament code) around Moses Ten Commandments, Temple Sacrifices and the Levitical priesthood (read Hebrews in the New Testament).

(2) Christianity (Xristianos; i.e. followers of Jesus the miracle worker from Nazareth in Judae; Acts 11:26) this which is an off-shoot from Judaism; i.e. Hebrews 7:11-end, Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and completed the Old Testament

(3) Islam; This Religion is a combination of the Old Testament and New revelations received by Prophet Muhammad of the Hijaz from 570ce, etc

(a) Hence Rudolf Otto, in the Idea of the Holy sensed in nature the spiritual, or that nature exhibits signs of spirituality manifested in the existing order or natural laws guiding nature. Hence, what is nature? Greek “Phusis (Latin “Physikos”) is Physician or Physics (i.e. the physical is nature) while in Hebrew it is “Apher” (Dust) or Apoenician Zoele transliterated to Hebrew “Nepso” to Greek “Psuche” (i.e. Psyche “soul”) created from the “Aphar” (i.e. dust or Adamah, i.e. the ground, Genesis 2:6-7). Hence, the soul is a product of dust (Aphar, or Phusis: i.e. the physical) in other words, if the soul is spiritual (Pneuma or Ruha), then its origin the dust (Aphar) is spiritual. Thus, the druids developed Drudgery from believe in nature as “spirit” or intelligence, source of Biological life, i.e. if dust is not intelligence, it could not have produced life, or that God could not have used it to produce life (BBC-TV: 10/10/2010). Drudgery becomes recognized as religion in the United Kingdom.


(b) Africans also believe in the spirituality of nature, which gave us herbal mixture for treating illnesses.

(c) Islam is a combination of the Old Testament and Prophet Muhammad’s revelations received in Makka and Maddinah (Yatrib) between 610CE and 630CE. He was born in 570CE and died in 632CE. The Quran and Hadith are their Holy Books. The religion is built on five pillars:

a. Tawhid (Imam) i.e. the oneness of God i.e. Khalimatu Shahadah.

b. Salat (five times prayer daily)c. Sawn (fasting) in the month of Ramadand. Zakat compulsory religious tax to the needy (Sadaqa is

alms giving to roadside beggars)e. Haj (i.e. at least one pilgrimage to Mecca and Medinah in

a life time etc)

SOCIOLOGICAL AND SOCIONOMIC THEORIESa) Socionomy (Ogundu- Nnaji, 2013, pp 1-6) defined

socionomy as related religious societies operating on Religious principles (and on theistic economic laws and legal frame work) Socionomy literally from the Greek “Suzao” (to live together) to the Latin “Socius”, to the French “Sociales”, originally meant that man can exist and survive without God and Religion, which marked the beginning of modern sociology from Auguste Comte’s “Philosophy of Science” and Karl Marx (i.e. reasoning rather than praying societies; see also Herbert Spencer)From the Hebrew ‘Zoelet’ (to evolve from nature) to the Latin ‘ Socius’ (living together)particularly without God and Religion (Onomos or Anomie) i.e. our


laws are not necessarily religious, but reasoned to suit man, (democracy) not to suit God (Theocracy) Brown and Comfort (1990) Also in Ogundu (2000).

b) Hence, the sociological theory on the origin and nature of Religion has it that society is its own God; which in theology means that the voice of the people is the voice of God. In simple terms, social cohesion produces a society-godhead that can solve its own problems without resorting to any supernatural being.

THE ECONOMIC THEORYi. The Economic Theory on the origins of Religion traces

ancient occultic or secret practices, now called Religion- i.e. (Hebrew Sophoner; Zodovan,1990) to the mysterious acquiring of the “Baali or Phaali”, i.e, esoteric powers which people consulted to solve mysterious and other problems including illness (2 Kings 1:1-3). Woodrow 1969, p 1-49. The consequence being that possessors of such powers demanded fees, or tokens or were offered the Hebrew “KoBan” (Modern “Banking”; Mark 7:11, Matthew 27:6; i.e. offering given to God) Hebrew Old Testament, 2005. Hence some Religions developed from consulting oracles which charged fees or expected gifts. The interest was not in God, but in the money.

ii. Acts 16:16. The Greek Puthonia or Pytho (Hebrew “Asaphim”) familiar spirit of fortune telling, which her masters used her for money making.

iii. 2 Kings 5:15 and 16: Naaman offered Elisha gifts after being healed from skin disease.

iv. Today, Saudi-Arabia, Jerusalem (Israel) Hindu and Buddhist Holy Sites and Rome make large foreign


exchange from pilgrims.

ANCESTRAL, TOTEMIC AND ANIMISTIC THEORIES (Related to mind, body, soul, spirit issues)The above are all in the regions of spirits and divinities related to African Traditional belief systems (i.e. A.T.Rs) Ancestor Theory: Simply put, ancients believed that

humans had soul and spirit (their lines of demarcation remain uncertain) hence after death, the spirits or souls of the ancestors or relations become guardian spirits or deities to their families. These ancestral spirits soon developed into gods and goddesses for whole clans and tribes (Nabofa, 1996). Massive burial rites and burial spending are evidences of ancestral worship aimed at appeasing souls of the dead. Sango, the Yoruba god of thunder was formerly a human Alaafin of the Old Yoruba Empire etc.

Totemic Theory : Totems are family personal gods who appear as lower animals personally guiding and protecting families from dangers and perils (around 2006/2007 Radio Nigeria Enugu aired a programme on the Green Snake Totem of the Izzi of Abakaliki) see also John Ngugi Wa-Thiongo on Weep Not Child: for the Kenyan or Kikuyu Totems.

Animist (or Mystic) Theory :( i.e. Panpsychism or Immanence Theory; See Dukor 1990).

a. These terms indicate that nature is either spiritual or that the spiritual infused itself into nature; or that nature is a product of the spiritual; or that what we see in nature is a physical idea of what the spiritual possibly means (Romans 1:18-20).


b. Hence Rudolf Otto, in the Idea of the Holy (Ogundu; 2000)sensed in nature the spiritual, or that nature exhibits signs of spirituality manifested in the existing order or in natural laws guiding nature. Hence, what is nature? Greek “Phusis (Latin “Physikos”) i.e, Physician or Physics (i.e. the physical is nature) while in Hebrew it is “Aphar” (Dust) or Phoenician ‘Zoele’, transliterated to Hebrew “Nepso” to the Greek “Psuche” (i.e. Psyche “soul”) infused into the “Aphar” (i.e. dust or Adamah, i.e. the ground, Genesis 2:6-7). Hence, the soul is a component-product of the flesh in the dust (Aphar, or Phusis: i.e. the physical) In other words, if the soul is spiritual (Pneuma or Ruha), then its presence in the flesh makes the flesh (Aphar) spiritual. Thus, the druids developed Drudgery from believe in nature as “spirit” or intelligence which produced Biological life, i.e. if dust is not intelligence, it could not have produced life, or that God could not have used it to produce life (BBC-TV: 10/10/2010). Drudgery became recognized as religion in the United Kingdom in 2010. (BBC; Faith and Science; 2010).

c. Africans also believe in the spirituality of nature, which gives us herbal mixtures for treating illnesses.

PHILOSOPHER ORIGINALLY MEANS THEOLOGIAN, PREACHER OR FALSE TEACHER OF MOSES LAW (Sopherim, or Aramaic Sophra) BDB, 2007, p706.2 peter 1:16, cleverly crafted, (sophis) or teachings-, Mathew 10:16, crafty serpent (Matthew 10:16).(a) Check Proverbs 34:2


(b) See Ecclesiastes “koholet, khalifa, Aliphala, KJV is preaching, NIV- teacher or spiritual leader; (Goodnews is philosophy), Jehovah’s witness translation is “congregation”

(c) See the Hebrew “Rabbi”, i.e. (Phili; spiritual) Teacher (Sophar) leader etc.

Table 1: Data Etymology (Acts 7:19- subtle deceive or sophot (crafty)Old Testament use of the word Philosopher (Note: The words in the table were written exactly those ways in the Old Testament.Note: Phoenician “Blasapha” Blasphemy” to Hebrew “Phalasapha” (to oppose God)Note: Balm is Pharma or Rapha (Healing) Revelation 9:11- abad is Apollo etc)

Bible Passage

Babylonian Assyrian Phoenician Egyptian

Aramaic Hebrew Arabic


1 Corinthians 1:26Daniel 4:9 & 18Aphia-Saphir magicHosea 7 Phalasaqad or PhalasaphaqEzekiel 22:28- Tophilaso (false prophecy)Isaiah 20Philisophiku (Philistines mock i.e. sophiku God2 Chronicles 23:1Elisaphat (God speaks) Phalisapha (evil speech)

Baalzebub 2 Kings 1:1-3 occult or Beltesazzar Chief Magician

PersianMagos (i.e. Priest or Hebrew Asaphim (i.e. extraordinary or necromancy)

Phileso or Pilesa- 2 Kings 16:10 King of Assyria or divination kings

CanaanitePallu or Phalu or Phalos (Penis) or sexual immorality

1. Phalasu or Philisti (idolatry)2. Ecclesiastes 12:11 cult leader Baalsophot (masters or spiritual leaders) or Baalzephon Exodus 14:1 the occult3. Numbers 23:3-14 Balaam-Sophim Hebrew “Phalasophim” witchcraft. Numbers 24:1, Nahum 3:4Greek1. Phales or Phelos or Philos (i.e. human worthless; Hebrew concubine i.e. sexual love)James 3:15 (13-17) i.e. false wisdom

1. Phanezaph (i.e. the gods speak)2. Saphne-Phaneah Genesis 41:43-45 (speak for Pharaoh the god

Caiaphas (High Priest)Aphia-saphya (leading magician) or chief priests 2 Chronicles 34:18-21Sophra or scribe or learned priest2 Corinthians 4:4 Tuphlosen (Blind guides)

1. Aphia-Saphia(chief magician) Daniel 4:9 and 18 or chief priest see Colossians 2:8-33 false spiritual rulers or authority.2. Hosea 3:4 Theraphil, i.e.1 Samuel 15:2 is divination.

1. Falsafa (liars or false spiritual leaders).2. Hebrew3. Sopher or scribe or learned priest (Nehemiah 8:7-8)

ECCLESIASTES; KOHOLET AND SOPHERETH To prove that “philosopher” originally meant “Theologian or Preacher”.1. KJV used “Preacher” from Hebrew “Dobri-Koholet”2. Goodnews used its Phoenician equivalent “Phalasophot”

(from Babylonan “Baalsophot”) Ecclesiastes 12:11


“Master of Assembly” (i.e. spiritual leaders) Pileso (Phileso) or overseers, Bishops or shepherds.

3. NIV used Teacher from Hebrew “Sopherim” i.e. teachers of the Law of Moses, i.e. scribes Nehemiah 7:57, 1 Chronicles 2:55, Nehemiah 8:7-8 etc.

4. See Genesis 6:4 (Nephilim) i.e. giants or masters of faith or Temples (Sapha).

5. See Exodus 28:18 “Nephec or Ephili-Sapphire” (i.e. divination stones) or 2 Kings 10:25-30 “Baal (or Phaal) Maseba (Sapha) Baal’s sacred or magic (Phili) stones (Sophan) or astrology.

6. Philosophers’ stone: Exodus 24:9-10, Hebrew “Nephec (Nephili) sapphire, i.e. extraordinary or magic stones or substance (Greek Psephos) i.e. balloting.

7. Job 23:7 “Phel-tah-Saphat” (Arguing and judging).

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

INTRODUCTION TO THE PSYCHO-ANALYSIS OF RELIGION

(How does the Human Brain Influence Religious Belief)Compiled by

Research Assistants (Uniabuja; 2015)


DEFINITION OF TERMS: Religion, Psychology, Psychoanalysis

RELIGION: Religion traditionally is from the Latin word “Religere” (etymologically from Hebrew, “Qaraeli”, calling gods) which means to bind or attach yourself to something you cannot do without, especially the belief in and worship of God or gods. Psychology or Religion thus has to do with the study of the theistic human mind and its dimensional behavioral attitudes. (Wilson,1965).

PSYCHOANALYSIS OF RELIGION: This has to do with that thing in the human mind or brain that influences our religious thinking and belief. (Atkinson, 1990). Psychoanalysis openly exposes those things in the human mind, heart and brain that makes us either religious, consciously immoral from a subconscious mentality ratio.The following are factors that influence our religious zeal: Age: Age plays an important role or factor in one’s

religious life, since it has been scientifically proven that as one grows old, his zeal or desire to worship or to be religious depreciates; but his fears of the unknown (i.e. his destination at death) still fuels that religiosity. All these which are psycho-biological. (Jackson Smith; 1962).

Physical Accidents: Accidents also play a vital role in one’s religious life and spiritual activities particularly if one gets involved in an accident, that accident can affect some vital or important areas of the human brain which may either make him more religious or even reduce his religiosity.


One’s Experience in Life: Our individual experiences in life can make us to be zealous in religion and unconsciously religious. This can happen when we see or face challenges in life. We may end up concluding that God does not care or have our good at heart. This can make us loose our religious drive.

PSYCHOLOGISTS WHO WORKED ON THE PSYCHOANALYSIS OF RELIGION

i. William James: An American psychologist born in 1842 in New York city, USA. He served as the president of the American Psychological Association and he wrote one of the first textbooks on the principles or basis of modern psychology.James worked on institutional and personal religion.Institutional Religion: This is a kind of religion in which systems and rituals are systematically arranged and formally established. This type of religion is typically characterized by an official doctrine.Personal Religion: This is a kind of religion in which an individual has mystical experience and this can be experienced regardless of one’s culture or origin. (See Rudolf Otho, on the idea of the Holy).In studying personal religion, James made a distinction between healthy-minded individual and sick-souled individuals. He found out that the healthy individual tend to ignore the evil that is going on in the world.The sick individuals were unable to ignore evil and suffering, thus they needed a unifying experience, be it religion or otherwise, to reconcile good and evil, and for spiritual and emotional psychological supports.


What William James intended was that human problem draw people to God. However, when individuals live in affluence and healthiness, they often care less about religion.

ii. Kenneth Pargament:: (born November 1950 in Washington DC) he is a psychologist who studied various relationships between religion, psychological well-being and stress, including other closely related subjects.One of Pargament’s best known areas of research (which he used in analyzing the topic “Psychoanalysis of Religion) is called the “RCOPE” which involves drawing on religious beliefs and practices to understand and deal with life stressors.He also came up with three methods of coping that are known as:

a. Deferring Styleb. Self-Directing Stylec. Collaborative Style The deferring style involves delegating all problems-

solving to God. The self-directing style is implemented when the

individual chooses to utilize the problem-solving power God has given him.

The collaborative style is implemented when the individual treats God as a team-mate in the problem solving process. The collaborative style turned out to be the most effective because it correlates with the increased self-esteem lower levels of depression.


iii. Alfred Adler (1870): An Australian psychiatrist and psychologist. He emphasized that man has this inferiority complex which makes him (man) feel that he needs perfection to go close to God. So our ideas about God are imports of how we view the world and religion at large.

iv. Erich Fromm: (born March 23, 1900 in Frankfurt Germany). He modified the Freudian theory and produced a more complex account of religion. Insecurities and lack of protection draw people to religion. Since they feel that only religion can provide answers to life. Hence, what is the essence of life? Is there any hope for those who have died?

v. Erik Erikson: (born in 1920). He is best known for his theory of psychological development which has its roots in the psychoanalytic import in personality. His bio graphics of Ghandi and Martin Lather King, revealed Erikson’s positive view of religion.

vi. Sigmund Freud: (born in 1856). He gave explanations of the genesis of religion in his various writings on totems and taboos. Freud views the idea of God as being a version of the father, then the religion as the infant.

vii. Carl Jung: (born in the year 1875). Jung adopted a very different posture, one that was more sympathetic to religion and more concerned with a positive appreciation of religion. What Carl is trying to say is that the question about the existence of God should be directed to religious leaders not psychologists.

WRITERS ON AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION


(i.e. Is African Traditional Religion One or Many) (cited Traditional African Religion Writers: NET, 2015)

i. JOHN MBITI (1990:1-3): Mbiti believes that it should be religions. He argues that ATR does not have one origin or one historic event that the benefit among the different communities differs greatly.

ii. ELIJAH IDOWU (1975: 103-104):Idowu argues the singular use because of the common racial origin of Africans, and the similarities of the culture and religious beliefs, since the real cohesive factor in religion in Africa, is the living God.

iii. J.O AWOLALU (1975): He speaks of religion in singular terms. We are unconscious of the fact that Africa is a large continent with multitudes of nations who have a complex culture, but in spite of their differences, have a basic similarity in their religious systems everywhere there is a concept of God.

iv. R.S. RATTRAY (1927): Fetishes may form part of an emblem of gods and are so regarded by the Ashanti (in Ghana). The most important spirit came directly or indirectly from Nyame, the supreme God.

v. E.G. PARRINDER (1954): In West Africa “men believe in great pantheons of gods which are so diverse as the gods of the Hindus”.

vi. FATHER SCHMIDT (1973, p 38): The belief in, and worship of one supreme deity is universal among all primitive peoples. The high God is found among them all, not indeed everywhere in the same form or with the same vigor, but still everywhere prominent enough to make his position dominant. Inevitably, it is by no means


a late development traceable to Christian missionary influences.

vii. CHRISTOPHER .I. AJIZU: He compounded the emergent key issues in the study of African Traditional Religion. He began with brief references in travelogues of early explorers, pioneer, Arab travelers and traders to the continent like Ibn Battuda.

viii. NINA SMARTS: He says that African Traditional Religion “has never been a single system based on the fact that Africa has a diverse culture and traditions, and in spite all these, they have different names they call God”.

ix. M.Y NABOFA (Symbolism in African Traditional Religion) (1996): that different liturgical objects in African cultic worship symbolize multiplicity of spiritual forces.

x. LAURENTI MAGESA (1997: 16 & 17): The varieties in African Religions must not be taken to mean a diversity of fundamental beliefs. The varieties among those of expressions and basic beliefs, imply they might be referred to by different names.

xi. H. SHORTER (1975): Shorter believes that we speak of African Religion in singular because of the basic unity of African Religious system exemplified in cultural diversities, in a separate and self contained system. They interact with one another and influence each other to different degrees.

xii. NNAJI OGUNDU (2015 African Ontonomics): That Africans do not argue the existence of God and gods, rather it is a foregone conclusion in African belief system that God and gods exist within different local African pantheons, whose primary functions borders on their


natures, structures, efficacies, functions and hierarchies (Ogugua P, Editor, 2015) Nnamdi Azikiwe Journal of Philosophy, pp 24-29etcAfrican Traditional Religion in Different Countries in Africa

Namesof the Lesser gods

Description/Rule Over

1. The Lugbara of Zaire and Uganda

Adroa “God in the sky”, “God on Earth”.

2. The Tukana of Kenya Akuji Rules over divinations3. The Ibo of Nigeria Ala, Ale, Ane Extremely popular

goddess and earth mother

4. The Temme Anayaroli River demon5. Akamba of Kenya Asa Rules over mercy, help,

solving the impossible6. The Ashanti of West

AfricaAsase Goddess of creation of

humans and receiver of them at death.

7. South central Africa among the bushmen

Cagn Receiver at death

8. Mulengi, Mwenco, Wamtakuya, Tumbaka

Chiula Creator of God, Rain God

9. Masai En-kai Sky god10. Guinea Famian Protection, health, fertility11. The fon of West Africa Gu Rules over war, smith(NET, 2015)

DEATH OF GOD PHILOSOPHERSa. NIETZSCHE (1844-1900): The son of a Lutheran pastor

was the first philosopher to come up with the idea that God is dead. Unlike Sartre who tried to prove the non-existence of God, Nietzsche does not try to prove that God does not exist, he simply tells us that God is dead (i.e. the Christological death) and he speaks about the


death of God in dramatic and historical events in his “Thus spoke Zarathustra”.This death of God philosophy seemed to point at the death of God (i.e. morality in people’s minds, hence, if God dies, man will be free from moral laws and free to plunge into developmental and scientific enterprise with no moral inhibitors.The death of God according to Nietzsche, means man’s liberation from God who was an obstacle to man’s progress, but now that he is dead, man is liberated.Now, however, thus God has died! You higher men, this God was your greatest danger. Only since he lay in the grave have you again arisen.Men should therefore rejoice and take heart, for God the enemy of human development is dead. When the mad man who was looking for God heard that God had died he threw his lantern on the ground and broke it in pieces. Then he went to different churches.In Nietzsche’s mind, the consequences of the death of God are two fold: there are the positive as well as the negative consequences. On the positive side, the death of God is a good thing because man’s progress was impeded by imposed slave morality (i.e. Christian morality) on man, to prevent man from developing. The slave morality was the means with which God, obstructed man’s development and instincts. His death is therefore good news for mankind for it meant man’s liberation, who is now free from the slave morality. He can now develop into a superman. The slave morality can now be rejected and replaced with the master morality. On the negative side, however, the death of


God is tragedy to mankind because it has left a vacuum in man’s being.

b. A.T. ROBINSON): Following Rudolf Bultmann’s program of demythologization of Christianity, he set out in his famous book, “Honest to God” to deny and theologize the concept of God by divesting it of anthropomorphism. The traditional idea of “God up there” he says, is now outdated. God is not up there in the sky, nor is He here in the world. God is not external to man, for He is the way and depth of our being.Demythologization or Substance theory in Religion: To demythologize means to remove all cleverly invented (Sophis) Stories 2 Peter 1:16) in a belief system, in order to present real and verifiable historical facts in such a system. The following are substance theorists.

c. HARVEY COX: Another prominent secularization theologian used the term, “God is outdated”, for it is part of the mystical metaphysical language of the past, and since God is dead, there is no need for a new term to replace it.Thus, the death of God theology was only a step forward from the position of the theology of secularization from the middle ages when God dominated the lives of men.But we are now in a secular city having outgrown the religious age, the contemporary society is a secular city, and in it is God is no longer alive in the heart of men, nor does he control their lives anymore.

d. ALTIZER THOMAS: (In his book radical theology) this theological movement under various names radical theologians, Christian Atheists, death of God theologians Atheistic theology, etc, is the fact that Christianity without


God was more unintelligibly theistic. Prominent among these theologians were Thomas Altizer, William Hamilton, Van Buren, Leslie Dewart and Dorothy Solle. The most systematic and consistent of them was Thomas Altizer who maintained that the essential message of the Gospel was that God became man, Altizer says he (God) ceased to be a transcendent deity. Rather he became immanent in the world, in the person of Jesus Christ, and finally died on the cross. Thus, God who once lived as a transcendent being, eventually emerged from his transcendence, came into the world in the person of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and died on the cross and remains dead.

e. WILLIAMS HAMILTON: Hamilton agrees that Europeans of 1700s upwards no longer accepted the reality of God, or the meaningfulness of language about him. Non-theistic explanations have replaced theistic ones. According to him, he said God’s death must be affirmed and the secular world embraced as normative, intellectually and ethically good. Indeed, Hamilton was optimistic about what humanity and the world could do in solving its own problems.

f. JOHN D CAPUTO (Born 1940 in Philadelphia): Caputo is a hybrid philosopher/ theologian who intended on producing circulatory studies between philosophy and theology. His main interest was Hermeneutics, ethics, mysticism and theology. Caputo had his influence from Nietzsche and Heidegger and an atheist believe in the theory of “death of God”. He was also the founder of the “weak theology”.


g. GABRIEL VAHANIAN: Vahanian was named one of the best known theologians of the movement who argued that it was “no longer possible to think about, or believe in a transcendent God who acts in human history” and that Christianity will have to survive if at all, without him”. Gabriel Vahanian (24th January, 1927) believed that man has declared God not responsible, and not relevant to human self-knowing. Hence, God has become useless to man’s predicaments and solutions to human problems.

h. PAUL VAN BUREN: (Died at 74) Buren was a professor at Temple University. He was one of the three principal American Christian theologian identified with the “death of God” movement of the 1960s. Buren had it that the death of God movement was misquoted by journalists. He said that the Christian message can still make sense in today’s world. Buren’s work include, “The secular meaning of the Gospel; based on an analysis of its language. He concluded that sense could be made of it.

i. DEITRICH BONHEOFFER: Bonheoffer on “The death of God Theology” was the climax of the theory of secularization which without denying the existence of God, maintained that God wants man to live without him that is to live as if he did not exist.

THEORIES ON ORIGINS OF RELIGIONSINVESTIGATING ORIGINS SUBSTANCE, AND FUNCTIONS OF RELIGIONS Religion is traditionally attributed to the Latin word “Religere” which means to attach yourself to something you cannot do without. Invariably, religion also means habit or addiction.Religion is a species-specific human universal phenomenon, complex, full of paradoxes, and found in all cultures. Social 226 | Theories on the Origins of Religions

scientists and anthropologists (since the late 19th century) have attempted to rationally answer questions about religion. While we cannot evaluate the veracity of religious claims, we can attempt to understand its functions.Ogundu Nnaji (2011) in his book “Scientific Philosophy of Religion” sees religion like an addiction or to be possessed by something that you believe works for you, i.e. Hebrew “Qaraeli” (calling the gods) or Hereli (i.e. paganism) Hebrew Old Testament, 2005.Religions are established sets of beliefs, feelings, dogmas, systems of worship, law and related practices that defines the relationship between human beings and the sacred or divinity.

THE ORIGIN OF RELIGION CAN GENERALLY BE TRACED TO THE ANCIENT NEAR-EAST (Isaiah 2:6-magic) and classified in four (4) basic categories which are:i. Consulting magic and the occult (or witchcraft; called

“Zophion” or Asaphim (Numbers 23:14 in Hebrew) or Pytho in Greek (Acts 16:16-fortune telling). See Polytheism and pantheism (i.e. multiplicity of spirits and gods in nature or the Anima) (Wilson 1962, Nnaji, 2014).

ii. The Monotheistic: Atheism is a modern belief that resulted from the enlightenment period of the 18th

century. In the early years of our present century, sociologists, anthropologists and psychologists greatly widened their horizons for wider investigations into the true origins of religions.

iii. The Polytheistic: i.e. predecessor believe in spirit intermediaries, irrespective of the gods and divinities before the believe in one God. Personal attitudes, of men who encountered the ineluctable fact that no account of


human behavior and social change, is adequate which ignores the singular role and value of religious ideas and motives, dogmas and beliefs , faith and superstitions in human behavior.

INVESTIGATORS OF RELIGIONThe primary interest of the early pioneers in the field of social- anthropology, and psychological research, was to discover the origins of religious ideas in man, rather than to describe them. KARL MARX (1818-1883): The social philosopher Karl

Marx (1818-1883) held a strictly materialist world view on Religion and saw economies including class distinctions, as the determining factor of society. He saw the human mind and human consciousness as part of matter. According to Marx, the dynamics of society were fueled by economics according to the Hegelian concept or theses and syntheses. False consciousness is a term used by Marx collaborator, Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) not by Marx himself. He saw religion originating from alienation and aiding the persistence of alienation. He saw religion as superstition and as the status quo, in correspondence with his famous saying that religion is the opium of the people. This view is however contradicted by the existence of certain religious groups, such as those who follow liberation theology. Marx saw religion as a source of happiness though illusory and temporary, or at least a source of comfort. He deemed it an unnecessary part of human cultures. These claims were limited, however to his analysis of the historical


relationship between European cultures, political institutions, and their Christian religious traditions.

EDWARD BURNETT TYLOR (1832-1917): The anthropologist Edward Burnett Taylor defines religion as belief in supernatural beings and stated that this belief originated as explanations to the world. Belief in supernatural beings grew from attempts to explain life and death. Primitive people used human dreams in which spirits seemed to appear as an indication that human mind could exists independently of a body. This theory assumed that the psyche of all peoples of all times are more or less the same and that explains the culture and religions which tends to grow more sophisticated through monotheistic, religions like Christianity and eventually science. Taylor saw backward practices and beliefs in modern societies, but he did not explain why they survived.

EMILE DURKHEIM AND FUNCTIONALISM (1858-1917): Functionalism may be seen as a general approach to functionalist theistics which explains the existence of social institutions such as religions in terms of needs in society. The main component of this theory saw the concept of the sacred as defining characteristics of religion, not faith in the supernatural. He saw religion as the reflection of the concept of the society. He based his view on recent research regarding Totemism. He asserted that Moralism cannot be separated from religion. Durkheim held the view that the function of religion is group cohesion, often performed by collectively attended burials. Durkheim’s purpose (method) for progress and refinement is first to carefully


study religion in its simplest forms in one contemporary society, study the same in another society, compared to other regions then between societies that are the same. Durkheim’s approach gave rise to functionalist schools in sociology and anthropology. Durkheim’s view has been severally criticized when more detailed studies of the Australian aboriginals surfaced.

RUDOLF OTTO (1869-1937): The theologian Rudolf Otto focused on religious experience, more specifically in moments that he called numerous which means “wholly other”, he described it as mysteium tremendum (terrifying mystery) and mysterium fascinans (Awe inspiring, fascinating mystery). He saw religion as emerging from these experiences; he asserted that these experiences arise from a special, non-rational faculty of the human mind, largely unrelated to other faculties, so religion cannot be reduced to culture or society. Some of his views, among others that the experiences of the numerous was caused by a transcendental reality are untestable and hence unscientific.

IMMANUEL KANT (1724-1804): He forced on elements of philosophy on Religion for about a century from the mid 1750s when he started teaching philosophy until after his retirement from academics, having reared up from a distinctively religious environment. He remained concerned about the place of religious belief in human thought and actions. As he moved forward, the development of his own original philosophical system in his pre-critical period through the years in which he was writing each critique and subsequent works all the ways to the incomplete fragmentary opus postumun of his old


age. His attention to religious faith, was an enduring theme. His discussion of God and religion represents a measure of the evolution of his philosophical world view.

SIGMUND FREUD (1856-1939): He saw religion as an illusion, a belief that people very much wanted to be true. Unlike Taylor and Frazer, Freud attempted to explain why religion persists in spite of the book of evidence against its tenets. Freud asserted that religion is a largely unconscious neurotic response to repression. By repression, Freud means that civilized society demands that to be repressed, rational argument to a person holding a religious conviction will not change the neurotic response of a person. This is in contrast to Tylor and Frazer, who saw religion as rational and conscious, through primitive and mistaken attempt to explain the natural world. In his 1913 book “Totem and Taboo”, he developed a speculative story about how all monotheistic religions originated and developed. He asserted that monotheist religions grew out of a homicide in a clan of a father by his sons. This incident was subconsciously remembered in human societies.

JAMES GEORGE FRAZER (1854-1941): Followed Tylor’s theories to a great extent in his book, “The Golden Bough” but he distinguished between magic and religion. According to him, magic is used to influence the natural world in primitive man’s struggles for survivals. Magic depended on an uncritical belief of primitive people in mystic contacts and limitations. For example precipitation may be invoked by the primitive man by sprinkling water on the ground. He asserted that according to them magic worked through laws. In


contrast, religion is the faith that the world is ruled by, through one or more deities with personal characteristics with who can be pleaded, not by laws.

MAX WEBER (1864-1920): Weber thought that the truth claims of religious movements were irrelevant for the scientific study of the movement. He portrayed each religion as rational and consistent in their respective societies. He acknowledged that religion has string social components. He diverged from Durkheim by arguing, for example, in his book “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” (1805) that religion can be a force of change in its quick spread, partially, due to the protestant worldly ascetic morale. Weber’s main focus was not on developing a theory of religion but on the interaction between society and religion, while introducing concepts that are still widely used in the sociology of religion.

FREDERIC ENGELS (1820-1895): He saw religion as originating from alienations and aiding the persistence of theism. He saw religion as supportive to the status quo. This corresponded to his famous saying that religion is the opium of the people. This view is however contradicted by the existence of certain religious groups such as those who follow liberation theology.

CLIFFORD GEERTZ (1926-2006) see also Evans Pritchard): The anthropologist Clifford Geertz (1926-2006) made several detailed ethnographic studies in Japanese villages, a more complex and multi religious society than Evans Pritchard had studied. He avoided the subjective and vague concept of group attitude as used by Ruth Benedict by using the analysis of society as proposed by Talcott Parsons who in turn had adapted


it from Max Weber. Geertz held the view that explanations to describe religions and cultures are not sufficient; more interpretations are needed too. Geertz saw religion as one of the cultural systems of a society.

DAVID HUME (1711-1776): He was called Saint David and “The Good David” by his friends, but his adversaries knew him as “The Great Infidel”. His contributions to religion have had a lasting impact on its contemporary significance. Hume gives novel insights into many aspects of revealed and natural theology. When taken together however, they provide his attempt at a systematic underlining of the justification for religion. Thus religious belief is often defended through revealed theology and natural theology.

MIRCEA ELIADE (1907-1986): His approach grew out of the phenomenology of religion. He saw religion as something special and autonomous that cannot be reduced to the social, economical or psychological alone. Like Durkheim, he saw the sacred as central to religion. He differed from Durkheim’s functionalism. He views the sacred as often dealing with the supernatural, not with the clan or society. He said the daily life of an ordinary person is connected to the sacred by the appearance of the sacred called Theophany (theophany is an appearance of a god as a special case of it).

RODNEY STARK (1934) AND WILLIAM S. BAIN BRIDGE (1926-2006): They see religions as systems of “compensators. They viewed human beings as “rational actors” making choices that he/she thinks best, calculating cost and benefits. They define religion as a system of compensation that verifies the supernatural.


The main reason behind the theory is that the compensation is what controls the choice, or in other words the choices which the rational actor makes are “rational in the sense that they are centered on the satisfaction of words.

W. ROBERTSON SMITH: Some authorities have found the origin of religion in Totemistic practices. So complex (and intricate) is the phenomenon surrounding Totemism that an adequate description of it cannot be given in so brief a compass. However, we may briefly present its essential features. A totem is a species of animal or plant, or more rarely a class of inanimate objects, to which a social group (a clan) stands in an untimed and very special relation of friendship or kinship frequently. It is thought of as the ancestor of the clan, which provides that social group with its name.

CONCLUSION: PRE-ANIMISMIt seems clear that most anthropologists and researchers into origins of religions agree that its beginning lie in a hyper-agency detection device of our brain, though, not explicitly named by proto-anthropologists, who saw it as “pre-animism” or a step right before or after nature, myth and nature worship. Hyper agency, nature myth, anthropism, animism, ancestor worship, totemism, ghost propitiation and magic, formed the nuclei or germ of religious thinking and belief. This germ or seed of religiosity bloomed into towering totems of religious orthodoxy and law, which in times of duress or necessity transformed into paternistic, moralistic and seemingly hostile high gods.


Note this: (Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 6:17; Son of man I have appointed you a “Sophe” (i.e. watchman, prophet, seon or seer) i.e. the ancient name for prophets 1 Samuel 9:9)

REFERENCES

Altizer T. and Hamilton W. Radical Theology and the Death of God, cited by Alistair Kee. The Way of Transcendence, pp 104 (NET, 2015).

Benjamin Ray, African Religions, Symbols and Community (Patiuer-Hall, Ithala Press 1976).

Charles Ogundu Nnaji (2011) Theometry Scientific Philosophy of Religion (Enugu; OCPC-Theometry)

Eliade Mircea (1987) The Encyclopedia of Religion (New York: Oxford).

Emile Durkheim Elemental Forms of the Religious Life. Geo Allen and Unwin, 1915.

Father Richard Nnyambi, African Traditional Religion (ATR) Henning Charles L on the origin of Religion American

Anthropologist 11, No 12 (1898) 378-382.Herbert Spencer, The Principles of Psychology, Vol 2.0

Appleton (1873), p 422.Idowu E.B, African Traditional Religion; A definition (London;

Scan Press Ltd, 1973)Ikenga E.- Metuh, Comparative Studies of African Traditional

Religions (Onitsha: Imico Publishers, 1989)


Immanuel Kant Critique on Pure Reason, Train, Norman Kenny Smith (called Critique) New York, St Martin’s Press 1965 References at the A and B German editors.

Introduction to African Religions, Mbiti J.S. London, 1975Joseph Omoregbe (1993) A Philosophical Look at Religion,

pp 123-127, New York Publishers, 1999.Mbiti J.S. African Philosophy and Religions (London,

Heinnman, 1969 (1900 edition)Mbiti J.S. London (1970), African Religions and Philosophy.Nabofa M.Y (1996) Symbolism in African Traditional Religion

(Ibadan; MYN) pp 1-15Nietzsche (1969) Thus Spoke Zarathustra, translated with an

introduction by R.J Hollingdale (Middlesex; Penguin Books) pp 14-15

Nnaji Ogundu Charles “Introduction to African Ontonomics” in Nnamdi Azikiwe Journal Of Philosophy: Vol 5 (Awka:NAJP) pp 24-26

Philosophy NET, 2014Richard Schacht (2015) After the death of God)NET 2015Taylor, Edward Burnett, Primitive Culture; researches into the

development of mythology, philosophy, religion, art and custom, natural, Vol 1 (1873) p 424.


CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 6:17; Son of man I have appointed you a “Sophe” Bishop, Shepherd, etc (i.e. watchman, prophet, seon or seer) i.e. the

ancient name for prophets in Istreal: see 1 Samuel 9:9) Hence, Phaulos-Sophe, i.e. Philosophe (Phalasophe) is false prophet; Isaiah 56:10;

Ephilia-Sophim i.e Blind Watchmen or blind prophets.

(See Hebrew “Miphilosoph” i.e. fine and sound utterances, get Phaulos i.e. false. (Col. 2:4)

FALSE PROPHECY PRODUCED PHILOSOPHYIntroductory Notes: (Ancient False Prophecy was ancient Philosophy i.e. Tophilaso or false prophets) Ezek 22:25, 7:31-32, Tophet a divination. Isaiah 8:19“Saphilsaphim”, i.e. witchcraft- prophecy.

GENERAL INTRODUCTIONBefore the Greek New Testament, the word philosophy existed in Hebrew, Aramaic Egyptian, Phoenician, Babylonian and Hindu in various forms; it was Apostle Paul in acts 17:18 and Col 2:8 who gave us (or coined) philosophy in its present form (i.e. philosophia).

EXAMPLES OF ITS ANCIENT FORMS ARE:1. Babylonian “Baal sapha” or Baalsphema, Blasphemy

(i.e. Plasphemy) or the gods (Baalim or Sephu) speak (i.e. Sapha) BDB, 2007, p 46, which gave us 2


Chronicles 23:1, Elisaphat from Baali or Belisaphat to Hebrew Phalasapha (the gods speak, judge or oppose God; see Isaiah 14:12-15Phi-lucifer or phosphorus; i.e. to speak against God), i.e. Bright and sound, but false. See Colossians 2;4 “Plausible”.

2. Hebrew “Phalasapha, Philasaphim” i.e. false prophecy or “Philisti- Sophiku” (or Phili-Sophikus) i.e. idolatry, paganism; Isaiah 2:6 or Phili or to worship; (Tophilah or Philah) the gods (i.e. sephu), hence Philisephu or Philisti i.e. idolatry (or false prophecy or divination, see Jer 14:14)

3. See Phoenician “Vilasaphim” Dan 2:2 and Exodus 7:11, i.e. magicians.Note: Hebrew “Phaal” or Greek “Phaulos” is Old Hebrew; thenPhoenician Ephila or Baal i.e. vile (See Rev 9:11).

4. Hebrew “Phaal” (Paal) Sapha, i.e. to do or speak evil.5. Hebrew “Tophilaso” (false prophecy: i.e. a figurative

expression, Deut 18:9-end)6. Hebrew “Phaal” entered Greek as “Phaulos” (i.e.

falsehood; Hosea 7:1). James 3:13-15 or Phaulosophos or Philosophos- see Col 2:8, i.e. false gods , false wisdom or false teaching) from elemental spirits or the uncircumcised (i.e. Philisti- Sophiku; 1 Samuel 17: 26 & 36).

7. a. Hindu “Phallu- Siva” (Phalusepha) i.e. Baal (Phaal) the fertility god of sexual orgies (Woodrow, 1969, pp 1-33).

b. See Gen. 46:9 “Pallu or Phallu” son of Reuben; it means sexuality from Baal (Phaal) Reuben committed adultery with his father’s wife.


8. Babylonian “Beltesazzar, and Belsazar to Hebrew “Aphia (Aphil) Saphir, i.e. Aphilasaphir, which means chief magician (Dan. 4:9 and 18) or the gods speak through you.See BDB 2007, P 861,

9. See Egyptian Panea or Phanea- Saphne (Zaphenath- Panea) Egyptian “Zaphenath” is Hebrew “Saphne”, Panea is Phanea (Phone); hence Phaneasaphne (i.e. the gods speak through you, or speak for Pharaoh the god, Genesis 41:43- 45.(Note Phos or Phosphorus is also philosophy, i.e. bright and sound but false(plausible), Col 2:4)Note the following more information:

See Proverbs 10:8, Hebrew “Evil Sapha” to Greek “Philosapha” i.e. foolish or evil talk; see Isaiah 44:22 Evil- Hokma i.e. foolish wisdom.

Isaiah 14:12 Phe- Lucifer, or philosopher, i.e. the spirit, or god (Phe) who speaks or opposes (Sapha, Phosphorous or Satan) i.e. against God.

Hebrew “Phaal- Sapha”, people who speak evil (See Colossians 2:8).

Isaiah 56:10 “Phaal- Sophim”, or philosophers i.e. false prophets. The ancient name for prophets in Israel was Sophe Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 6:17, i.e. watchman. Ezekiel 33:7, Isaiah 56:10, Hosea 9:8.

Hosea 7:1, see Hebrew- Tophaalas, Phalasu Phalasapha or Phaalsa, to the Greek “Philosophoi (i.e. people who do, or speak wrong, or violence (See Colossians 2: 4-8).

Hebrew “Miphiloseab or Miphilosaph”, i.e. plausible (Colossians 2:4); i.e. fine but false arguments (Sapha) Miphil is Phaal i.e. false.


Isaiah 56:10 “Your watchmen or prophets (i.e. Sophim) are blind or false (Phaulos) i.e. Phaulos- Sophim (or Zophim).

See Proverbs 17:4 Hebrew “Sophat- Even” (or Even - Ephelsa phat: i.e. false talk or poison beneath).

HEBREW ORIGINS FOR INVESTIGATIVE PHILOSOPHY(a) Jeremiah 6:17, Ezekiel 3:17, Ezekiel 33:7, Hosea 9:8,

Ezekiel 3:17 etc, “Son of man (Ben Adam) I have appointed you a watchman over Israel (Hebrew “Sophe”, i.e. watchman, Sophya, (Sapphaire) or seon or seer, the ancient name for Hebrew prophets, see 1 Samuel 9:9 or “Sophet or Saphat”, i.e. Judge or leader over Israel. (See Numbers 23:14 “Balaam went to the Sophim” (from Phoenician “Zophim) i.e. sacred hill where the false (Phalim) prophets (Sophim) consult the gods (Sephu).

(b) Note: The word “Sophim” (i.e. prophets or watchmen) was dropped during the interregnum for its occultic origins such as “cesoph” (witchcraft) and Asaphim (i.e. magic and consulting the dead for information). See 1 Samuel 28:1-11 (Ophet; i.e. witch of Endor) or Isaiah 8:19 “Asaphim” (consulting the dead) etc, then the Hebrew “Nabi” or “Nebhim” (Arabic- Anabi) i.e. prophets, came in.

ADDITIONSMore Proofs of the Common Origins of Philosophy and ProphecyA Sophe was a prophet (i.e. watchman, Ezekiel 3:17).Sophe, Sophya or Sophim (Numbers 23:14) were ancient Hebrew words for prophet i.e. Sophe to English seon or seer,


i.e. he who sees what others cannot see. The Seer was a watchman over others; 1 Samuel 9:9, Ezekiel 3:17 etc.Note: Hebrew Sophe from Egyptian “Zaphne” to Greek “Sophonias” (See Hebrew “Zephaniah” which means the gods speak (sapha) through you, or reveal hidden things through you (See Genesis 41:43-48 “Zaphenath Phanea”.Ancient prophets were called Sophim (i.e. seers; 1 Sam 9:9) or watchmen Jeremiah 6:17, Ezekiel 3:17, Ezekiel 33:7, Hosea 9:8; son of man (Ben Adam) I have appointed you a “Sophe” (i.e watchman or prophet: Ezekiel 3;17).Please Note: while ancient prophets were called “Sophim, Sophet or Sophiya” (i.e. God spoke through them). Philosophy came from “Phaulos- Sophim, Phalasophim, Philasaphim or Aphial- Saphir”, i.e. false prophets or prophets (Sophim) who prophesy through magic (Philos or Pilos) Ezekiel 13:18-20.Please Also Note:Numbers 23:14: The field of Zophim (i.e. Sophim) means the hill (Zebuh, or Baal- Zebub) where false (Balaam or Phala) prophets (Sophim) look out for omens or for utterances from the gods. Simply put it means where false prophets (Balaam or Phala-Sophim) perform divination or consult the gods. Hence, Colossians 2:8 totally condemned philosophy as human consultations of elemental evil (Ephil) spirits (Sophron).

MORE ADDITIONS: Ophel- Sophi; or Philosophe; i.e. those who go to the

holy mountain to look for God or gods. Ophet (Nehemiah 3:26; sacred hill).


Sophi (or Sinai, the Holy Mountain of the gods, i.e. Pheli).

Phelisophi (Numbers 23:14) the Hill of divination or to consult the gods.

Sophe; i.e. prophets who consult God at sacred mountains.Balaam went to the Sophim (Phalasopha; Num 2:14)Also Note:

i. Phoenician Balaam- Sophim to Hebrew “Phalasophi” to Greek “Philisophoi” (i.e. Numbers 23:14, Daniel 2:2 i.e. false prophets, magicians or going before the divination mountain to consult the gods (Numbers 23:14). (See Numbers 24:1 “Balaam Sophe or Phala Sophe, i.e. witchcraft).

PHILISTI IS PHILOSOPHYPhilistia or Phileso is Sophiku(1) Isaiah 2:6 “Magic (Philosaph) came from Philisti and the

East (i.e. Parsee or Pharisee, i.e. Persia). The false prophets (Tophilaso) or Philisti, are Sophiku (i.e. pagans or idolatry,i.e. Philosophiku, see Isaiah 2:6) Hebrew Old Testament 1940, London).

(2) See 2 Kings 1:1-3 the Philistine “Baal-zebub” is Phalasephu”, i.e. false prophecy.

(3) Isaiah 2:6 “The house of Jacob practice magic and divination like Philistia; Philistia is from Philiset or Phalasu, it means idolatry or magic, while the plural is Philasaphim (i.e. magicians; see Daniel 2:2, Exodus 7:11)Please Note: Daniel 4:9 & 18 the Hebrew “Aphial- Saphiya” means chief magician.


(4) The truth:a. When Apostle Paul used the word “Philosophia” in Col

2:8, he took it from the Hebrew “Philisti” or Phalasu, (i.e. the people) or Philasapha (i.e. the witchcraft gods, elemental spirits, falsehood (Miphiloseph) or magic they consult, 1 Samuel 6:1-3, 1 Samuel 28:3-11, Isaiah 2:6, 2 Kings 1:1-3To prove the above:

b. Note Col 2:11 “we are circumcised in Christ”, but the Philistines or philosophers are uncircumcised (i.e. they consult false gods and spirits; 1 Samuel 17:26 & 36, 1 Samuel 6:1-3, 2 Kings 1:1-3 etc).Very Important: Felix (Phelis) is a short form of philosopher which means fortune teller, fortunate or false prophet.Note:

(a) See Proverbs 10:8, i.e. the Hebrew “Evil- Sapha” (foolish talk or speech).

(b) Note:See 1 Corinthians 15:36, for the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew “Evil- Sapha”, to the Greek “Aphron or Aphil (sapha) i.e. foolishness which is a shorter form of philosopher (see Col. 2:8, i.e. philosophy is deceit, or fine but false arguments, also called plausible (Hebrew “Phalasapha) see Colossians 2:4.Note: Blasphemy is from Baalsapha (to plausible) Phalasapha (i.e. speak against God).

(c) See also James 3:13-15 “Phaulos is also a short form of philosophy, which means evil (Phili) or earthly wisdom; i.e. human confused (Phaal) speaking (Hebrew “sapha”. See BDB, 2007, pp 121-132, also Mansoor, 2004, pp 242-249 etc.


(d) 2 Peter 1:16 see Greek “Phosphoris” (i.e. Lucifer, 2 Corinthians 11:14, deceptive morning star) from the Hebrew “Phali” and “Sophim”, i.e. consulting the gods (Isaiah 2:6 “Philisti- Sophiku”, or pagans and magicians etc) Hebrew Old Testament (1940).Note; Very Important

Hebrew “Phili” or “Philoa” means extraordinary or spiritual; see Exodus 28; Ephod or Ephil (Saphne) i.e. robe for approaching God (BDB 2007, pp 65, 67, 86) or finding out God’s will (Exodus 28:29-31).

See Ezekiel 13: 18-20 Hebrew “Pili, Pilo, Pillow, Philo or Phoenix, i.e. magic bird).Note KJV is pillow; or NIV, is magic charm or philosaphan, i.e. magic and witchcraft birds; or consulting magic and the dead.

EXTRACTS:(a) Philisti Isaiah 2:6 (Idol or Sephur) worshippers (Phili) from

the PhoenicianHebrew “Phalasophiku”, i.e. falsehood (Hosea 7:1) or Sophiku: idolatry, Isaiah 2:6 or strangers, gentiles or pagans.

(b) Hebrew “Philasaphim” (magicians) is Philistia (idolatry). See Exd 7:11, Isaiah 2:6. See Acts 16:16, fortune telling is Greek “python” or Hebrew “Sophis

ANCIENT FALSE PROPHECY PRODUCED PHILOSOPHYNote: 2 Chronicles 15:16 “Repulsive” is from the Hebrew “Miphiloseab” or Miphiloseph.Note: The word “Zeus” was from the Hebrew “Sephu”, Phoenician “Ziphu”, i.e. idolsDaniel 4:9 and 18 “Hebrew “Aphil- Saphir”, was translated as Beltesazzar”, i.e. chief magician in Daniel 4:9-10 and 18


(a) To further prove this, Apostle Paul in Acts 17:29-30 told Athenians to stop worshipping (Hebrew “Philal” Greek “Sebeo- mai or Sophon)or Gold and Silver plated idols (Sephir in Hebrew) or stone idols (i.e. Sophan in Hebrew). Hence, philasophan means consulting gods for knowledge.

(b) To further prove this, see Plato’s Dialogues (Asaju, 1999, p 36) Socrates said in 399BC “Men of Athens, I will rather die than stop practicing “Philosophy”. (Practising philosophy was consulting the cult or oracle of Delphi for inspiration or wisdom) (Please check this).Note: Acts 17:30 (i.e. Resurrection) Athenians ridiculed Apostle Paul when he mentioned resurrection, since before Christ, magicians (called philasapha) claimed to invoke the dead to solve mysteries i.e. necromancy (Hebrew “Asaphim) which means many people doubted and questioned occultic powers (Bromiley, 1985, and Asaju, 1999, pp 30-35 etc) Isaiah 8:19 witchcraft and consulting the dead is saphilsaphim (or saphsaphim).

AGAIN NOTE: a. In Colossians 2:8; Apostle Paul transliterated the word

philosophy from Isaiah 2:6 “Philisti- Sophikus” i.e. pagans idols or spirit (Sophimu) worshippers or magicians (Phili, Pilos, Phils; Ezekiel 13: 18-20) i.e. the uncircumcised philistines (or Phalasuph) 1 Sam 17:26 and 36. See Colossians 2:8-12).

b. Turn to the Old Testament in its original Hebrew Dan 2:2 and Dan 4:9 and 18, “Aphia (or Philoa) Saphir (i.e. Aphilosaphia) which means “chief magician or


extraordinary knowledge translated as “Beltesazzar” (in Babylonia) which means spiritual power to interpret mysteries and predict the future (spirit of the gods; Saphot).

c. Very Important:Originally, Daniel 4:9 & 18 does not have the word “Beltesazzar rather what it has is “Aphia- Saphir” (See Daniel 2:2)

d. Beltesazzar is only an addition of its Babylonian version.e. Isaiah 8:19, Saphilasaphim (from Saph saphim) i.e.

witchcraft-mutterings and consulting the dead for information (BDB, 2007, P 80)

f. See Ezekiel 13:10-15 and Ezekiel 22:28 “Tophla i.e. false prophets (see Jeremiah 7:31-32, 2 Kings 23:10, i.e. Tophet (fire divination) originally Tophil- Sophet (i.e. prophesying through fire divination) 2 Kings 17:31-35 “Sephar-vain” (or sophil-phon) i.e. serpent of fire divination (or Nahas).

g. See Isaiah 2:6 “Philistia- Sophiku”, i.e. Philistians are magicians (Phili) and pagans (Sophiku) i.e. philosophiku (please check it out).

h. See 1 Samuel 6:1-2 “Phalasu-Ophet” (The Philistians called their diviners or Ophet).

NOTE: VERY IMPORTANT(a) Colossians 2:8 “Philosophy is Philisti”. Philisti is

Philasaphimand Philosophicus which means idolatry (2 Chronicles 15:16) “Miphilosoph” (idol worship) and the uncircumcised; 1 Sam. 17:26 and 36, Col. 2:8-13).

(b) See again Samuel 6:1-3 the Philistines called their diviners (or Sophim Num 23:14) i.e. finding out or


prophesying through the Sophikus which means pagan cults. Note:(Socrates visited the cult of Delphi or Sophim).

(c) Acts 13:6-14”Paphos” is a short form of Phaulos- Ophis, i.e. land of sorcery.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

THE TRUE MEANING OF PHILOSOPHY(See Isaiah 8:19 Hebrew, “Saphilsaphim”, i.e. witchcraft mutterings

and whisperings).

ABSTRACT The word “Philosophy” was transliterated from the Hebrew Old Testament Aphil- Saphir (chief magician: Dan 4:9) or “Philasaphim”, which means “magicians” or snake (i.e. sophis) charmers, i.e. people who receive information or knowledge from the serpent called sophen in Hebrew (see Exodus 7:11, Dan. 2:2 or Dan 1:20 being the reason why Col 2:8 totally condemned philosophy. Also in Mtt. 10:16 Jesus said, “be ye


as wise as serpents”. Serpent in Hebrew is Sophen or Sophis; wise in Greek is Phronimus in Hebrew it is Hakam.

TEASER: If you can read the Hebrew Old Testament turn to Isaiah 2:6. See “Philistia- Sophaku (i.e. idol worshippers or pagans) i.e. phili (worship or magic) and Sephu (gods) then Daniel 2:2 “Philasaphim”, i.e. magicians or superstition, being what Apostle Paul cited in Colossians 2:8, i.e. philosophers consulted evil (Ephilo or magic) spirits (i.e. sophrot).Note: Delphi means evil spirits or sophis, python or (i.e. demon of Delphi, Delphi is evil; Evil is Phili. Ovid or Ophis is serpent. Also seven is septua and steven is Stephen etc.

THE TRUTH (See 2 Kings 18:4 ancient Jews worshipped the serpent, Nahasuphia as source of wisdom- confirmed by Jesus in Mtt 10:16- “Be as wise as serpents”(Serpent is Sophis); Phronimos is wise).a. Philosophy from the Hebrew Old Testament means

prophesying or finding out things, or making inquiries (or inquiry) through magic (Hebrew “Pilos- Phili or Philos) or through witchcraft cults which the Old Testament called Saphilsaphim (Isaiah 8:18 or “Asaphim” (i.e. consulting magic or the dead) or through the Hebrew Keseph or Kesoph (i.e. sorcery or witches). See Exodus 22:18, i.e. a witch (cesoph) must die. (Hebrew Old Testament 1940) See Deut. 18, i.e. do not consult sorcery or the dead, God will raise up a prophet. (See also BDB, 2007, p 355), see also Ceseph (witchcraft and sorcery). Then


“Asaphim” (i.e. Necromancy, or consulting the dead, p 80) etc.

b. See 1 Samuel 28:1- end; when prophecy ceased, King Saul consulted the “Ophid, Ophot, Ophit or Ovot (i.e. Sopis Cult) for information (i.e. witch of Endor).

c. Specifically the word “Philosophy” was transliterated from the Hebrew “Philasaphim” (i.e. magicians, see Exodus 7:11, Dan. 2). To further prove this, Apostle Paul in Acts 17:29-30 told Athenias to stop worshipping (Hebrew “Philah Greek “Sebeo mai or Sophon) Gold and Silver plated idols (Sephur in Hebrew) or stone idols (Sophan in Hebrew). Hence, Philasophan means consulting gods for knowledge.

d. To further prove this, see Platos “ Dialogues (Asaju, 1999, p 36) Socrates said in 399BC man of Athens, I will rather die than stop practicing “Philosophy”, practicing philosophy was consulting the cult or oracle of Delpho for inspiration or wisdom (please check this).

Note: Acts 17:30 (i.e. Resurrection) Athenians ridiculed Apostle Paul when he mentioned resurrection, since before Christ, magicians called Philasapha, claimed to invoke the dead to solve mysteries; i.e. necromancy (Hebrew “Asaphim”) which many people doubted and questioned (Bromiley, 1985, and Asaju, 1999, pp 30-35 etc) Isaiah 8:19, witchcraft and consulting the dead is Saphilsaphim (or Saphsaphim).e. See Numbers 23:14 “Sophim” (or Phoenician “Zophim”)

i.e. hill of divination or for consulting the gods, which means that Sophim is false prophecy; Balaam was a false prophet who used “witchcraft” or sorcery (i.e. Phili or magic; Ezekiel 13:18-20 Pilos or Philos) for false (Phaulos- or Philos) prophecy (i.e.Ophet).


f. See again Mtt 10: 16 “Be ye wise (Greek “Phronimos”, Hebrew “Hakam”) as serpents (Hebrew “Sophis” Greek “Ophis, pytho or Hebrew “Ophen” etc.

B. Forture Telling : Acts 16:16, “familiar spirit” (or fortune telling spirit is a transliteration from the Greek “Phaulos - Sophrot i.e. philosophet from the Hebrew “Phaalim- Sophron” i.e. prophesying through false (Phaulos) spirits (Sophrot).

THE LINGUISTIC FALSEHOOD PLAYED BY MODERN PHILOSOPHY1. Note:

i. Hebrew “Phalasapha” means opposing or speaking against God

ii. Phalasapha is from the Phoenician “Baalsapha” (i.e. vile gods or Phil-sephu, Hosea 9:10) transliterated into Hebrew as “Phalasapha”. See Isaiah 14:12 (Philucifer, i.e. opposing God.

2. See Acts 16:16: fortune telling is Greek “python”, or Hebrew “Sophis”. The Hebrew “Philasaphim”, means magicians and witchcraft cults, or inquiry from the occult or finding out through magic or from the dead, or fortune telling serpent spirit (i.e. the Hebrew “Sophis” or Greek “Pytho”. See Acts 16:16.

3. See again Acts 16:16, “Familiar- spirit (for fortune telling) is a transliteration from the Greek “Phaulos- Sophrot from the Hebrew “Phalasaphim or Phalasophrot” which gave us “Philasaphim” or “Philosophim” which means prophesying or knowing the future through witchcraft(Kesoph) or familiar spirits (see Hebrew Old


Testament, 1940, or Zodovan, 1990, or BDB, 2007, pp 80, 811-814 etc).

4. The Hebrew “Phalasapha” (Greek “Philosophon”) gave us the Arabic “Falsafa” (i.e. liars or falsehood) which gave us the English falsify (i.e. philosophical is falsification).

Please Note; The Old Testament translated to Greek (i.e. the Septuaginta) translated Dan 1:20 and Dan 2:2-10 this way; the Hebrew “Saphim” is Greek Sophoi (i.e. magicians) while the enchanters, fortune tellers or wizards are the “Philosopha (i.e. Hebrew Philosophy). See Bromiley TDNT, 1985, pp 1269, 952, 1293 (phosphonus).

THE LINGUISTIC FRAUD IN PHILOSOPHY(Philosophy does not mean love for wisdom)1. Notea) Col 2:8, clearly proves that the word “philosophy” is from

the Hebrew “Philasaphim” (i.e. finding out things through magic or witchcraft or teach magic) or consulting the dead (i.e. Asaphim; or Saphilsaphim, i.e. witchcraft etc). Isaiah 8:19

b) Or Hebrew “Phalasapha” i.e. opposing or speaking against God. Isaiah 14:12 (PhiLucifer)BDB, 2007, pp 62-65 being the reason why Col 2:8 condemned philosophy as divination or consulting occultic elemental spirits (please check it out). Check Isaiah 2:6 Philisti- Sophiku (Philosophicus) i.e. Philistines practice magic and paganism.

c) According to McCain, 2005, ancient Ophites (or Sophites) worshipped the serpent as source of wisdom,


(See also 2 Kings 18:4). Ancient Jews worshipped the serpent (Nahasuphia).

2. Please Note: Very Important The Hebrew “Philasaphu” (i.e. magicians and inquiry through witchcraft) gave us the word “Philisti’ from Phalasu, Phalasti or Palasti (i.e. Palestine) which means those who invented the philos- i.e. magic, divination or witchcraft: Please check Isaiah 2:6: check also 1 Samuel 6:1-2. “The Philistines called the diviners (i.e. Hebrew “Sophim or Ophot”, hence Philosophis). Also check 2 Kings 1:1-3, consult “Baalzebub”, the divination at Ekron of the Philisti.Note: Very Important Philistine Baalzebub is Hebrew “Phaalsephu” (Revelations 9:11), 2 Kings 1:1-3).

3. The Linguistic Frauda) Modern philosophers (1700 to 1900) gave philosophy its

contemporary meaning of love for wisdom, which is wrong.Note: The Hebrew “Philos or Phili” means magic; while the Hebrew “Sophim” (Num 23:14) is divination or Sophis (i.e. serpent spirit of divination, craftiness and inquiry, Greek “pytho”) Mathew 10:16, Aland and Newman, 1983, p 157 etc.Note also: the Hebrew “Philasapha” Ezekiel 13:18-20, KJV, Pilos or Philos (i.e. magic) corresponded with the Greek “Philos” (love); while the Hebrew “Sophis” (serpent, Mtt 10:16) “Be ye as wise or crafty (i.e. Phronimos) as a serpent (i.e. Hebrew “Sophis”) or Sophim i.e. divination, corresponded to Greek “Sophia” (wisdom) which Greek derived from the Hebrew “Sophis”


i.e. crafty or cunningness of the serpent confirmed in Mtt 10:16.The Truth: Hence, modern philosophers covered the true meaning of philosophy. Rather than tell us that “philosophy” means consulting magic and witchcraft for knowledge or for information or fortune telling. 1 Sam 28:1-11, see Acts 16:16 familiar spirit (Hebrew “Phaum – Sophot” or Sophim or Ophet), Philosophers now tell us that philosophy means “love” for wisdom, which is completely false and which confirms its Arabic meaning, i.e. “Falsafa” from the Hebrew “Phalasapha” or “Philasaphim”, which means “magicians, liars, false(or (Phaulos)prophecy or falsehood etc.Note: (See James 3:13-15 Phaulos, i.e. false wisdom).

b) Note: Yoruba “Olaniyi” (i.e. this is wealth) then Ibo –ka-Olaniyi- i.e. let him waste, or wasted.Note: the word “Repulsive” is Philosiph i.e. Philosopha, i.e. 1 Chr 21:6, 2 Chr 15:16,(see 2 Chr. 15:16, the Hebrew “Mipleset or Miphilosephu” is translated “Repulsive”.


CHAPTER NINETEEN

DICTIONARY OF HEBREW OLD TESTAMENT WORDS WHICH PRODUCED PHILOSOPHY

1. Sophe (Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 6:17) i.e. prophet or watchman.

2. Dan 4:9 &18 “Aphia- Saphir” (chief magician).3. Ophot, Movot, Mophot, Mophet (wonders or miracles

etc) i.e. spiritist, medium, witch, spiritual intermediary or the inexplicable.

4. Ephilia- Sophe Darkness Isaiah 56:10 i.e. blind, vague or false prophets: Hebrew “Evil” (i.e. foolish) from “Nebal or Nephal”- Sophia, Isaiah 44:25; i.e. foolish wisdom.

5. Asepha orcaptive, lead astray (Colossians 2:8).6. Babylonian “Balatsu” (i.e. from the god “Baal”) to

Canaanite/ Phoenician “Belsazar” (or Beltesazar) to Hebrew “Palasu, Phalasu or Aphial Saphir, i.e. chief magician or messenger of the gods; Daniel 4:9 and 18

7. Phl, Phili, Philoa (i.e. the extraordinary, or that which is hard or difficult to understand or explain; BDB, 2007, p 811).

8. Miphiloseab (Miphilosop) can you explain the deceptive clouds; Job 37:16, Job 36:29


9. Sophion, Sophiphon, Sophen, Ophen, Sophis or Nahas i.e. the serpent, spirit of divination (Greek “python”, or ophis, or exidna: Latin “ovid” etc.

10. Sophoner i.e. hidden or secret (Greek, Krupho, i.e. cryptic)

11. Siphu, Siphru or Sephu ; i.e. idols or gods or kisit (witch)

12. Tophila, Tophilaso Ezekiel 22:28(false prophecy) or Tophet, i.e. divination; Jer 7:31-32

13. Phililah or Tophilah, i.e. prayers (Zoodovan, 1990) etc14. Saphne (Egyptian “Zaphne”: Gen 41:43- 45) the gods

(BDB, 2007, p861).15. Phaneah (i.e. the gods speak) BDB, 2007 p861.16. Phe (spirit beings) BDB, 2007, p924 (Greek “phobos”

gods) especially god of fear, war and opposition (i.e. Phili or magic).

17. Philisti, Pilisti, Piliset, Palasu, Phalasu (Palasti) i.e. idolatry, witchcraft, divination -spirit: 1 Samuel 6:1-2, Isaiah 2:6, BDB 2007, pp 810- 814.

18. Nephilim, Nephil (Gen 6:4, angels who married women and produced giants.

19. Neh 3:26 Ophel, i.e. sacred towns (hill for worship) for priests.

20. Rapha (spiritual Healing)21. Raphaim(spiritual Healing to Greek, Pharmakos)22. Nebal, Nephal (foolish). Ezekiel 13:3, Isaiah 44:25.23. Miphras, Miphalas (i.e. the floating clouds where the

gods live) (Bromiley, 1985) i.e. God lives in the clouds (Nephil) or Hebrew “Nephilim”, i.e. sons or angels of God who married women and produced giants.


Note: Daniel 5:11 and 15 “Asaphim” (Astrologers) or Daniel 4:9, Aphila -“Saphiya” i.e. chief magician.

24. Hebrew “Phe” or “Pho” to Greek “Phos or Phobos” i.e. divinity, gods or light of God. (See Greek “Olympia or Olymphia, i.e. Hebrew “Sophi” i.e. the mountains are the abodes of the gods). See Wilson, 1965.

25. See Latin “Cephisus”, i.e. gods; Wilson, 1965.26. Hebrew ”Sophi” (sacred mountain, where God or gods

live, i.e. Sinai). Gen. 10:30- Sephar or mountainous.27. Hebrew “Sophan”, sacred or magic stones for

divination (New Hebrew Urim (Uru) and Thumim) Exodus 20. Greek “Psephos”- magic stones for casting lots. (Balloting).

28. Hebrew ”Ephod” (from Phoenicia Heseb) i.e. sacred garment for approaching God. Exodus 28:1-30.

29. Hebrew ”Terephil” (Divination) i.e. consulting idols. Hosea 3:4.

30. “Baal or Phaal” or vile or evil (Hosea 9:10) i.e. idolatry (Phili or Philisti) or doing evil.

31. Hebrew “Elisaphat” (i.e. God judges or speaks) 2 Chronicles 23:1 or “Phelisaphat” (i.e. the gods speak or judge).

32. Hebrew “Sapha” (to speak) or “Philasapha” i.e. the gods speak.

33. Hebrew “Zephaniah” to Greek “Sophonias”, i.e. hidden treasures.

34. Note: 1 Sam. 6:1-3, Hebrew “Sophiku” (i.e. pagan) Isaiah 2:6 (Sophiku, pagans or strangers and their idols(Sephu) gave us Latin sacrifice (or Hebrew “Teraphim”, i.e. divination rituals).


35. Hebrew “Saphat or Sophot” from Hebrew “Sophen” i.e. the serpent as judge; Acts 28:6.

36. Hebrew “Heseb” (or keseph) or Sophe gave us “seer”, 1 Samuel 9:9, i.e. sophra, soph, soreh or sohere, (i.e. spiritual powers of revealing mysteries or prophecy (or sophis, i.e. serpent spirit of inquiry).

37. Hebrew “Sopher” (Neh. 7:57- Sepheret-or Soferim) i.e. teacher, scribe or learned priest (phililah, i.e. priests are judges), Ezra the Sopher, Seber, Dobar or learned priest; Nehemiah 8.

38. Hebrew “Asepha” (Col. 2:8) don’t be led astray or deceived (i.e. Asopha). What is truth?

39. Acts 7:19 “Katasophian”, Pharoah deceived the Israelites 40. Paul Maer, 1988, p960 translated philosophy as Jewish

teachings or doctrines (Neh. 8:1-9, Ezra 7:11-12).41. Important : See Col 2:4 “Plausible” is “Philausiphle

(phaulos) i.e. “it looks real, but false”, from “Phoenician” Baalsapha, or “Baalzebub or Blasapha (Blasphemy; i.e. Baal or Phaal speaks (sapha) against God to Hebrew “Phalasapha” or English plausible (placebo) or Old Hebrew “palasa” (falasa-falacy)i.e. it looks real, but it is false.Note: Hebrew “B” and “V” is Greek “P or Ph”. Hebrew “Z” is Greek “S”, e.g Zephaniah is Sophonias (hidden treasures). Then Hebrew “Abbadon”, is Greek “Apollyon” (Rev 9:11) also Hebrew is Ephraim or Bethlehem is Ephrath; or Hebrew- Ophra is Greek “Sebeo” (i.e. worship).

42. Judges 8:27 “Ophra” is divination or town of worship (Ephod is garment of worship) Exodus 28:1-30, or approaching God (i.e. Sephil).


43. See: Very Importanta. Daniel 4:9, the original Hebrew does not have

“Belteshazzar”, but Aphia Saphiya or saphir or Aphil-Saphim, i.e. chief of magicians or he who speaks for the magicians (Saphim) or for the gods (Sephu).

b. Thus, Aphia (Aphiya or Aphil). Saphia is Phoenician “Baalzebub” Baalsazar or Beltesazzar (i.e. Aphil- Sapha).

ANALYSES OF THE PROPHETS (See NIV Commentaries)ISAIAH: This book relates to a period of some three hundred years. Chapter 1-39 are set in the closing years of the Northern Kingdom when Judah was still relatively safe. Isaiah worked in Jerusalem warning its people that God’s judgment most fall on them because of social injustice and religious hypocrisy. To the successful kingdom of Judah he advised dependence on God’s guidance and protection rather than on political alliance with foreign nations. Jerusalem is spared the same fate as the Northern Kingdom for the time being. (See NIV, Commentaries).Chapters 40-55 are concerned with Jewish exile in Babylon. The message is one of comfort: God is about to do something new and the punishment and pain of the past are over. The return to the land of Israel will recall the deliverance from Egypt. In the final section of the book which is set in the period after the temple had been rebuilt, there is evidence that the new community is in danger of slipping back into old patterns of behaviour. Alongside warning is a vision of the greatness of God and his plans for the blessing of the Jews, and through them, of all nations.


JEREMIAH: This prophet worked in the closing days of Judah. Its message was one of the warnings: i.e. God’s judgment must come if the people persist in rebelling against him. Indeed judgment has become inevitable and they would be wise to recognize that God was using Babylon to punish them. When the ruling classes were exiled to Babylon Jeremiah told them that God would work out his plans through the exiles. At the same time he tried to encourage those who remained in Judah to accept their fate, but his words fell on deaf ears. Within the book we have several insights into what this unpopular prophet was thinking and feeling.

LAMENTATIONS: This is a funeral song about the devastated city of Jerusalem, possibly written by Jeremiah. Each chapter is a complete poem and in each the mood changes from anguish and despair in the recognition that punishment was deserved, then to hope in God’s love and mercy. Prayer is made that God will once again show mercy to his people.

EZEKIEL: The prophet was exiled to Babylon and his work was among the exiles there. He may have been a priest and key theme of the book is God’s holiness. The book is full of strange symbolism, vision and account of how the prophet often presented his message through drama. Roughly, the first thirty-three chapters convey a similar message to that of Jeremiah and at a similar period: Jerusalem will be captured


by Babylon and the temple will be destroyed. Once this had taken place Ezekiel’s message was one of comfort (chapters 33-39): God will bring back his people to their own country one day. Meanwhile, in Babylon they will learn that God can be worshipped even though there is no temple or they cannot offer sacrifice. Chapter’s 40-48 are a detailed vision of the future which centres on the temple.

DANIEL: Daniel was also an exile in Babylon but was chosen to live in the Babylonian court to train for the civil service. Despite this privilege we learn that Daniel, and later three of his friends, refused to give up their Jewish faith. God blessed their loyalty and Daniel was respected and consulted by the Babylonians, and the Persian kings, particularly because his ability to interpret dreams. The second part of the book (chapters 7-12) includes some detailed visions full of strange symbols and is not always easy to interpret.

HOSEA: The prophet lived and worked in the Northern kingdom in the closing year of its existence. Through his own experience of a broken marriage, Hosea gained a deep insight into Israel’s relationship to God. The covenant made at Sinai was like a marriage, but like Hosea’s own wife, Israel had left God to worship Canaanite gods. Hosea speaks movingly of the sadness God feels because of love for Israel even though she deserved to be punished.

JOEL:


We are not sure when Joel lived. In chapter 1 he speaks of the devastation by a plague of locusts. This may have been a real event or a vision but in either case it is a symbol of the invading army that God will use to punish his people Joel calls the people to turn back to God while there is still time and speaks of special outpouring of God’s spirit . Chapter 3 concerns a final and universal judgment.

AMOS: This prophet came from the Southern kingdom but worked in the Northern kingdom slightly earlier than Hosea. In chapters 1-2 he speaks of God’s judgment on the surrounding nations but also on the complacent Northern kingdom and the next few chapters show why i.e. oppression, social injustice, religious hypocrisy led Israel to punishment. Five visions how that there is still time to turn back to God, but in the last two visions, punishment is inevitable. A hope for something beyond God’s judgment is expressed in the last few verses.

OBADIAH: This is the shortest Old Testament book and we know nothing about the prophet. The theme is the punishment of Edom, which lay to the south-east of the Dead Sea. The Edomites were descendants of Esau and thus related to the Israelites, yet they were longstanding enemies. The reference in this book suggests that when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonian army in 587 B.C the Edomites did nothing to help, and maybe even took some advantage of Judah’s fate. While Edom


disappeared from history Obadiah foretells the return of Israel to her own land.

JONAH: God told the prophet Jonah to go and warn the people of Nineveh, capital of Assyria that God was going to punish her. After attempts to evade God’s orders Jonah reluctantly went to preach in the city and the Ninevites turned to God. Jonah was furious with God for showing mercy to such wicked people and God tried to demonstrate to the prophet that he feels compassion even for Israel’s enemies.

MICAH: This prophet lived and worked a little later than Amos and Hosea and about the same time as Isaiah and what he has to say is very similar to their message. He worked in the Southern kingdom where he condemned social injustice, inequality, and corruption among the political and religious leaders. God must punish his people but beyond that, Micah speaks of a future that will center on the Jerusalem temple when a descendant of David will emerge to lead God’s people against her enemies. Chapter 6:6-8 seems to sum up the message, not only of Micah, but all the prophets of this period.

NAHUM: This prophet announces the destruction of Nineveh, capital of Assyria. In the opening verses, Nahum speaks of God as' slow to anger' but also that he will 'not leave the guilty unpunished' it is for this reason that God must now punish


Nineveh for its extreme cruelty. Chapters 2 and 3 are a poem about the siege of Nineveh. This took place in 612 B.C.

HABAKKUK: Because Habakkuk mentions Babylon it is assumed that he worked at end of the seventh century B.C.The prophet questions God about his justice: why does he ignore people’s cruelty and wickedness? How can he use evil people punished people who are better than them? God gives no direct answer (chapter 2) but promises that one day he will punish all oppression and injustice. Chapter 3 is a poem about God coming to punish all wickedness and conclude with a statement by the prophet of his trust in God, no matter what happens.

ZEPHANIAH: (Egyptian “Zaphne”, Hebrew “Saphne” to Greek “Sophonias”, God’s mysteries or hidden Treasury) Zephaniah worked before Jeremiah. The theme of the book is God’s universal judgment. Chapter 1 deals with the judgment of Israel but 2:1-3 promises that disaster maybe averted if Israel turns back to God. The remaining of chapter 2 foretells the punishment of some of Israel’s neighbors. Beyond the judgment of Jerusalem the prophet sees hope (chapter3).

HAGGAI: Haggai and Zechariah belong to the same period (520 B.C.). Many Jews had returned to Israel to rebuild their national life. Initially they worked with enthusiasm but opposition brought the work of rebuilding the temple to a standstill. Haggai rallied the people, showing that the economic difficulties they were experiencing were because they had their priorities wrong. The important thing for their national life was God’s 'house and God had greater things install if they would only learn to put him first.


ZECHARIAH: Like Haggai, this prophet encourages the people to take up the work they had left off and complete the temple building. His messages are given in a series of visions in chapters 1-8 and concern other issues as well as the rebuilding. Chapters, 9-14 are in a different form, more typical of prophetic messages. Their theme is the future age: Israel’s deliverance, God’s triumph and the work of the messiah.

MALACHI: This book indicates that after the time of Haggai and Zechariah, things deteriorated again. The people felt disappointed with God (1:2-5). The religious leaders were corrupt and slipshod in their duties (1:6-1:9), and everybody was disobedient to God’s laws (2:10-16) while at the same time treating God with contempt (2:17-3:18). Chapter 4 looks forward to the time when injustice will be dealt with and those who are loyal to God will be restored.

CHAPTER TWENTY

PHILOSOPHY WAS FALSE PROPHECY

PREAMBLE: More InformationVery Important: Col 2:4 (NRSV) plausible is philosophy (i.e. fine but false see Col 2:8 from the Hebrew “Miphiloseab” which entered Greek as philosophy).(a) Col 2:2-8 was a battle between early Christianity and

philosophy.(b) Please Note : Apostle Paul was warning Early Christians

against the falsehood (Hebrew “Miphiloseab” called “philosophy or plausible”) i.e. the argument is fine and sound, but it is false.


(c) Plausible from the Hebrew “Miphiloseab” entered Greek as philosophy which means fine sounding but false (Phaulos) argument e.g. Tiglath- Pileser 2 Kings 16:10 (Hebrew Phileso or Phalasaph) i.e. idolatry or Philisti (Phalasu) false.

EXAMPLES:Job 37:16, the floating (Philot) clouds are deceptive i.e. the clouds look real but false (Miphiloseab: i.e. you can’t touch them, though they look real) Job 36:29.Ezekiel 13:18 “Pillowsaphan (Philosophon) falsehood or

magic and witchcraft.1. Colossians 2:4 (New Revised Standard)

“I am saying this so that no one may deceive you with plausible (Hebrew “Miphilosoph”, i.e. fine but false argument) (i.e. Greek “Pythanalogia, Hebrew “Sophis”- i.e. cleverly crafted or serpentine arguments: 2 Peter 1:16).

NOTE THIS: VERY CRUCIALa. Plausible, Mipiloseab, Miphilasu, Miphilosoph,

Baalzeboul, Belasaphim, Blaspheme, Phallusiva and Phalasaph are all Phoenician, Babylonian, Hindi, Assyrian and Aramaic ancient forms of philosophy which entered Greek as Philosophia.

b. Plausible is literal English transliteration of the Hebrew “Miphilosoph” i.e. fine but false argument.

c. Hebrew “Miphilasu” or “Miphilosoph” (Miphiloseab- Job 37:16- i.e. the clouds are deceptive) used in Colossians 2:4 “do not be deceived by fine sounding but false (plausible, false, or Miphilosoph) arguments. It entered


Greek as Pythanalogia called Philosophia in Colossians 2:8, i.e. deceit and anti-Christ (see also Hebrew Sophonias or Zephaniah (i.e. hidden wisdom; Greek Apokrupho) Egyptian Zaphne (Genesis 41:43-45).

VERY IMPORTANT ADDITIONSNote: Jer. 29:26 (Hebrew Maphil- Sephu i.e. false prophecy from prophets Mahphekel i.e. punishment for madmen who claim to be prophets who receive messages from God, when God did not speak to them (Jer. 14:14).1. Hebrew Tophet, Tophil and Sophet (Philosophet-

Tophilaso) means divination by fire or finding out things by fire divination (Jer. 7:31-32, 2 Kings 23:10) BDB 2007, p1075.

Note:a. Heraclitus, the philosopher of fire (Tophet- Sophet) i.e.

fire is the origin of all things.b. Parmenides was led to the gate of Hell by a god, where

certain things were revealed to him.2. Jeremiah 19:14 (10-14); Jeremiah at Tophil- Sophet (or

Tasphot) prophesied against Jerusalem’s false worship, false prophecy and falsehoods.

3. Jeremiah 29:26, (Pillows) or Philory (Hebrew Mah-phecet or Maphil i.e. punishment for false prophets (Topilaso) i.e. mad men (mah-phili) who act like prophets (see also Hebrew “sinoq” (BDB, 2007, p 857).

4. Isaiah 44:25 (Nephal; Phaalasu) i.e. philosophy or foolish.

5. Hebrew Phesel (idol or image, Isaiah 42:17) Siphuy or Siphri or Sephu (Ezekiel 38:17) or Phasil (Hosea 11:2, Judges 3:19) from Piliset, Piliser (2 Kings 16:10) or


Phalasaph, i.e. serving idols (idolatry or Philistia) Isaiah 2:6, BDB 820, 811-814 etc.

6. Ezekiel 13:18-20 Hebrew “Taphot (Ophot) to sow magic (Pilos or Phils or Taphrot)

7. a. Please note Isaiah 2:6 “magic and witchcraft” (sorcery) came from the east, i.e. (Perses or Pharse) and from Philistia.

b. Note: Then Philisti- sophiku (or philosophiku) means that the Philistians are idol worshippers or of magic (is Phil). Idol or friendship with pagans or strangers is “sophiku” (hence philosophiku). See Isaiah 2:6, if you can read the Old Testament in its original Hebrew.

8. See Hebrew “Taphel (Philah- Siphu; praying to false gods) or Tophalasu or Miphiloseph, i.e. falsehood; or fine but false (Colossians 2:4, plausible) or false prophecy: Ezekiel 13:3-20, BDB, 2007, pp 1074 (Taphel; pp 813-814).

Please Note: 2 Kings 16:10: The name Tiglath Pilaser (see Ezekiel 13:18-20) (i.e. pilos, pilesor pillows or Phileso i.e. magic- see NIV & KJV). It is a transliteration from the Hebrew “Phileso, or Philasaph or Philistia, Isaiah 2:6, which means consulting the gods, or finding out issues though magic).

PROPHECY IN GREECE ADDITIONS (see Hosea 7:1 “Phaalu- saqad” (falsehood)1. Women were more involved in ancient Greek mantics,

i.e. speaking for the gods and predicting the future. (Bromiley, 1985)

2. The gods spoke through the prophets, called “Sophoi or Sophim” (e.g. Socrates received inspiration from the “python” or “Sophis” of Delphi)


3. The prophets (as in Israel) were mediators or intermediaries between the gods and men. (Asaju, 1999, p 36)(See 2 Chronicles 15:16 “Miphileset”, from Phalasoph or Miphilosoph”, i.e. idolatry or repulsive (Phulosiph) see idolatry (Hebrew Old Testament, 1980, London)

ANCIENT GREEK MANTIC PROPHECY(See Hebrew “Phylasso, Phalasu, Philesoor Philosaph”; i.e. protective magic or philos See Ezekiel 13:18-20 to Greek”Phylasso, Philasoph or Phylactery; Mtt 23:5; the law tied to the body), like a magic charm (i.e. pilos or philos; Ezekiel 13:18-20).1. Ancient Greek philosophy arose from the oracular python

or sophis (cultic) Manteoumai (Bromiley, 1985) which means the occultic practice of receiving information from the serpentine gods (Hebrew “Sophis”, Greek “Pytho” or “Ophet” (Aland and Newman, 1983, p 157) and multiplicity of spirits, thus predicting the future by speaking (sapha) for the gods (Phili). This cultic prophecy was condemned in Israel in Deut 18:9-14 as sorcery (Asaphim, magic, consulting the dead, i.e. movot or mophet). Jeremiah called them Topheth- Jer 7:31-32 from the Hebrew Tophila or Tophilaso or Philasu (i.e. false prophets or Phaulos- Ophet to Philosophy) or divination (2 Kings 19:31-33) which means consulting the occult for knowledge and wisdom (Asaju 1999, p 36, see Kramer in Bromiley 1985, p 953).


2. To prove the above that ancient Greek philosophyrose from oracular false prophecy called “python or sophis” i.e. the serpent symbol of mysterious wisdom, see Mathew 10:16 “serpent is Hebrew “Sophis” (see Isaiah 8:19 “Saphilsaphim”, i.e. muttering and whispering sounds of witchcraft).

3. Please Note : Many ancient Greek philosophers were members of oracles, cults and the Manteoumai (some visited or consulted such oracles.

EXAMPLES ARE Socrates (from sorcerer, i.e. magician, from the Hebrew

“Cesoph” (magic) Latin “Sacra” (spirit) or extraordinary. Socrates was a member of the Delphi oracle, formerly called “pythia”, i.e. the serpent cult which told him that no one will be wiser than him.

The Truth: Socrates was sentenced to death for being a member of that cult, which means corrupting the morals of youths of Athens (see Asaju, 1999, p 36 cited “Platos Dialogues”).

Pythagoras: (i) Pythagoras was a member of the cult of Dionysus, a serpent (sophis or Orpheus) cult originating from Asia (i.e. Graeco- Asianos). See McCain 2005i.e. (Mystery Greek Religions).(ii) Serpent is Greek “python”, ophis or ophet. In Hebrew it is “Sophis, Ophen, Nahas or Nahasuphia”, see 2 kings 18:4, Nehustan. Also Numbers 23:14 “Zophim” transliterated from the Hebrew “Sophe” (i.e. divination, or the serpent spirit of divination or looking for omens: see Isaiah 2:6- Philistia (from Phileso) inventors of magic (ceseph) and divinations (sophim) hence phili-sophis.


Mathematics Note: Pythagoras was primarily a cult leader (not a Mathematician)Also Note that the word “Mathematics” is from the Hebrew “Mathym” (i.e. that spiritual laws and spiritual knowledge are built on spiritual figures or numbers. Number 100 is spiritual perfection). Also Mathym means Rabbinic or religious knowledge (Aland and Newman, 1983).

Parmenides: (from “Pharma” i.e. magic power) or Phobos (gods). His patron god (in a dream or trance) took him to the gates of the sun and revealed certain things to him.

Heraclitus (and Boethius)Heraclitus of Ephesus was also being connected to the above Parmenides spiritual encounter. Heraclitus is from “Ela (Helia to Helium) i.e. the sun as god.

Thales: The name Thales is from the Greek “Themis” (God’s laws). Themis is from the Greek “Theos” (i.e. God). Thales signified oracular words from the gods. Thales believed he was speaking (Sapha) for the gods, though it was in error since his philosophia did not hold much influence among the Delphians. (See Jeremiah 46:19 Thebes of Egypt to Thales of Greece)

Anaximander: He was a student of Thales. Anaximenes: Studied under Anaximander. They had the

same cultic, influences; when they conceived of the stuff as water and air, they were animists.

THE GREEK PANTHEON


The Greek pantheon of gods clearly proves that the Greek city states worshipped gods, hence they strongly believed they received inspirations, knowledge and wisdom from these gods (nephren) or wisdom from the gods, or (nephren) or wisdom from the gods. (Bromiley, 1985, Nepheloa, i.e. gods live in clouds).Please Note; the Greek “Olympia, Olymphia” or Sophi means the mountain where the gods live; (Wilson, 1965). Hence the Olympic Games were held in honour of the gods from 776BC 100 years before classical Greek philosophy.Protagoras, i.e. knowing things before hand through extraordinary means.Hebrew “Phe”, “Phili or Phileso, to the Greek, “Phaulos and “Phobos”

(HOW PHILOSOPHY STARTED) from Philasapha i.e ancient false prophecy (See Isaiah 8:19 “Saphilsaphim”, i.e. witchcraft muttering and whispering cries) (Why Col 2:8 totally condemned philosophy)1. The Hebrew “phe” is spirits; phl or phili, (i.e. the

extraordinary or from above, or Holy One “Phelon, BDB, 2007 pp 924, 811, 86, “Phanea or Saphne, i.e. the gods speak) Note: Philila or Tophila is prayer (Tophila is divination prayers; Jeremiah 7:31-32).

2. The Greek Phobos means gods or god of terror and wars, equivalent to the Hindu Siva or Sipha or Hebrew “Sephu”. (Phobos is Phobia, i.e. god of fear) Bromiley, 1985, p 1272.

3. Hebrew “Phalasapha” (speaking against God), from the Phoenician “Baalsapha” or “Baalspheme, to Blasphemy


(speaking sapha) against God (i.e. Baal or Phaal, Phallus, etc).

4. See Hebrew “Evil” or Ephil (i.e. foolish) or foolish wisdom: Isaiah 44:25 etc.Note: Foolish is Philosoph: also Repulsive is Phulosiph; 2 Chronicles 15:16 i.e. idolatry or Philistia. (Isaiah 2:6).

PHOENICIAN PROPHECY: The ancient “Baali, Baala” or Baalasapha (Hebrew “Phaalasephu) i.e. consulting the gods (saphne), the dead, demons and evil spirits (2 Kings 1:1-3- Baalzebub was ancient Phoenician prophecy.PROPHECY IN PHILISTIA (I.E. PHALASU OR PHALASAPHIR)Isaiah 2:6, prophecy through witchcraft, magic, sorcery or divination came from the East (i.e. Asia) and Philistia. The word “Philisti” is from the Phoenician or Hebrew Phileso, Piliset or Phalasu, which means idolatry or repugnant witchcraft practices, BDB 2007, pp 811, 812, 814 834. See 2 Kings 1-3 consult Baalzebub (i.e. the devil) or daimon (Demon) of Ekron (Philisti) to know if he will survive his sickness. (See 1 Samuel 6:1-3, the Philistines consulted their diviners; (Isaiah 2:6) i.e. phili-sophis. (BDB, 2007, pp 811-814) etc.

PROPHECY IN EGYPT (2 Kings 23:11, sun god worship came from Egypt. Prophecy in Egypt was ecstatic; Perhaps Israel learnt or borrowed some of its own ecstatic (musical) frenzy or possessive prophetic behavior from her Egyptian bondage. Ancient Egyptian prophecy was “Zaphne” (Hebrew “Saphne) i.e. the gods speak through the magicians.ASSYRIA AND SYRIA272 | Theories on the Origins of Religions

Prophecy was “sipiritu’ (i.e. siphritu) i.e. messengers or agents of the gods 2 Kings 17:29-32 reveals the divination practices of Assyria (Also 2 Kings 16:16)

PROPHECY IN ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA: Sumerian and Akkadian scripts to the Phoenician and Palasti “Zophu, Zephon” or Hebrew “Sophim” (Numbers 23:14, i.e. divination or false prophecy (i.e. Balaam from Baal or Phaal or Phallu or Greek “Phaulos”; to Latin “vile”. Hosea 9:10.

EPHESUS AND ASIA MINOR (E.G. ANTIOCH)Ancient gods like Artemis (the people’s goddess or Diana) gave messages to her priests which Apostle Paul condemned as idolatry (Phalasu) or false prophecy (i.e. Phaulos) etc Acts 19:23-40. (See James 3:13-15 Phaulos- Sophia, i.e. false wisdom.

EPHRAMITE (ASSYRIAN) PROPHECY: The Ephramite (Northern Israel) “Pilos, Philos or Philosop” (i.e. consulting magic and witchcraft; Ezekiel 13:18-20), influenced by Assyrian Tiglath Pileser or Phileso the diviner (2 Kings 16).

PROPHECY IN HINDUISMThe Hindu “Phallu-siva” (phalusipha) was the god of shrine sexuality (for fertility) and a god of destruction. The Phalus is from the Nimrodean “Baali” or “Phala” i.e. Baal, the father of polytheism (Woodrow, 1969).Hebrew “Philoa” (extraordinary powers) gave us “Pilos or Philos” (which means extraordinary powers of magic) (see KJV Ezk 13:18-20) not ordinary pillows Pilos or Philos


corresponds to Mtt 23:5- phylactery, i.e. the law box constantly tied to the forehead or arm like a magic charm. See Deut. 6:1-13 etc.

PROPHECY IN ANCIENT PERSIA: the magos (Mathew 2:1-16 i.e. wisemen or sophoi) or the chosodin (i.e. Chaldeans or Astrologers) see Daniel 2:2-10 and 27 etc did fortune telling or prophecy by reading the stars and interpreting their movements.

HOW GREEK PHILOSOPHY BEGAN(see Joel 3:6 “You sold Judah… to the Greeks). (see Ezk 27; The Greeks were trading partners of Israel and Phoenicia)a. Israel was known all over the ancient world as a people

of God, hence when Northern Israel (Samaria) was deported by Saigon in 721BC and the South (Judah) by Nebuchadnezzar between 600 and 586BC, people started asking penetrating and reflective questions, i.e. “Is there really God and gods”, i.e. if God is with this people (i.e. Israel) how come they have been devastated so much and humiliated into exile? That means the gods of other peoples could be stronger than theirs.Hence, classical Greek philosophy started with the questioning of the existence of gods before it expanded into other reflections, like how existence began.

b. That was after the ancient Greek Mantic and puthonoi (pytho) etc i.e. fortune tellers had functioned for so many years as prophets who received wisdom from gods (i.e. serpent-magical gods, called Tophilaso or Philasaphim in Hebrew, or false prophets Jer 7:31-32. it was transliterated to Greek in Daniel 2:2-10 and Daniel 1:20


as “Sophoi” from Hebrew “Asaphim” i.e. magic and consulting spirits and the dead or the “Phalasapha”, i.e. opposing or speaking against God: or sorcerers, enchanters or Pharmakos. Thus, people started questioning all these, being the main reason for executingSocrates (i.e. sorcerer, magician) from the Hebrew cesoph (see 2 Peter 1:16 Sesophis) i.e. cleverly crafted or invented, or not true Socrates was sentenced to death for being a member of the occult, i.e. the cult or pythia of the serpentine Delphic Oracle where the serpent god (Hebrew “Sophis”, Greek, “Pytho) gave wisdom to its members.

ANCIENT GREEK GNOSTIC- PHILOSOPHERS AND OPHITES (see McCain 2005)Mathew 10:16, “be ye wise (phronimos) as serpents (sophis). Ancient Greek Ophites worshipped the serpent (Ophis or Sophis) as source of mysterious knowledge, i.e. Gnosis which gave us Gnosticism and Science from Gno-seos (to Latin Scien, i.e. mysterious knowledge see 1 Tim 6:20; KJV and NIV). Hence Jesus said in Mtt 10:16 “Be ye as wise or crafty (Greek Phronimos) as serpents (Hebrew Ophis or Sophis).Important Please Note: the word “serpent” is from the Hebrew Sophen, Ophen, Sophis or Sophetim” transliterated to English as “serpent”. Were ancient Greek Philosophers Students in Egypt? (See No 3 below)Egyptian schools of philosophy (for mantic prophecy: i.e. divination) were theologically cultic, mainly at Memphis Jer. 46:19


1. Nwala (1997) in Introduction to Philosophy and Logic, said ancient Greek philosophers were students of philosophy in Egypt (c600/400BC). They included Thales, Plato, Anaximander etc.

2. What Nwala did not tell us is that the Egyptians called gods and spirits (saphne or Zaphene or Pho) particularly that the gods were the sources of wisdom, hence in Genesis 41:42-45 Pharaoh called Joseph “Zaphenath” (Greek Sophonias) Paneah (or Phaneah) i.e. the gods speak through Joseph. (See Col 2:2-4 God (or Christ) is the source of true wisdom; not plausible, false or philosophical wisdom.

3. Hence, ancient Greek philosophers believed, from their orientation in Egypt and from their Greek pantheon of gods led by Zeus that wisdom comes from the gods, hence the gods spoke through them. Thus they were prophets who received divine wisdom from the gods.

CLASSIFICATION OR CATEGORIES OF PROPHETS Major Prophets: prophets who wrote more chapters in

their prophetic books in the Holy Bible; e.g. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel.

Minor Prophets: Minor Prophets wrote less number of chapters: e.g. Obadiah is only one chapter.

Former Prophets: These were spiritual leaders in Israel before Israel became a Nation, e.g. Abraham, the Patriarchs, Moses etc (including the Judges ; e.g. Joshua and Deborah).


Eight Century Prophets: these prophets lived around 799-700BC when Israel was prosperous which led Israel to backslide and to sin. Hence, they were warned against exile; Isaiah, Amos and Hosea were 8th century prophets.

Eschatological Prophets: these prophets prophesied concerning the last days (i.e. from Greek “Esxatos”) Daniel was eschatological.

From Egypt to Canaanites and Midian: Prophecies Gen 44:5 and 15 Joseph and some Israelites learnt divination in Egypt. Genesis 41:8, Exodus 7:11 etc. Deuteronomy 18:9-14, do not practice Canaanite sorcery. Isaiah 8:19 “Saphilsaphim”, witchcraft or witches mutter and whisper.

Mesopotamian False Prophecy or Divinations: i.e. Laban in Padan Aram received messages through divination (i.e. from spirits and gods) that Jacob should stay Jacob’s continued stay did not end well.

Pre-Exilic Prophets: were prophets who came before Judah went into exile around 600/586 BC.

Exo- Exilic Prophets: Jer 29:24 clearly reveals that Jeremiah did not go into exile; however, he continued to send prophecies from Jerusalem to those in exile.

Apocalyptic Prophets: the Greek Apokalupsis means great things to come. Daniel prophesied remarkable apocalyptic events to come. Read Daniel 1-12.

False or Cultic Prophets: Jeremiah 14:14 “false prophets, I did not send them”. These false prophets called Tophilaso (Ezekiel 22:26-28) claimed God spoke to them; that they received wisdom from God. They were also fortune tellers and magicians (Balaam) or Phali.


Sons of the Prophets or Apprentice Prophets (i.e. can someone learn prophecy?): sons of the prophets like Elisha and Micaiah were servant or disciple prophets, moving in bands during Samuel’s time (980BC). By Elijah’s era (800BC) they became better organized in guilds (Bromiley, 1985). Apprentice prophets were tied to their masters, e.g. Elisha to Elijah; some of these disciples became master prophets (with their own followers) in exile; examples are Haggai and Daniel who were disciple prophets before exile; the word Haggai means to go, follow or emigrate (Arabic “Hijrah”, Hebrew “Hegira”) BDB, 2007, Saul anointed by Samuel ran into those sons of the prophets in 1 Kings 10.

Southern or Judean Prophets: these prophets functioned in the Southern kingdom of ancient Israel called Judah; they included Jeremiah, Micah, Joel or Isaiah, Nathan etc.

Messianic and Restoration Prophets: these prophets prophesied about a coming Messiah who was to restore Israel after exile (see Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 7:14) including Jeremiah’s seventy years of Israel in exile (Jeremiah 25:30) etc then Israel will return.

Post Exilic: Post exilic prophets were prophets carried into exile by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar (c600/586 BC). They include Daniel, Haggai, Ezekiel etc.

Northern Prophets: Prophets who functioned in Northern Israel (i.e. Samaria) were Elijah, Elisha, Amos etc.

WHAT IS 400 YEARS OF SILENCE?


1. There is the biblical theology view that once Israel went into exile that inspiration from God ceased, hence no true prophecy came until John the Baptist; that which covered 400 years from 600BC – 3 BC/CE, i.e. to John the Baptist-six months before Jesus was born.

2. Note: Ezekiel, Daniel and Haggai all prophesied in exile. While Jeremiah who escaped exile continued prophesying in Jerusalem: see Jer. 25, 39, 30 etc.

3. Note: The Apocrypha (i.e. a 400 years of silence product). The six extra Old Testament books accepted by the catholic Vulgate (see the Goodnews Bible Version) are called Apocrypha by Protestantism, which means books with hidden or vague origins (Greek “Apokrupho) and considered not inspired. They include Tobit, Esdras, Bel and the Dragon, Susannah, Mecabees 1 & 2, Sirach, Samson and the Dragon, Ecclesiasticus etc. They emerged during the 400 years of silence era (McCain, 2005). There are more like Ecclesiasticus, Baruch etc.

(a) Note: Pseudoepigrapha(b) These are books from before the 400 years of silence

and after Christ, totally rejected by Catholics and Protestants. That is, they also rejected books from the New Testament Canon e.g. Gospel of Barnabas, Shepherd of Hermas, wisdom books of Moses, Gospel of Peter etc.

(c) The Greek “Pseudo” means false, while Epigrapha is spiritual writings, hence pseudoepigrapha means “false spiritual writings” (Metzger 2001), pp 79-85.Ecstatic Prophecy: Ecstatic prophets in ancient Israel (similar to the Egyptian type) were often acting like


possessed people often aided by music. People looked at them as mediums or madmen: (See 2 Kings 9:1-11 (v11). See Asian Shamans.

PUNISHMENT AND CONSEQUENCES FOR FALSE PROPHECY (Exodus 22:18) Deut 18:9-end, do not practice divination or consult the dead. Those who I have not sent (Jer 14:14, Jer 23:2-25) but they prophecy in my name,they must be put to death. Deut 18:20

ORIGINS OF FALSE PROPHECY IN ISRAEL2. Egypt (see Jer 8:2) Israel got the worship of the sun god

from Egypt (i.e. Ra or ela or Helios to Helium, i.e. sun god, not Eli or Elohim) Isaiah 47:13.

3. Asia which gave us the word “East” (see Isaiah 2:6) Israel abandoned the one true God. They started worshipping divination gods of false prophecies from the East and Philistia (see Jer 7:31-32- Tophet or Tophilaso i.e. false prophecies through divination; Sophiku is paganism, or strange religions (Isaiah 2:6)

4. Babylon: the Nimrodian synthesis or theory that says that Nimrod of Babylon in Gen. 10, was worshipped as Baal in later years; a divination system which entered Israel from Ekron in Philisti, 2 Kings 1:1-3, 1 Samuel 6:1-6, Isaiah 2:6, called “Phallusiva” in Hindi- i.e. philosophy)

5. Deut 18:9-14,Canaanite and Phoenician- “Mophil”- Asaphim (Philasaphim) i.e. consulting occultic prophetic oracles of “sesophis”, Asaphim, Palasu or Phalasu, i.e.


idolatry, sorcery or consulting the dead (saphsaphim or witchcraft Isaiah 8:19).

6. Assyrian Nisroch: 2 Kings 19:37; see also 1 Samuel 9:9, the old namefor prophecy in Israel was “Roeh” (i.e. seer) he who can see into the future with an equivalence in the Assyrian “Nisroch”. That word “Roeh” was changed to Nabhi in Elijah’s time since it had probable occultic origin.

7. Assyria: 2 Kings 16:10, 2 kings 17:29-32 etc the Assyrians imported Assyrian false prophecy into deported Israel (i.e. the North) by 721BC which penetrated down the South into Judah. Northern Israel under Jeroboam before the exile of 721BC, already imported Philistine divination, into Israel, (i.e. Samaria; see 2 Samuel 13, i.e. the man of God from Judah sent by God to warn Samaria against false worship 1 Kings 13 etc. See also 2 Kings 17:24 & 31 “sephar-vaim is from “Sophiphon”, i.e. the serpent, spirit of fire divination. See Gen 49:17 viper is from Phipher or Sophipon (serpent) BDB 2007, p 861).

8. Philistia:(see Isaiah 2:6) magic, witchcraft, sorcery and divination entered Israel through Philisti 2 Kings 11:1-3.

9. 1 Samuel 9:9 Hebrew- “Roeh or Rapha (spirit healing), i.e. a seer is the ancient name for prophets, it is also Hebrew “Nabi” or Arabic “Anabi” or Noph of Egypt (Jer 46:19 etc)

10. Hebrew “sopis, sopet, sophis, sophet or sophim, i.e. the serpent as divination or inquiry spirit (Greek pytha) of inquiry from the dead or the occult. See Greek “Proestomene” (leader, priest or manager; 1 Tim 3:1-12.


11. See Mtt 10:16- crafty or wise (i.e phronimos) serpent is sophis.

12. Hebrew Palatsu or Phalasu, i.e. people deep in idol worship, magic, witchcraft and divination. 1 Samuel 6:1-2, the philistines (i.e. devil or Delphi worshippers) summoned their diviners. See 2 Kings 1:1-3 Baal Zebub the false god of Ekron (capital of Philisti).

13. Ophra (Judges 8) i.e. city or town of divination or idol worship (see Gideon).

14. Hebrew “Sophoner”, i.e. hidden or mysterious things.(i.e. Zephania or Soponias)

15. Hebrew “Saphat or Sophet” (Judge) from Hebrew “Sophen or Sophis” i.e. the serpent as Judge (Gen 9:17, Acts 28:3-6).

16. Egyptian Zaphne, Hebrew Saphne, Greek “Sophonias”, i.e. the gods or pharaoh as god speaks (Gen 41:43-45) See Zephaniah, i.e. hidden or mysterious treasures, BDB, 2007, p861.

16a. Important :Hebrew “Ephod” Ephe or Ephil (to Greek “Enph” to info) i.e. to reveal divine messages, Exodus 28:30, or spiritual garment for consulting God; Priests who wore the garment were the “Sophon”, watchmen or prophets: Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 6:17 etc.

c. Ephod or Enpho gave us info or information, i.e. spiritual revelations.

18. See Hosea 3:4 your gods (i.e. Hebrew “Sophi” or idols) then Hebrew “Phala or Phililah”, i.e. worship.

18a. Hosea 3:4 “Terephim or Tere- Ephil (divination)b. Genesis 6:4 “The Nephilim, i.e. angels who married

earthly women, then producing giants.


Note: Isaiah 44:25 Nebali or Nephaulos- Ophet (i.e. false or foolish prophets: diviners) see Rev 9:11, Hebrew “Abad” is Greek “Apollyon or Phaulon).

COMMON HEBREW ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD PROPHET (PRO-OPHET AND PHILOSOPHET (PHILOS- OPHET)Why Col 2:8 condemned philosophy(Ezekiel 13:10-20 Nebhali- Nebhim: to Greek Nephalos- Ophet, i.e. foolish or false prophets: Ezekiel 22:28- Tophila; false prophetsSee Col 2:8 “Philos-Ophet or Philo-Sophet, i.e. false teachers, false wisdom or Ephili or Pheliso: Judges 17:3-4- consulting spirits or carved images, or idols, or Ephod- Ephili or Philsaph) i.e. Philisti (Isaiah 2:6) BDB, 2007, p 821, Phaal, i.e. doing evil).1. Phoenician “Zophe”, Hebrew “Sophe” (i.e watchman or

prophet) Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 6:17 etc.2. Old Testament Hebrew “Movot”- witch, magic- or (Movot,

i.e. witch).3. Old Testament Hebrew “Mophot or Mophet” (i.e.

medium, 1 Sam 28- Witch of Endor or extraordinary powers of spiritism. Exodus 22:18- a witch).

4. Baalsapha is Phalasapha (i.e. gods speak or judge) See BDB, 2007, p 128, also Rev. 9:11, Baal is Phal vile or Phil etc.

5. Cesoph (keseph or sorcery) i.e. magic or witchcraft.


6. Exodus 10:22 “Ephilia, Rephilia, Mephilia; Ephil ‘i.e. supernatural darkness or concealed.

7. Asaphim, Asephaya, Aseph, Asophim or Sophim (Num 23:14, Phoenician, Zophim) i.e. hill of divination. Then Phelia or Pheliha (to worship a god or God BDB, 2007, p 1108- or Tophilah, to pray. Ezra 7:24, i.e. worship is Phil.

8. Hebrew “Tophel, Tophet, Tophilaso”, i.e. divination, or consulting gods and spirits Jer. 7: 31-35.

9. Ephilia- Sophoner, i.e. concealed, darkened, hidden or mysterious: Hidden treasures.

10. See Isaiah 34:12 Ephal or Ephilso i.e. it shall not exist, or nothingness or Isaiah 41:24 Phalasa i.e. worthless (BDB, 2007 p 67)

11. Hebrew “Philal” or Tophila (i.e. prayer or consulting gods and God (BDB, 2007, p 812)

12. Phoenician, “Vilasaphim” to Hebrew “Philasaphim” to Arabic falsafa, to Greek Philosophoi i.e. magicians and false prophets. Dan 2:21, Dan 1:20 etc.

13. Hebrew “Ophel” (Nehemiah 3:26) spiritual hill.14. Hebrew “Phe”, Phl, or Phili, Greek Phobos, i.e. gods or

the extra-ordinary; or Philon i.e. from above or the Holy One (a Priest).

15. Judges 17:5, Judges 18:4, Phesel (Pheloseph) consulting God. See also Hosea 3:4 “Ephod, Ephili, Terephil, i.e. consulting God Exodus 28:6-31.Note: Very Important: Judges 17:5 ‘Sephu’ (gods) Ephad, Ephili or Teraphil (i.e. consulting the gods- sephu)

16. See Judges 17:3-4 “Phasel or Pheliso” (i.e. carved images or idols or philiset, philisoph (Philisti or idolatry).


17. Hebrew “Pili, Pilos, Piliset, Philisti, Philaso (see Ezekiel 13:18-20, i.e. magic, magic tied to the body (or Mathew 23:5, the law tied like magic (phylactery) to the forehead) Deut 6:1-13 etc.

18. Important: 2 Kings 23:10, Jeremiah 7:30-32, Tophilaso (Tophet) valley of divination or false prophecy owned by Ben Hinnom, i.e. practice imported from Canaanite and Phoenician “Zophim or Sophim” (i.e. Hill of divination or consulting the gods or witchcraft: Num 23:14, Num 24:1).

PLEASE NOTE: MORE EXTRACTS a) Acts 13:6 etc: Bar Jesu (i.e. Elyma Bar Jesu) was a

Ceseph, Sesophon (Cesep or sorcerer or magician) or Philosophon (Col 2:8) i.e. a sorcerer, a magician, false-prophet for Greek “makos” or Elymas (magician) or Hebrew “Asaphim” cesoph or sophion, i.e. he consults spirits or rudimentary elemental spirits of this world called “Philosophis” (Col 2:8 or Isa 2:6, i.e. the Philistines invented magic and divination called “sophis”, hence “philosophis”, thus, Jesus said in Mtt 10:16 “Be ye as wise (Phronimos) or crafty; (ceseph) as serpents (i.e. Hebrew “Sophis, Greek “Ophis”, Ophet or “Pytho” etc.

b) 2 Peter 1:16 “cleverly invented” (Greek “Sesophis) or philosophoi from Hebrew “Phalasapha” i.e. false teachers or teachers of magic (keseph).

EXTRACTS (a) BDB, p 611, (see 1 Samuel 9:9) ancient prophets (in Samuel’s

time c1,000/960BC) were the Hebrew “Roeh” or Hereh, the seer) from Ephramite texts, but the name changed around Elijah’s time (c790BC) and applied to Abraham in Genesis 20:2


and to Moses in Deuteronomy 34:10 and to Hosea (Hosea 6:6 and Hosea 12). See Numbers 12:6-8.

(b) Ancient prophecy (c1600/1400BC-see Miriam) came with songs and band music as in ecstasy (p612) to Deborah, Judges 4:4, Huldah of 2 kings 22:14 consulted to receive word from Yahweh which was the prophetic tradition of spoken words or utterances.

VERY IMPORTANT Hebrew “Neb” is to utter, announce or speak in low voice of

lifted sound, which entered Greek as Nepho or Phone, i.e. sound or to speak (BDB, P 611).

From Neb to Nabi or Nebi, i.e. to proclaim or utterance.


CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

ANCIENT FALSE PROPHETS (TOPHILASO) PRODUCED PHILOSOPHERS

NUM 23:14- I.E. OCCULTIC KNOWLEDGE OR FALSE PROPHECYMore Extracts Hos 3:4- Terephil (Divination or false prophecy) Tophilaso,

see the Hindu “phallusiva from Hebrew “Phalasu” (phalasapha, i.e. opposition, idolatry and adultery.

Phoenician- “Phalasu, palasu (fallacy or deceit) or phileso to Philisti-sophim (Isaiah 2:6 inventors of magic and divination i.e. false prophecy i.e. Philasapha.

DIAGRAMMATIC LINGUISTIC ORIGIN OF THE WORD “PROPHET”Acts 13:5-13 Paphos is Phaulosophos, i.e. phalasapha to philosophos, i.e. false prophets (Divination town).See Acts 13:5 “Paphos” (sorcery) is from the Hebrew “Palasapha” or Phalasapha Phalasa i.e. magic or wizardry or witchcraft, crafty

Phoenicia Egyptian Hebrew Greeka) Movot to Hebrew “Mophet” i.e. a spiritualist or medium who speaks for the gods, or that the gods speak through the mediums.b) Zophe

Phanea to speak or the gods (i.e. saphne) speak (phanea) to Greek phone- i.e. phonetics or study of language

Mophet or Ophet or Tophet: 1 Samuel 9:19 Ophet, Jer 7:31-32- high places of divination or Tophila- sophoner (i.e. occultic or hidden; i.e. a medium or he who speaks for the gods or for the serpent spirit (Ophis)

a. Prophetes or Propheteuo.b. From Pro-Ophis i.e. to know before it happens or receiving messages, wisdom or knowledge (Philos-Ophis) from spirit beings


(Ezekiel 3:17, Jeremiah 6;17, Isaiah 56:10 watchman or prophet or seon (seer) 1 Samuel 9( (i.e. Hebrew “Sophe”)

sounds.Genesis 41:39, Zaphne or Saphne, Panea i.e. Joseph speaks through the Egyptian king or god. See 2 Kings 18; Nahasuphia ( i.e. serpent or sophis, worship for wisdom).

or Sophet. See Jer 7:32. Tophet from Tophilaso, i.e. valley of divination; see Numbers 23: 14. Zophim or Sophim- (divination).

especially the Ophis or Sophis, i.e. the serpent spirit of divination called Sophim (Numbers 23:14) and proclaiming it to the people.

c) Baal Sapha to Hebrew “Phalasapha” or Philucifer, i.e. idolatry (philosopher) the gods speak or oppose God.d) Baali to Hebrew “Phala) phe” spirit BDB, 2007, P 942 to Ophel or sacred mountain Nehemiah 3:26 or Greek “phobos” (gods or Sophu) to

1. See Phoenician “Baal” (Hosea 9:10) Hebrew “Phaal”, to Greek “Phaulos” (Latin “Vile”).2. Greek Nephelos i.e. clouds, or that the gods or spirits from the Hebrew (Phe or Phobos) live in the cloudy, or in the soul (Hebrew “Nephes”- soul).3. Philal or Tophilah, Hebrew “Phe or Phili” i.e. spirit, or the unseen, (extraordinary) or


“sophi” (Sinai) i.e. spiritual mountain or sophen (serpent-spirit) or Egyptian “saphne” (zaphne) or gods.

what cannot be seen or explained.4. Hebrew, “Phili” (spiritual) or movot to “mophet” i.e. signs, wonders, miracles and spiritists.5. Genesis 6:4 “Nephilim” i.e. spirits or angels who married women and produced giants (use NIV).6. See Hosea 3:4 Terephil, i.e. divination (consulting the gods or idols).a. Alpha (Phine or Phili) i.e. God first.b. Raphael God heals.c. Phinehas (probably a black priest) (i.e. Ebone to Phine- Dark) Numbers 25:6. BDB, 2007, p 811-814.

HOW FALSE PROPHETS BECAME PHILOSOPHERS (i.e. manteomai or manticisms of the false prophet Delphi Oracle) which Socrates was a member (Asaju, 1999, p 36) Bromiley, (1985)Isaiah 56:10, “Your watchmen (sophe, i.e. prophets) are blind guides: Hebrew “Phata” (open eyes to Ephelia, blind or darkness.


a. Jeremiah 14:14 (also Jeremiah 23:21-25) God said, “I have not sent these prophets. You are prophesying delusions or darkness of your minds (Sophon or Soph). Later those false (phaulos) prophets (pro-ophis) broke away from the true prophetic class; they continued to claim divine wisdom and revelations from God. However, Jeremiah called them “Tophilaso” (Jeremiah 7:32). Topheth, i.e. divination of receiving false wisdom (Colossians 2:8- see Goodnews) and from the serpent called Ophis or Sophot spirit of falsehood.

b. See 2 Kings 18:4 the Jews were worshipping the Bronze serpent (Nahasuphia or Nehustan- or Nahas) as source of wisdom.

c. Also, ancient Greek “Ophites” (from Ophis, i.e. serpent) worshipped the serpent (Hebrew”Sophis”, 2 Kings 18:4) as source of wisdom.

FUNCTIONS AND IMPORTANCE OF PROPHETSi. God ruled Israel through the prophets who received

messages, instructions, direction and moral guidance from God to the people. It was called Theocracy.

ii. Hence, the prophets were intermediaries between God and the people, applicable to other peoples and cultures and religions with prophetic revelation claims.

iii. The prophet in Israel was a “Sophe” (spiritual and moral watchman over Israel Ezekiel 3;17, Hosea 9:8, Isaiah 56:10 etc)

ANCIENT ORIGINS OF PROPHECY IN ISRAEL (which also produced “false prophecy”, currently called philosophy)1a. Israelites by 1,400BC consulted the occult in Canaan to find

out or resolve mysteries. The occult was called “Phalasu” see witch of Endor (Ophet, Ovot or Cesaph, 1 Samuel 28


to Phileso (i.e. Philisti or Philosophis; Isaiah 2:6 or Sophiku (pagan) etc condemned by God in Deuteronomy 18:9-13 as Asaphim (consulting the dead) or Sophim (Zophim or sorcerers, i.e. Greek “sesophis” 2 Peter 1:16 cleverly crafted or ceseph, i.e. witchcraft, Numbers 24:1 or Ezekiel 13:18-20 “Veils” (Phili or hidden) of witchcraft (saphlaphim) i.e. philisaphim, i.e. witchcraft or false (phaulos) prophecy i.e. ophetim (or phaulosophets)

b. See also Mathew 10:16 “Be ye as wise or crafty as serpents; crafty is from Hebrew “ Cesoph”, i.e. magic; while wise is Greek “Phronimos” or Phren and Hebrew “Hakam”, then serpent is Hebrew “sophen”, or Greek “Ophis or Opet, or Pytho”. See (Bromiley, 1985, BDB, 2007, Brown and Comfort, 1991, Metzger, 2001, Mansoor, 2004, Nnaji 2012 and 2014 and Hebrew Old Testament (1940; London) etc.

2a) 1 Samuel 10:11- by Samuel’s time (c990BC) shows that early prophecy in Israel was characterized by ecstatic or possessed bands or groups of apprentice or servant prophets, e.g. Elisha servant to Elijah, and the sons of the prophets summoned by Ahab on the request of Jehoshaphat 1 Kings 22:1-18 etc.

b) Also, Daniel 1:20 and Daniel 2:2-10 were called “Philasaphim”, i.e. magicians, enchanters or wizards interpreting dreams and doing fortune telling as prophets.

3. By 1 Kings 17, Elijah’s time (c800BC) prophets were more organized in guilds or organizations (also called sons of the prophets).

4. See 2 Kings 18:4, the Jews were still worshipping the “Sophion” or “Sophis” (i.e. serpent or Nahasuphia or Nehustan) produced by Moses (Numbers 21:1-9, Bronze Serpent) as source of wisdom and healing, i.e. Greek “Pharmakon” or healing through magic from Hebrew “Rapha” or “Raphaim” etc.


5. In the Exodus days of Miriam (Numbers 12, i.e, Moses’ sister c1390BC. Prophecy was inspired by music, like in 1 Samuel 10:11, i.e. Saul among the prophets.

6. Around 1,380BC God said to Aaron and Miriam in Numbers 12:6-8, if there be a prophet among you, I will speak to him in visions and dreams (perhaps ecstasy) but with Moses I will speak face to face with him.

7. Deuteronomy 34:1-10, Joshua had the spirit of wisdom from God; Deborah and Samson also had spirits of prophecy or leadership (see Judges 13, 14 etc)Can prophecy be acquired by learning or anointing?How do you become a prophet, or is prophecy acquired as a natural gift?See Ephesians 4:11, Numbers 12:6-8 Deuteronomy 18:1-end etc. Classification/ Categories of Prophets

PROPHECY AND SCIENCEi. Science says prophecy is not scientific (i.e. prophecy

cannot be scientifically verified).ii. Hence, the scientific definition of prophecy is that prophecy

is an unverifiable metaphysical experience.

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN A PROPHET AND A MADMANProphecy and Schizophrenia(Difference between prophets and madmen)1. Thomas Hobbes in Leviathan (1651) stated that madmen

will not allow us know who is a madman and who is a prophet, (since madmen or mentally distorted people and prophets exhibit the same qualities of seeing things and hearing voices (or hearing things).

2. Godwin Lasebikan (1983) in Prophecy and Schizophrenia stated that prophets experience supernatural contacts,


while mentally disturbed people hallucinate (i.e. they hear voices or things.They are also deluded (see Jeremiah 14:14, false prophets and delusions) that is being, deceived by brain chemicals that they are seeing things or visions. Those brain chemicals are called Neurotransmitters (e.g. Serotonin, Dopamine, GABBA, and Adrenergics, Acetyline etc (Bethlehem and March, 1983, cited by Nnaji 2011, in the Biochemistry of Religions.

3. Ogundu (2000) cited Jackson Smith’s Developmental Neuropsychiatry and Atkinson et al (1992) in Abnormal Psychology, on causes of people who claimed they heard voices of their gods. A particular girl said she heard the voice of her god commanding her to jump into fire for purification, which fatally burnt her.

CANONIZATION(i.e. rules and standards used by the early church in selecting books of the Bible from spurious ones)(i.e. why some spiritual or prophetic books (even New Testament era books) were rejected as pseudoepigrapha (i.e. satanic books) and Apocrypha (uninspired prophecies or books with hidden meaning and vague sources).1. The rejected books were written within that period labeled

as 400 years of silence, which means between 600 (or 586BC) when Judah (i.e. Southern Israel) was carried into Babylonian exile, to when Christ was born (c 3BCE) i.e. God did not give messages to prophets within that period. Some of those books written then, include Apocrypha, ones like Ecclesiasticus, Tobit, Judith, Suzannah, Maccabees 1 and 2, Esdras, Sirach, Bel and the Dragon etc.Note:

a) Northern Israel (i.e. Samaria) was deported to exile in 721BC; i.e. c130 years before the South (Judah) 2 Kings


17:1-end, etc.b) That same period of 400 years of silence (600BC to 3BCE)

witnessed serious wars fulfilling Daniel’s prophecies; e.g. i. Persia conquered Babylon,ii. Greek conquered Persiaiii. Romans conquered the Greeks (Ptolemies) and the

Seleucids (Syrians) etc, Cassius, Cato, Brutus,Mark Anthonio and Octavius, Caesar etc existed then. (See William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”

c) Also note: Philosophy (i.e. false prophecy) or Tophilaso, rose when true prophecy ceased.

i. Greek philosophy started within that period of 400 years of silence (i.e. 600BC- the first century CE)

2. Hence, rejected spiritual books were written by spurious or anonymous people who appended names of known prophets and Apostles to the books.

3. Hence, books not written by the known prophets and Apostles themselves or by the disciples of prophets and Apostles, themselves were rejected by canonization.

4. The prophets and Apostles must conform to the Jewish prophetic tradition; i.e. they must be Jews, their prophecies must conform to preceding prophecies.


REFERENCESBrown F, Drive S.R and Briggs C (2007) The Brown-Driver-

Briggs Old Testament Hebrew-English Lexicon: (Massachustts: Hendrickson)

Eliade.M (1989) The Encyclopedia of Religion 22 Volumes (New York: M.E)

Levin R (1984) Statistics for Management (New Jersey prentice Hall)

Brown. P. and Smith. B, (2008) The Hebrew Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan)

Noss, J (1970) Man’s Religious (Cited in Ogundu.C.O (2000) Ibadan PhD Thesis

Ogundu C.O (2000) A Philosophical and Religious Analyses of Suicide (Ibadan PhD Theisi 200)

Pfeifer C. and Rea.V (1987) The Wycliffe Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Wycliffe)

Watch Tower (2006) Makinds Search for God (Pennsy Ivania; Watch Tower)

Nnaji C.O (2015) False Prophecy Produced Philosophy (Enugun and Abuja: Theomerty)

Nnaji C.O (2000) General Introduction to Religion and Philosophy (Enugu OCPC)

Roth C. (1970) Encyclopedia Judaica (Jerusalem’s Kester)Oyekanmi O.A (2002) Cannon of the Old Testament: Edited

by Ogundu .C.O (Ojoo: OCPC)Kuper A. Kuper .J (1996) The Social Science Encyclopedia:

On Religion: Second Edition (London: Routhege)



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