USA Africa Dialogue Series - Re: On Religion, Destiny, and Prayer

A great piece indeed,  all the salient points succinctly hit.

The earth, still going round and round as predestined, the sun and moon, the planets all have their positions in the starry heavens. The question of fate / predestination / has already engaged philosophers and other speculators forever.

According to Judaism, the Almighty gives a ten-day period of grace which starts on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year; by the tenth day after the beginning of the  New Year, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Hebrew Year, the judgement is sealed as to who shall live and who shall die. I think that's why most Jews take this seriously, beginning with Kol Nidre;  check out this amazing scene of some of the faithful gathered at  The Western Wall in Jerusalem yesterday…

At the event known as The binding of Isaac , Isaac asked his father Abraham, "The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"

And Abraham answered ,"God will seek out for Himself the lamb for the offering, my son.And the two of them went together 

In Islam the word is Qadr

In speaking about the future people say " b'ezrat hashem" and "inshallah";a cynic told me that if a Muslim owes you money and he tells you that he intends to pay you and adds " inshallah" it means that he's never going to pay you.

Secular people in particular associate the concepts of fate, predestination etc with  "fatalism" which has the added tincture of "resignation" as it were, the will being sapped of the necessary incentive to want to change anything in spite of the popular saying," God helps those who help themselves" 

On Sunday, 24 September 2023 at 14:03:59 UTC+2 Oyeniyi Bukola Adeyemi wrote:

On Religion, Destiny, and Prayer

Religion is a complex and multifaceted concept encompassing beliefs, practices, rituals, and moral values related to the existence of higher powers, often referred to as gods, deities, or divine forces. It provides a framework for understanding the meaning and purpose of life, as well as guidelines for moral behavior and conduct. Religions vary widely in their beliefs and practices and frequently include sacred texts, places of worship, clergy, and religious ceremonies.

In the context of African history and culture, religion refers to the diverse and rich spiritual traditions found on the continent, including indigenous African religions, Christianity, Islam, and other faiths. These religions have played a significant role in shaping the beliefs, values, and social structures of African societies throughout history.

Religion has been a vital aspect of African societies for centuries. In most religious expressions, destiny and prayers are often mentioned.

In most religions, destiny is described as the belief that events and outcomes in a person's life are predetermined or preordained by a higher power or cosmic plan. It suggests that individuals have a fixed path or fate to follow, regardless of their choices or actions. Destiny often implies that one's life course is beyond their control and guided by forces or factors transcending human influence.

In different cultures and belief systems, the concept of destiny can vary. Some people believe in a predetermined destiny, while others emphasize free will and personal choices in shaping their lives. This topic has been explored in philosophy, religion, and literature for centuries, with perspectives on destiny varying widely depending on cultural, religious, and philosophical beliefs.

Similarly, prayers are described as a form of communication or conversation with a divine or spiritual entity, often directed toward a deity, God, gods, or a higher power. It is a fundamental practice in many religious and spiritual traditions worldwide. Prayers can take various forms, including spoken or silent words, chants, songs, or rituals, and they are typically used to express reverence, make requests, seek guidance, offer gratitude, or establish a spiritual connection.

In indigenous African religions, Christianity, Islam, and other faiths, the belief in destiny and the practice of prayer can indeed exhibit a certain ambivalence. If destiny is predetermined, why do we pray? Do our efforts matter?

Many belief systems grapple with the tension between destiny and prayers. On one hand, some individuals and cultures strongly believe in a predetermined destiny, where events are seen as ordained by a higher power. On the other hand, others emphasize personal agency and transcendental influence, suggesting that individuals can influence outcomes by harnessing transcendental powers to shape their lives and achieve outcomes other than the predetermined ones.

This duality may seem contradictory and ambivalent, relating to the balance between divine influence and predetermined outcomes. Can these two coexist?

Prayer is often seen as a means of seeking divine intervention or guidance in one's life. Those who pray believe that their petitions can influence outcomes or align their actions with a higher purpose. However, ambivalence arises when people question the efficacy of prayer. Do prayers genuinely lead to tangible changes, or are they merely sources of emotional solace and potentially a waste of time and resources? If outcomes are predetermined, can prayers alter them?

The ambivalence surrounding destiny and prayer is further heightened by the diversity of beliefs and practices across cultures and religions. Different faiths and regions have varying interpretations of destiny and prayer, leading to contrasting views and approaches.

The belief in destiny's existence and the effectiveness of prayers raises profound existential questions about the nature of life, suffering, and purpose. When people face adversity or challenges despite their prayers, it can lead to a sense of questioning and ambivalence about the role of destiny and the effectiveness of prayer in their lives.

For me, the ambivalence surrounding destiny and prayer is a deeply personal matter. Individuals may hold complex and evolving beliefs about these concepts, influenced by their upbringing, cultural background, religious affiliation, and personal experiences.

Scholars and theologians from various traditions have explored these ambivalent aspects, contributing to a rich tapestry of philosophical and religious discourse about the interplay between destiny, prayer, and the human experience.

As Sunny Ade puts it: "My destiny can never be changed at all." If so, praying and working to achieve that which is predetermined may raise questions about their purpose and impact.

(c) Bukola Adeyemi Oyeniyi 

September 24, 2023

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