Awakening of Faith
A Philosopher’s Journey Through Religion and Self-Discovery
My first awakening about faith and religion began during my undergraduate days as a philosophy student. At the time, I was hungry for knowledge — so much so that the teachings in the classroom were insufficient to quench my intellectual thirst. I was eager to explore the depths of human thought and existence, especially when we began courses like Theodicy, Philosophy of Religion, and African Traditional Religion.
These courses triggered serious questions about the faith I had been indoctrinated into. Everything started to seem like a hoax. I began questioning the very foundation of my beliefs. I imagine this might have been what the famous French philosopher René Descartes felt when he proclaimed, “Cogito, ergo sum” — I think, therefore I am. It was as though I was beginning to “know myself,” just as Plato described in his philosophy.
This journey of questioning and self-awareness unfolded through three key themes: The Origin of Evil, The Question of Religious Superiority, and The Parallels Between African Traditional Religion and Christianity.
The Origin of Evil: An Unsolved Mystery
The question of evil is one of the perennial issues in philosophy — an issue that has remained unresolved from ancient times to the present. Some philosophers have presented compelling arguments to explain the origin of evil, only to be countered by others with even stronger counterarguments. In the end, the question remains unanswered.
When I delved into the philosophical exploration of evil, I found myself caught in a web of confusion. How did evil originate? Why would an all-loving God allow evil to exist, even if He did not create it? After all, good cannot beget bad, and light cannot beget darkness. Moreover, why would God allow His beloved creatures to suffer evil as a form of punishment? Why do good people face misfortune while the wicked seemingly live happily without consequences? It felt like a cruel mockery of virtue.
This line of questioning was not aimed at undermining faith but at seeking a deeper understanding. In philosophy, questioning is a tool for intellectual awakening. It challenges the status quo, shakes the foundations of long-held beliefs, and opens the mind to new perspectives. Yet, as I grappled with these questions, no answer seemed entirely satisfactory.
One philosopher who provided a semblance of solace was Blaise Pascal. Pascal argued that it is better to live a good life because if there is no punishment after death, then one loses nothing; at worst, they leave behind a good legacy. On the other hand, if punishment does exist, then living a good life ensures salvation. This philosophical stance is famously known as Pascal’s Wager.
Pascal’s wager is not about proving the existence of God; instead, it is about the rationality of faith. It is a practical approach to life’s uncertainties, a reminder that we lose nothing by being virtuous. In essence, Pascal proposes a form of pragmatic faith: to live as though God exists, not necessarily out of conviction but as a “safe bet” against the possibility of divine judgment.
Pascal’s argument, while intellectually stimulating, did not fully resolve my internal conflict. I found it to be a cautious, almost calculated, approach to faith — one that lacked the emotional conviction I was seeking. Yet, it served as a guide, helping me navigate the murky waters of existential doubt without drowning in cynicism.
No Religion Is Superior; Every Religion Is Superior
This realization was perhaps the most challenging conflict I faced. In the religion I grew up with, I was taught that the teachings of the Pope were infallible, being the vicar of Christ and God’s representative on Earth. I was made to believe that salvation could only be found within the Catholic Church, and those outside its fold were doomed to miss heaven.
However, as I studied different religions, including Oriental religions, Islam, and African Traditional Religions (ATR), my perception began to shift. I came to understand that religion is a medium through which humans seek the Almighty Supreme Being. Each religion, including Christianity, interprets this search according to its worldview, shaping its unique doctrines and practices.
Oriental religions, for example, emphasize harmony with the universe and inner peace. Islam revolves around submission to Allah and living a righteous life according to the Quran. African Traditional Religions are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs, ancestor reverence, and the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical worlds.
This comparative study led me to the conclusion that no religion is “THE” superior one. Each is superior in its own right, serving as a cultural and spiritual lens through which its followers perceive the Divine. The diversity of religious beliefs is, therefore, not a contradiction but a testament to the vastness of human experience and interpretation of the Divine.
This realization did not come without its challenges. It meant letting go of the exclusivity I had been taught. It meant embracing pluralism and accepting that truth could be multifaceted. It was a humbling experience, one that taught me to respect the faith of others, not out of mere tolerance but out of genuine understanding.
Striking Similarities Between African Traditional Religion and Christianity
One of the most surprising discoveries was the striking similarities between African Traditional Religion (ATR) and Christianity. History tells us that Christianity was introduced to Africa during the colonial era. There is a popular saying, “When the missionaries came, they asked us to close our eyes and pray. When we opened our eyes, they had our land.” This expression captures the duality of religion and colonization, suggesting that Christianity came not just as a spiritual message but also as a tool of cultural assimilation.
Despite this, I realized that ATR and Christianity share profound similarities:
- Reverence for the Departed: In ATR, ancestors who lived virtuous lives are respected and invoked for guidance. Similarly, Christianity venerates saints, seeking their intercession.
- Monotheism: ATR believes in a supreme deity, known as Chi in Igbo cosmology, which is the epicenter of their existence. Likewise, Christianity believes in one God — omnipotent and omniscient.
- Sacred Symbols and Places: Just as ATR has sacred objects and places, Christianity has sacramentals (like the crucifix) and holy sites (churches and chapels).
- Rituals and Communion: In ATR, Ofo and Oji are used in rituals to invoke Chi, followed by the breaking of kola nuts and communal eating. Christianity similarly practices Holy Communion, symbolizing unity with Christ.
- Priesthood and Spiritual Leaders: ATR has Dibia (priests) who dedicate their lives to serving Chi. In Christianity, there are priests and pastors who serve as spiritual leaders.
- Belief in the Afterlife: Both ATR and Christianity believe in life after death. ATR envisions a realm where the virtuous are rewarded, and the wicked are punished, akin to Christianity’s belief in heaven and hell. This is echoed in the Bible in Matthew 25:34–46, where Jesus speaks about the righteous inheriting the kingdom while the wicked face eternal punishment.
These similarities challenged my preconceived notions and led me to appreciate the interconnectedness of human spirituality. It made me realize that the core essence of religion transcends cultural boundaries and is fundamentally about the human quest for purpose, morality, and connection to the Divine.
My philosophical journey taught me that faith is not static; it evolves as we grow in knowledge and experience. Questioning does not necessarily lead to disbelief; rather, it can lead to a deeper, more meaningful faith. Today, my faith is no longer defined by dogma but by a continuous journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration.
I have come to understand that religion is not about finding absolute truth but about embracing the mystery of existence. It is about living virtuously, not out of fear of punishment, but out of love for humanity. This awakening has allowed me to appreciate the beauty in all religious traditions and to find unity in diversity.
In the end, philosophy did not take away my faith; it transformed it. It taught me that the journey of faith is not about certainty but about courage — the courage to question, to doubt, and ultimately, to believe.
