By Prof. Nathan Protus Uzorma
The physical existence is characterized by the principles of objectivity while that of the invisible is categorized by the inner principles of subjectivity though not in all cases. In trying to understand the outer system of existence the application of objective principles in line with psychological factors become necessary.
These factors are associated with human existence. The Gods have never related with human beings without conflicting their advanced psychology with that of man. This makes it very difficult for man to understand the psychological language and structure of the Gods that are coded in symbols and most time very oblique and slanting to obfuscate the man.
In an attempt to understanding the basis man becomes more obfuscated and bemused. The reality is that man is trying to know himself and get advanced in his own local language thereby using his logical parlance and limited language structure to decode the primordial psychological language of the Gods. This has however launched man into the apogee of perplexity and bewilderment in his voyage to proper knowledge. This confusion has generated a lot of inner conflict between man and God as the Gods have found themselves in limbo.
Man on the other hand, has continued to bamboozle himself with various research methods in the area of religion in order to specialize in some fields of studies or learning relating to Religious Symbolism in other to understand the hidden and coded words of various Gods as contained in various sacred writings of antiquity.
This study has to an extent aided man in becoming closer to his understanding of ‘NOTHING’ as he has developed creeds and credos that have recreated his world and infused the spirit of rebirth of confusion. The spirit of rebirth (Born Again) of confusion has opened doors of various eschatological teachings that in the illogical thinking of man, must force various Gods to dance to their rhythm. The thinking of man in this context will make the Gods to adjust to the teachings of man instead of operating from their primordial intention. Is this mission realizable? Can the creators adjust Himself to man’s interpretations of his words? Is it possible for the Gods of various religions to be fooled by man? Has man shoot himself on his legs by following a pattern of thought that the divine has not approved?
I do not think that the Gods can easily adjust themselves to man’s creed in order to achieve a particular purpose. The divine intentions of the Gods are deeply and firmly rooted in their coded revealed words hitherto misunderstood and misapplied.
In the words of William Ralph Inge, “Man as we know him is a poor creature, but he is half-way between an ape and a god, and he is travelling in the right direction.” For Aristotle, “Man when perfected, is the best of animal, but, when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all…” In the words of Confucius as is contained in the Analects, “By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart.”
I wish to appeal to my readers not to be in a hurry to crucify me as they read my articles particularly this very one as the point that shall be raised here may not go down well with those that are in the abode of religious cum mundane ignorance. Those whose nature of spiritual consciousness is bewildered and cocooned by creed alone as they know nothing except what they are told by their earthly priests.
This is an article designed to throw deeper insight into the behavioral pattern of symbolism upon the beneficiaries. The language of symbolism is coded and can be understood through deeper insight into higher realities. Buried in self-description and veiled in allegory symbolism is illuminated by secret reflection of its meaning.
I have once informed my readers at one point that symbolism is the major tool used by the divine to communicate to humanity. In literal terms, symbolism simply means that what you see is not what it is. It is a practical representation of something that has a deeper meaning or representation of things that have profound cosmic hidden meanings.
This is the age of science and advanced technology as a result of same, knowledge shall increase in different dimensions but it is obvious that science and technology cannot explain everything and may not be able to create a well ordered society hence the need to search further. In searching further one should keep an open mind and be ready to accept new facts as they unfold to direct the human consciousness in the right path.
Deeper spiritual studies in symbolism, shows how the psychology and emotions of people are affected by it. A sound society is realizable if symbols and Christian spiritual ritual symbolism are handled with reverence. So when we are referring to psychology of spiritual symbolism, we are looking at the use of certain special figures or marks of identification to signify a religious message or divine being, as the cross for the Christ and the Christian faith.
In the Christian setting, existentialism is an accepted principle, and for this to be anything, there must be touchable things which the eyes can see and appreciate whether at worship , sacrifice or even ceremonies hence the phenomenological perspective of Christian religion. Having ascertained the value and inevitability of existentialism and phenomenology in the Christian religion, one crucial issue seems to be imperative here.
As one wonders if symbolism is truly part of the Christian Religion as it is in other religion; if it is, what are the importances of such symbols and what do one need to experience? What are their imparts on the Christian who desires to worship God in spirit and in truth?
Like we have them in African Traditional Religion, one may want to know if the use of such symbols in a Traditional Religious environment could lead to idolatry. This is a serious question that calls for answer. Before the advent of Christianity in this part of the globe, our ancestors were engulfed by the use of different kinds of Traditional Spiritual Symbols (TSS). They used same to decorate their communities and by so achieved a sane, secured and better traditional society.
It is evident however, that most of such symbols have to do with shrines and spirits, but do they portray and convey same significances in the pantheon? Or are they mere crew of images of real or imaginary objects that invoke feelings or are invoked by feelings? With the raid of modernity and Christianity on the symbols particularly the traditional religious types, does the present day Christian still believe and uphold these symbols in their traditional sacredness?