Why I prefer Orisa worship to Christianity, Islam - Wole Soyinka
Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has expressed his preference for traditional Orisa worship over Christianity and Islam, citing its artistic and creative nature. In an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, Soyinka
Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has expressed his preference for traditional Orisa worship over Christianity and Islam, citing its artistic and creative nature.
In an interview with CNN's Larry Madowo, Soyinka stated that Orisa worship is more mysterious and less violent compared to the other two religions.
Soyinka, who was exposed to both Christianity and Orisa worship from a young age, stated that Orisa's inclusive and ecumenical nature makes it unique.
“I was fortunate to be born in two worlds – the Christian world and traditional Orisa worshippers. My grandfather, until he – poor man – also got converted – he was an Orisa person and a chief, and his (grandfather’s) side (of Orisa) fascinated me a lot more,” the playwright told CNN’s Larry Madowo, during an interview.
He added, “For me, it (Orisa worshipping) was more artistic, creative, and also more mysterious. I don’t find much of the mysterious in Christianity and even less in Islam and that is for a simple reason that I didn’t grow up in a Muslim environment.
“Orisa is open, and very ecumenical and that is why these foreign religions were able to penetrate it and even distort the truth. Because of the generosity of this spirit (Orisa), it is not violent. It is one of those African religions which eschew violence.
“I don’t believe in the Islamic or Christian God and for the adherents of these religions if that makes me an atheist, so I say, I am an atheist. I insisted that all human beings have a certain spiritual core in their being, I believe myself to be a more spirit-sensitive person.”
He also revealed that he is uncomfortable with adaptations of his life or works, stating that it causes him pain and discomfort.
