Reasons 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, creative nature and non-violent 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, and its worship appealed to him due to its mystery, inclusiveness, and ecumenical qualities.

“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 Madowo during an interview.

He added, “For me, it (Orisa worshipping) was more artistic, creative, and also more mysterious. I don’t find much mystery in Christianity and even less in Islam, and that is for a simple reason: 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 that 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.

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