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Why I Prefer Traditional Worship to Christianity, Islam — Wole Soyinka

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Why I Prefer Traditional Worship to Christianity, Islam — Wole Soyinka

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Nobel Laureate and renowned playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka, has shared why he favors traditional Orisa worship over Christianity and Islam. In a recent interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, Soyinka reflected on his spiritual journey and upbringing, stating that the richness of Orisa worship resonates with him more deeply than the two major Abrahamic religions.

Soyinka revealed that his connection to Orisa, an African traditional religion, stems from his childhood. He was raised in both the Christian faith and the world of Orisa worship, as his grandfather was an Orisa adherent and a chief before converting to Christianity. Soyinka explained that Orisa’s spiritual and artistic nature captivated him from a young age, describing it as “more creative and mysterious” than Christianity or Islam. He said, “I don’t find much of the mysterious in Christianity, and even less in Islam.”

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Why I prefer traditional worship to Christianity, Islam — Wole Soyinka

For Soyinka, Orisa worship is more inclusive and non-violent, unlike the historical associations of violence with foreign religions. He emphasized, “Orisa is open and very ecumenical… it is one of those African religions which eschew violence.”

While Soyinka does not believe in the Christian or Islamic concept of God, he acknowledged that people may label him as an atheist. However, he insisted that he still possesses a strong spiritual sensitivity, remarking, “I believe myself to be a more spirit-sensitive person.”

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In the same interview, Soyinka also expressed discomfort with watching adaptations of his life or works, stating that it feels emotionally unsettling for him. He said, “Turning anything in my life into what other people can watch pains me. It makes me extremely uncomfortable.”

Through his reflections, Soyinka continues to offer a unique perspective on spirituality, shaped by his experiences and African heritage.

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