Several definitions have been given to the word religion. A dictionary defined the word Religion as "the belief in the existence of a god or gods and the activities that are connected with the worship of them". Another defined it as "the belief in the superhuman controlling power, especially in a personal God or gods entitled to obedience and worship". According to The Catholic Encyclopaedia, 1913 Religion also means ..."the voluntary subjection of oneself to God". These definitions highlight the existence of the supreme God who expects those who believe in him to adhere to his commandments.
There are many forms of religion, few examples are Atheism, Mormon, Christianity, paganism, Buddhism, Rastafarianism, Islam and Traditional religion etc.
Christianity is the main form of religion respected and practiced in Amaigbo today. Prior to the dawn of Christianity in the early 1900s by the European, Amaigbo natives were strong believers in the Traditional religion. Today, only a few natives are ardent worshippers of this form of religion.
There are similarities with Christianity and Traditional religion. All profess a belief in one supreme God the creator. To the Christians, He is God Almighty; to Amaigbo natives, God is Chineke or Chukwu Okike, Oseburuwa, or Obasidinigwe. All also share in attributing names to the Creator. To the Christians God can be referred to as Elshadai, Nissi (the banner), Jireh (the provider) etc, He is Onye nzoputa, Ebe Mgbaba nke umu ogbenye, Odimkpumkpu neme ire, Oke osisi nke na esere ndu and many more to Amaigbo natives.
Whilst Christians have an intermediary (pastor) who can be approached for guidance and direction, the dibia is an intermediary for traditional worshippers in Amaigbo. Christians believe in the Holy Spirit who can be prayed to in difficulties, the spirits in Amaigbo are known as Umuagbara or Ndi Mmuo. There are God's messengers called Angels (Ndi Muo Ozi). Eke Amaigbo, Amadi Oha, Iyiafor, Ezealuhue, Nwantike, Iyiekenwanyi are messengers who intercedes for the natives.
All religion offer sacrifice to the supreme God. Christians offer her prayers to theSaints, there is also sacrificial offering to the great grand ancestors to intercede for their plights in Amaigbo.
Christians believe in the existence of the Holy Trinity - God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus, the son of God is believed to be the mediator between God and man. The Christian doctrine does not seek for vengeance, but allows God who is the greatest avenger to intervene and avenge on her behalf.
Christianity is the way of life for majority of Amaigbo locals. Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. This form of religion is embraced and respected in Amaigbo most probably because it precipitated the eradication of human sacrifice and the killing of twins. Also, those who practice Christianity believe that a total surrender to God and trust in his infinite mercy is the power to redemption, salvation and a victorious life.
There are three main Christian denominations in Amaigbo today, the Roman Catholic, the Anglican (Church of England) and Pentecostal movement. Catholicism is the first form of Christianity that was brought to the Amaigbo natives; this probably spells why the natives are predominantly Catholics.
Catholics believe that the Pope, based in Rome, is the successor to Saint Peter whom Christ appointed as the first head of His church. He therefore stands in what Catholicism calls the apostolic succession, an unbroken line back to Peter and has supreme authority. Catholics also recognises the place of the blessed virginMary in the church. It is the church believe that Mary's obedience and subservient to God's divine will has precipitated the birth of Jesus Christ and consequently salvation to mankind. It can be said that our salvation would have been futile had the blessed virgin not accomplished the calling of God in her life. She is therefore believed to be instrumental to the believers’ salvation.
Catholics also believe in the ever resounding advocacy of the blessed virgin. It is believed that the blessed virgin intercedes on behalf of those who ask for her intercession. Many miracles have abounded through Mary's intercession; people have indeed received peace, consolation, healing etc through her as they pray the rosary. The praying of the rosary is instrumental to helping one to reflect on the mysteries of Christ. It is also believed to be powerful armour against all devices and schemes of the enemy for those who diligently seek God.
The blessed virgin is also believed to have used people to spread the message of Jesus. To some people, she has appeared as the Lady of All Nations, to others as Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Sorrows, our Lady of good success and to others as the Lady of Mystical Rose etc, However, the key message in all her apparitions points to conversion, prayer, penance and reconciliation.
St Gregory’s Catholic Church located at Umuezeobolo village, is the first Catholic Church inaugurated in Amaigbo. It is also the first parish that was inaugurated between Onitsha and Emeke-Ukwu. Most parishes which exist today in towns like Awo-Omama, Ihioma, Isu, Nkwerre, Oru, Ùmúaka, Uli, Ùmúnna were carved out of St Gregory Catholic Church Amaigbo.
As the population of the natives grew, it became apparent to build other parishes. The St Gregory’s was no longer able to accommodate most of the parishioners who often stood through out the service. Also, the distance to the church was too far for some of the parishioners. It took some of these parishioners about two hours to get to church. Thus the need for building other parishes was born. Below are other parishes in Amaigbo.
St Theresa located at Amaju, is the second Catholic Church in Amaigbo. The church was inaugurated on the 9th of November 2001. Other small parishes include St Michael Obodo, Sacred Heart Umuduruoha, St Mary’s Umuanya etc
This form of religion also believes in Jesus as her Saviour. Anglicans also recognises Mary as the mother of Jesus and some do pray the rosary like Catholics.
Holy Trinity is the first Anglican church(Church of England) inaugurated in Amaigbo. The Church is located at Ubahu village. Another Anglican church - St Jude is situated in Umuola village.
This form of religion ascribe its doctrine to Pentecost Day 'the day Jesus' apostles spoke in different languages, hence the pentecostal movement.
This religion believes in Jesus as well as the Holy Spirit who is believed teaches, ministers, admonishes and encourages the believers. An established Pentecostal movement in Amaigbo is theAssemblies of God located in Umutakwu village.
Other forms of Pentecostal movement in Amaigbo are the Cherubim and Seraphim, Jehovah witnesses, Sabbath and Church of God-Odozi Obodo. Despite the many beliefs, the natives are however predominantly catholics.
It is important to respect other religion despite what our beliefs are. It is equally important to adhere to the teaching and practices of our beliefs. This may help us to lead a good life and attain to what we have been destined for.
Whilst it is important to pray through saints, it is equally important to imitate the lives of these saints; imitating their lives will enable us to endure whatever tribulations, pains, shame, sorrow, humiliation, loneliness etc we experience. It will also help us to stay focussed to our calling no matter what life present to us. Thus, it will enable us to fulfil God’s will in our lives.
Follow one of the links below to enhance your understanding of the Catholic faith.
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