History of the Celestial Church of Christ - Essay Example

History of the Celestial Church of Christ Founded on 29th September, the year 1947 in Africa by one Samuel Joseph Bilehu Osdoffa, Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) is predominantly located in West Africa. Most of its worshippers are situated in Nigeria and Benin but has spread to various locations around the globe due to immigration. Their founder was born in the year 1909 and grew up as a carpenter and Benin; he was also raised as a protestant. In the year 1947 on 27th May, Oshoffa was lost in the forest during a solar eclipse. This is where he claims to have received a revelation as he was invited to pray, heal and raise people from the dead leading him to launch this church in September that same year. He gave himself the biggest position within his new found movement labeling himself; Pastor, Reverend, Prophet and Founder. His strict leadership style and disciplinary record set him apart from those who aspired to head the movement after his death in Nigeria, 1985 (Adogame). Celestial Church of Christ has continued to develop since the death of its founder Oshoffa. His death created an avenue for severe setbacks relating to the issues of succession especially after the demise of his successor Alexander Obiodun Adebayor Bada in 8th September 2000. Philip Honsu Ajose succeeded Bada, but a dispute came up after his death in March 2001. Son of Oshoffa, Reverend Emmanuel Oshoffa was caught up in a dispute with Gilbert Oluwatosin Jesse over succession. Jesse later passed away, and his faction supported Paul Suru Maforikan as their spiritual leader. Celestial Church of Christ was formally recognized and authorized in the year 1965 in Dahomey (now known as Benin). The movement recruited many followers in 1976 after kick-starting an evangelistic campaign in areas of French West Africa. CCC has embraced the use of technology, importantly the internet enabling them to be constantly in contact with their African-Diaspora branches. They have successfully linked Nigeria where the movement is most popular with countries such as France, Germany, United Kingdom, Austria, and the USA (Adogame). Imaginary Religion The Olowun religion is mainly found in the central parts of Africa among small groups of the society mainly found in the deep forests of Central Africa, the founder is unknown since Olowun does not have sacred texts. It is quite similar to most religions that surround this area mainly the West-Africa vodun. Worshippers of the Olowun religion carry out ancestral worship and believe that spirits of those who passed away live among us. These spirits are referred to as washins, and they watch over their loved ones. The divine creator of the Olowun religion is known as Ogajin and is responsible for the creation of everything as we know it even the deities; otushin, mbishin, and wagin. Ogajin gave the deities the power to rule over nature with mbishin and wagin controlling the heavens and earth respectively; otushin is responsible for the overall well being of humans. Otushin mediates with the washin and constantly reports to Ogajin, the devine creator. Myth has it that Ogajin lived on earth after creating it but, in order to watch over people he created the heavens where he currently resides. People should join this religion because it focuses mainly on helping individuals to meet their true potential in life, to concentrate on the positives rather than the negatives. The Olowun region teaches that; the divine creator Ogajin sees every individual as equal. Those who have wealth are urged to share what they can with their counterparts; this will please the otushin who will report the positive deeds to the Ogajin, who will later bless the individual. Olowun religion aims to bring people from all walks of life together and eradicate the animosity that is escalating within people due to different religious beliefs. Olowun religion does not have a sacred book such as the Bible or the Quran. This religion has survived through generations by a way of sacred stories referred to as hadin. Hadin consists of the many religious teachings which are told as parables and proverbs. Olowun has survived as an oral religion used as a reference by village elders and leaders who have studied and memorized them as part of the Olowun religion training. The hadin teaches followers of this religion how to conduct their worship such as prayers, rituals, and ceremonies. Prayers are directed to the Ogajin through the otushin; one must also mention the washin while holding prayer sessions. Thanksgiving rituals and ceremonies are held once every year to give thanks to the Ogajin for providing peace and equality within believers. During such rituals, animals and birds are slaughtered as a way of pleasing the mbishin and wagin. The Origin of the Christmas Santa Clause The Christmas tradition of Santa Claus can be dated back hundreds of years to an individual known as St. Nicholas. Nicholas was born towards 280 A.D in an area known as Patara near Turkey. Nicholas was admired for his kindness and piety leading many to develop legends. People believe that Nicholas was a wealthy man who gave away all his wealth and set for the countryside to help the sick and the weak. One of the most known legends of St. Nicholas is where he saved three sisters by giving them dowry preventing them from being sold as prostitutes and slaves (History.com). His popularity grew over the years where people started referring to him as the protector of sailors and children. His feast day is marked on 6th of December and doubles as the anniversary of his death. He became known in the United States popular culture on December 1773 and 1774 after Dutch immigrants came together to honor his death. The name Santa Claus emerged from his Dutch nickname of Sinter Klaas. His popularity was further influenced by John Pintard in 1804 after he distributed St. Nicholas woodcuts at the New York historical society annual gatherings. The engravings contained Santa images like stockings full of toys and fruits placed over the fireplace. Sinter Klaas stories were popularized after Washington Irving named St. Nicholas as a saint of New York City in 1809. Christmas celebrations have gift giving which revolves around children. These celebrations grew in the 19th century as stores started to advertize the picture of Santa Claus between 1820 and 1840s. People began to dress in red coats with white cuffs and collars, red trousers with white cuffs, black boots and leather belts with a white beard. A poem drafted by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822 for his three daughters shown how Santa visited his family. His poem created the modern depiction of Santa as a jolly old elf, ascending through chimneys and carrying gifts (History.com). Works Cited Adogame, Afeosemime U. Celestial Church Of Christ. Frankfurt am Main: P. Lang, 1999. Print. History.com,. Santa Claus - Christmas - History.Com. N.p., 2014. Web. 10 Dec. 2014. Read More