Showing papers on "Supreme Being published in 2021"

Transcendence and Tian in the Analects

Abstract: While appreciating Roger Ames and David Halls’ provoking thoughts on the lack of transcendence in Chinese philosophy, the author of this paper discusses transcendence in the Chinese tradition by re-examining an important notion, tian 天, in Confucius’ Analects. Ames and Hall employ tian as strong evidence to reject the transcendent reading in the translation of tian as “Heaven”—having listed all the lines/places where tian is used in Analects. The author argues that although tian in the Analects differs from the Christian God as a creator, it is a purposeful supreme being that “goes beyond” the human world. Comparing it to Aristotle’s notion of God (theos), the author thinks that Aristotle’s theos differs from the Judo-Christian conception God. For Aristotle, contemplation, the highest human activity, is also what characterizes God. Contemplation, then, becomes a special link between human beings and the universe. Theos and tian share some similar nature traits. When one exercises contemplative activity, it puts one in the state of being one with God. Both Confucius and Aristotle intend to actualize what is divine in us internally. Philosophically, Confucius’ heavenly-based mission could be compared to Socrates’ divine mission of doing philosophy. The author concludes that tian is not a deity that creates the world, as Hall and Ames point out. However, when discussing lacking transcendence, one should keep in mind that the Judeo-Christian tradition is foreign idea not only to the Chinese tradition, but to the Ancient Greeks as well.

Analyzing the Similarity between Abagusii and Judean Conception of God as Reflected in the Book of Ruth

Abstract: The belief that God, or the Supreme Being, is the source of all that exists is common among a wide range of African communities that still retain a good measure of their traditional religio-cultural heritage. The Abagusii of Western Kenya is one of the communities that has been exposed to and actually embraced the western culture. This notwithstanding, the Abagusii are still proud of their traditional customs and still maintain a good measure of these practices, either in their original form or with modifications. In this paper we examine the influence of belief in God on the day-to-day activities of the Abagusii and assess the similarity of their religiosity with that of the Judeans as reflected in the book of Ruth. The purpose of this work is to contribute to the on-going debate on inculturation by projecting a trajectory that appreciates the authenticity of all cultures. In comparing the similarity between Abagusii and Judean conception of and interaction with the divine, this paper covers the following key areas: the nature and function of God, human limitations, the relationship between God and humans, the notion of divine intervention, and the influence of religious consciousness on the daily life of the community and its members. The author is cognizant that the Book of Ruth may not provide a comprehensive picture of the Judean concept of God. But it provides a basis for a comparative study on the way community members utilized their religious awareness and identity to govern their daily lives.

Promoting unity in the modern age through social drama: the performance of Umulumgbe Odo masquerade ritual

Abstract: Umulumgbe is a community in the South Eastern sub-tribe of the Igbo of Nigeria. They are known for their strong belief in the Supreme Being who is known as Chukwu Okike – the Creator and in the anc...