History
The founder and Supreme Spiritual Teacher of Godianism, Ahanyi, Kalu Onu Kama Onyioha, stated that he intends to correct the notion that African traditional religions are "pagan".
According to Ahanyi, K.O.K. Onyioha, “Paganism and heathenism were two of the most common words used by western colonialists and their Christian missionaries who accompanied them, when referring to the religious beliefs that existed in Africa. This was because of their ignorance of the principles and the doctrines for which this religion stood. But at least now, they know and are aware that what they once mischievously labeled as paganism and heathenism were neither pagan nor heathen but a religion and spirituality, which had stimulated the growth of great cultures and civilizations in Africa.”
Godianism has been the oldest spirituality of Africa. It is in the cradle of Chiism that the African people grew. The adherents of this religious movement believe that Godianism will help the children of Africa to rejuvenate themselves in unity and solidarity. Godianism does not look down upon or despise another religion, nor does it use force or coercion to impose its belief on others. With its message of universal unity and its philosophy of 'biri ka'm biri' (live and let live), it serves as an eye opener to those who still peddle religion in the market place by means fair and/or foul to win the world for this 'ism' or that 'ism'. Godianism on the other hand brings harmony and unity among the people of different religions in spite of their diversities. Humanity should eventually understand that harmony is the keynote of the universe. Equality in the universe throbs with a harmonious rhythm. Any disturbance of this rhythm will spell suffering and bring disorder and chaos.
Godianism intends to bring this needed harmony first among the peoples of Africa and subsequently offer it to the world as food for thought.
The religion has since spread to other parts of West Africa, particularly Ghana. A former Catholic priest, and former member of the Provisional National Defence Council of Ghana after the coup by Jerry Rawlings in 1982, named Vincent Kwabena Damuah wrote a booklet entitled Miracle at the shrine:religious and revolutionary miracle in Ghana under the name Osofo Okomfo Damuah, which has been very influential in helping the new faith develop in Ghana.
Godianism has, since its inception in Nigeria during the fight for independence from Great Britain, turned from one that was founded with pronounced political motives to a movement that has developed and displayed strong cultural and philosophical aspects, and is viewed as being a "philosophical reflection on African traditional religious customs".
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