【非洲異國情】兩個世界

 

今天世界各地許多人都相信人類是活在兩個世界裏,一個是物質可見的世界,還有一個是是非物質的世界,兩者互動並且牽動著人類生存的意志和動力,活著的人都要努力面對這兩個領域的訴求。

非洲人相信宇宙中有一位至高者,祂創造了許多神明靈體和人類,又創造了宇宙,包括看不見的靈界和可見的物質世界。這位至高者分派了許多神明管理宇宙世界,這些神明在兩個世界中運行工作。人是受造的,神造了人的軀體後,由神靈賜下生命給人,所以人生在世要敬拜和服事這至高者和眾位神明,遵守祂的旨意和愛護創造物。人類是緩和自然界和超自然界的中介者,人的存在沒有開始和結束。出生並非開始,因嬰孩在出生前可能已是曾在世上活過的一位親族人,現在轉世再為人。人死亡並非完結,而是進入另一個階段,是兩個世界之間溝通的開始,與別的受造物(神明和祖先)建立更深的關係,所以死亡只是生命的延續。因此,人生目的是死後成為族人的祖先,與列祖一起守護他的族人子孫。

基於這種宇宙和人生的信念,非洲人每天都在至高者、眾神明、祖先、自身的族人和家人之間往來,努力工作和生活,以求社群和諧共處,家人生活平安無恙。在實際生活中,這些思想信念從族群的傳統習俗、祭祀慶典、喪禮、婚禮、嬰孩出生,治病和調解衝突等事件中就可清楚了解。

從祭祀慶典中,每年全族人都會聚集一起,跟那看不見的靈界,守護著他們的神明,和祖先會面,按傳統習俗以奏樂和跳舞慶祝,論述及歌頌先祖的功德,用祭祀作為禮物,向那些賜他們生命靈氣的神靈表達崇敬,平日更需時刻謝恩和獻物討好。父老領袖要為村內事務有所禀報和尋求指引,履行在世為神明服侍族人的職責。非洲民族各自供奉自己的神靈,有特設的人作祭司主持節期祭祀,在與眾神明和祖先歡聚的高漲時刻,祭司和巫司會施法邀請神靈和先人的靈體化身進入其身軀內,然後向族人顯示神明的力量和意旨,從而提升社群精神和威望,增進個人情操;族人也要按族例獻祭,尋求使全族人和神明和諧共處。喪亡殯儀方面,人死後不久會轉世再進入社群另一成員,或是成了庇佑族人的祖先;因此,必須為死者舉行正統隆重的葬禮,恭敬安放其靈位與祖先並列。不然死者的靈魂便成為無主孤魂,還會危害在生者。看來辦好喪禮是多為生人利益著想和消災除害,這也說明了死人影響生人的事實。

非洲人因這「兩個世界觀」的信念,凡事都尋求不見世界的介入和指引,邀請專人主理指點。占卜活動被廣泛使用,他們有專業的占卜師,使用骨頭、貝殼、石頭、羽毛或木頭等,以擲物後觀其狀態,由占卜師解說,指點迷津和趨吉避凶等,另外還有巫醫和求雨道士等。每一個民族供奉神靈都有特別的儀式,獻祭物之例、選定的祭司(代理人,有男有女)、舉行的時令,在禮儀中主持人的服裝及參拜者,都各有不同。

在平日的生活和工作中,各行業、貿易的場合,甚至市場地方等,也有特定的神靈掌管,由巫師以法術在兩個世界中施法來扭轉乾坤,助人工作和生意財利亨通。占卜和邪術涉及神靈運行其中,雖然並非舉足輕重,但也有其作用,濫用這些活動的人必遭受損害。從神話傳留的習俗也很普遍,許多民族都發展出他們特有的歷史遺產,解釋宇宙世界和人類的生老病死,並涉及族人理解族中輩份、性別、社會階層和宗教禮儀,目的是讓所有人認知自己的身份,認識神靈祖先、男女道德操守,與人應有的關係等,從而使人生畏和促進民族內聚團結。某些民族設有秘密組織,多屬狩獵人仕,他們除了學習行業基本技巧外,更需要遵守靈界打獵規則和配合巫術方來狩捕獵物,所有成員必須為邪靈的會員。出外作業前也須有祭祀,用打鼓和跳舞請神靈入身施法,其間他們會呈現昏睡狀態,有的口念呢喃的話語傳出神靈的訊息,往往需要傳譯加以解釋。

非洲民族的宗教信仰,包含許多原始宗教色彩,各有異同而無法一概而論。它們多屬口傳而非有系統的研究記錄,範圍有敬拜超自然的神靈、各種符靈物件、祖先,巫術和傳統醫葯等。非洲傳統宗教是以口述世代傳授,從禮儀、民族歌曲、舞蹈、=神話和成語等可見。由於這些宗教與近代外來的宗教如基督教和依斯蘭教等混雜,連同散居各地的非洲僑民宗教(如南美、加勒比海眾島嶼及歐洲各地),其中以沃魯泊教Yoruba為主, 信眾人口接近一億。

綜合而言,中國和非洲文化,在宇宙信念、人生觀及生活實踐都很相似,且受著近世紀外來宗教和文明科學發展的影響。雖然受著後基督教時代西方文明衝擊,強調發展物質世界,更有廿世紀倚仗唯物論而建立的共產世界,將非物質的事物一併放在宗教和迷信的匣子裏。然而,今天在物質昌明的世界之外,許多以非宗教、非傳統教義、沒有教主,及以別樣包裝的思想學說,包括星相、占卜、運程算命,風水玄學等,強調靈界的指引和力量解決問題,都深深吸引著現代人。。從只剩下為數甚少的無神論人口顯示,現今有許多人都接受不可見世界的存在和尋求幫助,而佔世界近十分一人口的非洲人對此的豐富經驗,仍深深影響著現今社會的發展。

參考資料
1. Wikipedia. Traditional African Religion. Wikipedia. http://www.a-gallery.de/docs/mythology.htm (Access on June 2, 2013)

2. Anderson, Allan. 2008. African Religions. Encyclopedia of Death and Dancing. http://www.deathreference.com/A-Bi/African-Religions.html (Accessed on September 14, 2012)

3. A. Gallery. Myths, legends, beliefs and traditional Stories from Africa. A. Gallery. http://www.a-gallery.de/docs/ mythology.htm (Accessed on September 14, 2012)

4. Doh, Emmanuel Fru. 2009. Stereotyping Africa. Surprising Answers to Surprising Questions. Bamenda, NW Region Cameroon: Langaa RPCIG.

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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