Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

177.0. "Christian and Dogon (African) correspondences..." by SWAM3::DOTHARD_ST (PLAYTOE) Fri Mar 08 1991 14:06

    
    This was posted also in Blacknotes, but I thought it relevent for this
    conference after #162 on Perfection.
    
                             DOGON RELIGIOUS IDEAS
    
    I was recently commenting in the Christian-Perspectives conference, 
    that it is necessary to gain an understanding of Africanity in order to 
    understand the Bible (i.e. the rituals, symbols and principles it 
    advances).  Africanity, including Egypt, is the foundation of biblical 
    doctrine.  I also mentioned how that I believed this even more than 
    before, now that I've reviewed information from the Dogon of West 
    Africa.
    
    I am currently reading "the pale fox", a second book on the Dogon 
    published by M. Griaule and G. Dieterlen.  The book is 560 pages long, 
    and gives an elaboration of Dogon Cosmology in a systematic and ordered 
    manner.  Sort of like it starts with the genesis of the universe 
    (stellar events) and then comes to the creation of man, then it 
    discusses the end of the world.
    
    I'm on page 385, where it's now talking about the creation of man.  So 
    up to this point it has discussed the universe, the Milky Way, our 
    solar system, and how God, whom they call AMMA, created and made all 
    things.  It's interesting how in their beliefs they always leave room 
    for the unexpected innovation of something new or different to occur.  
    
    Anyway, the idea of there being a real correlation between African 
    Traditional religion and Christianity or Egyptology or any other major 
    religion on earth, is more than a notion.  I want to enter the 
    following information regarding the "the Crucified/Sacrificial Christ 
    who died on the Cross and was ressurected".  This event is taught as a 
    virtual centerpiece of Christianity, but it doesn't hold that central 
    position for the Dogon.  Yet, it contains all the elements of the 
    Christian rendition...Let us take a look!
    
                          THE IRON LANCE OF THE BINU
    
    The material in some sanctuaries also includes a lance, called BINU 
    SARU, of which there are several variants.  On one of them (I cannot 
    reproduce the figure, but a description is given) is an anthropomorphic 
    (man-like) personage which represents the Nommo at the time of the 
    sacrifice: his presence on the weapon (which actually looks like a 
    Cross with a man crucified on it, the blade being the long extension 
    which on the cross goes into the ground) is evidence of its strength.  
    His arms are apart to show that the world is his.  "His separated arms 
    show that he is the owner of the world."  "The arms separated (hands) 
    vertical (palms forward) show the descent of the whole world; the arms 
    separated (hands) flat, this is the great ark of the world which 
    descends and lands gently."  His head is shaven and smooth, for the 
    world must be "neat and clean" like his head.  HIs straight legs, 
    joined together like "just one leg," foreshow the "solid settlement" of 
    future villages.
    
    There are two appendages on the object which stand off from the lance's 
    handle: the lance is the "one leg" (or joined legs) and the two 
    appendages are here the pectoral fins of the fish.  This object depicts 
    the Nommo's transformation after his descent, in the water, where he 
    will take on his original form of nommo anagonno and where he will 
    "teach the fish to swim"
    
    The lance is also the image of the snake.  This reptile will become one 
    of the symbols of the Nommo's resurrection and of his immortality.  By 
    taking the form of the snake, the resurrected Nomnmo will be able to go 
    from the pond to the totemic sanctuaries to give his support to the 
    members of the clan.
    
                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    
    There are several significant correlations between this and the story, 
    as given in the bible, regarding Jesus and crucifiction on the cross.
    
    1)	 First, the presence of the entire symbol of the "man on the cross" 
    representing the "sacrifice" of the nommo/christ for the salvation of 
    the world.
    
    2)	 Secondly, and furthermore, the Dogon explain the significance of 
    the "separated/extended arms" and position of the palms of the hand,
    and the feet (Jesus' were nailed together).
    
    3)	 The "shaven head" and its meaning.
    
    4)	 Associated with Jesus was the "fish" as a symbol, but not 
    explained in Christianity, the Dogon explain, it represents the 
    "original form" of man.  Jesus taught his disciples to be "fishers of 
    men", the Dogon say "teach the fish to swim".
    
    5)	 In the Bible, Jesus is said to have "bound Satan", to have 
    descended into hell and freed the prisoners there.  Thus, in overcoming 
    Satan the "serpent/snake" plays an essential part in the resurrection 
    and symbolizes the immortality of Christ.  It is said that Jesus 
    "descended into hell and lead captivity captive, ascended up to heaven 
    and gave gifts unto men."   According to the Dogon, after the 
    transformation or resurrection "the resurrected Nommo will be able to 
    go from the pond to the tomemic sanctuaries TO GIVE HIS SUPPORT TO THE 
    MEMBERS OF THE CLAN.
    
    So we can clearly see that the elements, intact, of the crucifiction 
    and resurrection of Christ are present in the Dogon Cosmology.  We are 
    told that until the Israelites/Hebrews no one served the "one and only 
    God", yet the Dogon seem to be in the knowledge of Him.  
    
    The Dogon say of Amma, and the resurrected Nommo;
    
    "The resurrected Nommo is represented by anthropomorphic statuettes of 
    varying sizes that are part of the material in teh totemic 
    sanctuaries....If the statuette has one arm raised above its head (the 
    black power symbol for Black Americans), it represents the Nommo 
    entrusting himself to his creator before his sacrifice, in anticipation 
    of the events to come (Blacks often present the power symbol during 
    protests and movements as they sing "We shall overcome", before they go 
    out and "sacrifice" their lives for freedom).  He is saying: "ONLY ONE 
    AMMA; I AM WITH AMMA."  His gesture also indicates his future role as 
    organizer and his place in the center of the universe; one says of him: 
    "His raised arm shows the middle of the world."
    (Parenthesis mine)
    
    So, again, we see not only the symbolism, but the explanation of the 
    symbol.  That, to me, suggests "root knowledge".  You know, we hear all 
    the time and strive to become "kings of the earth", but that's such a 
    small goal compared to becoming "gods of the universe".  The Dogon 
    teach us to become "gods" in the universe, and not merely kings on 
    earth...aint that somphin!
    
    Any comments?
    

    I enjoyed reading that, Playtoe!  I am always fascinated by the
    similarities between religions, beliefs, and deeply powerful symbols!
    I find them enriching, not threatening.  I am amazed at (1) the depth
    and extent of our (human) need for such things and (2) the marvelous
    understandings/revelations of God to all peoples.  
    
    (Of course, I'm also amazed at how we frequently muddle up those
    understandings/revelations till there's nothing Godly left in them --
    but that's for other strings!)
    
    Nancy