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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Aiye Loja, Orun Nile: The Appropriation of Ritual Space-Time in the Cosmology of the Celestial Church of Christ
Author:Adogame, AfeISNI
Year:2000
Periodical:Journal of Religion in Africa
Volume:30
Issue:1
Pages:3-29
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:cosmology
African Independent Churches
Yoruba
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Religion and Witchcraft
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/1581620
Abstract:The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) was founded in 1947 in Benin by Samuel Bilehou Oschoffa, a carpenter turned prophet, and in 1950 in Nigeria, where it gained its worldwide fame. This article shows how the Yoruba understanding of the cosmos has helped to shape CCC thought and attitudes. The CCC understanding of the Yoruba concepts of 'orun' and 'aye' influenced the shaping of CCC sacred space and time. The author cites some CCC hymns which aptly echo the traditional Yoruba aphorism 'Aye loja, orun nile' ('the world is a marketplace, heaven/the spirit world is home'). The reference to the church as 'the last ship of salvation' epitomizes the fusion of the here-and-now and the after-now orientations in CCC understanding of 'igbala' (salvation). The author describes how, in an attempt to achieve 'igbala', CCC members believe they gain access to heaven through prayer-rituals within the 'Ile Esin/Ile Adura' (Home of Worship/Home of Prayer), 'Ile Aanu' (Mercyland), and the Celestial City (New Jerusalem). Through the performative force of ritual speech and action, benevolent powers are invoked to protect members against the feared machinations of malevolent forces. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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