Religions and Superstitions

• Analyse how superstitions and religions play in the life described in the novel. 
• Do superstitious beliefs and religion affect the development of a country? How?
• How does one’s belief affect the nation in terms of politics and culture?

In the novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe, superstitions and religions play in a way that it benefits the society and in some aspects, it harms the society. In this novel, they kill people to fulfill the order of the Oracle. The killing of the young lad is not a decent action because humans must not take other human’s life. Life and death are God’s plan. Besides that, members of the tribe that suffered from illnesses were seen as unclean. These people would not be buried, but being cast away into the Evil Forest. It would have been better if the society helps to cure the illness rather than casting away the sick people. However, values such as respecting and obeying the eldest are implied in this novel which gives a good lesson to the society.

Superstitious beliefs and religion do affect the development of a country. There are both good effect and bad effect of superstitious beliefs and religion. If a ruler rules his country by referring to the religion, he can produce a society that does not easily commit crime. Believing in God and applying moral values in one’s life will restrict him from committing wrong doing. But, relying on superstitious beliefs may give negative effect towards a country because superstitious beliefs sometimes are not based on religion principles. For example, superstitious beliefs affect the way of Filipino living. The Filipino becomes limited as to what already exists now such as the technologies that will make the impossible become a bit possible. Filipinos are quite dependent on their beliefs that somehow hinder them to achieve the success. For instance, an individual should go back home when a cat crosses his path as this is a bad omen. Thus, a person must return back home when a cat crosses his path on his way to work. If this situation happens every day, how would he gain income for his family? This will bring no benefit to him. Moreover, the Filipinos do believe that their superstitious beliefs is useful and thus helping them to have a happier life. They should be open as to the new generation. Their beliefs have been passed from generation to generation. They should respect their superstitious beliefs, but why would you stick on your belief if it isn't lead you to a better life? They should get to work and make themselves successful.

One’s belief will affect the nation in term of politics in a way that a leader will rule his country justly based on the religious view. He will not make any decision that benefits him only. From what we can see today, most of the ministers worldwide and their family live a wealthy life meanwhile; some of the citizens live in a poor condition. If a leader really emphasizes the teaching of religion in his administration, citizens would not be facing the poor life anymore.

Each belief emphasizes on togetherness and respecting each other. If the society applies these values in their life, the nation may live peacefully. Practicing your faith will make your culture last longer. However, some beliefs which include too many taboos do give problems to a nation that their participation are limited in many aspects.

Reference: http://cebuanawithlove.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/superstitious-beliefs-of-filipinos/

By: Nur Izzah Zawani bt Boher @ Bujang Amri

          In things Fall Apart, superstitions and religions are strongly practiced by Ibo people.  Their believe are mostly based on their relationship with nature and its elements. For instance, they worship the goddess of the earth and are always careful to avoid committing sins against nature. This is because they afraid of punishment that might wipe out an entire generation.  For instance, one cannot do harm during the sacred week.

          Superstitious beliefs and religion do affect the development of a country.  This is because, religion helps us to set our goal of life. Without it, we might lifeless and do not know why we are living in this world. Everything happens in this world has their own reason.  The development of a country depends on the society of the country.  If the society do not proactive and have a motivation of life, the development of that country will decline. So this is important for a person to have a religious faith in order to help him to set his goal of life. Indirectly, the country will develop well as the society knows reason of life. Nevertheless, superstitious might bring a negative  influence as some of the superstitious believes are not relevant with religion. People must know how to balance their life so they will not influence by negative ways of living and cause the country cannot develop well.

          One’s belief can affect the nation in term of politics and culture. It can be positive and it can be negative. For example. If the leader practices the positive values that had been taught in his belief he will rule the country well. He will learn to respect others opinion although that person is from different belief. Besides, he also will alert with other’s belief sensitivity. Indirectly, the country will live in harmonious.  But if the leader too obsess with his belief and culture he might neglect others belief. 

By: Nur Afiqah bt Abdul Manap =)