Discover the unique, non-hierarchical and lifelong relationship with God among the Bamiléké of Cameroon. This article explores spirituality beyond religion, from birth to adulthood, and the coexistence of multiple paths to God.
God among the Bamiléké: The Originality of the Relationship with God
The relationship with God among the Bamiléké is profoundly original. I prefer not to use the concept of religion, as some authors do when describing African relationships to God under the rather vague label of traditional African religions. This expression presents at least two difficulties:
The first difficulty concerns the very concept of religion, which should not be confused with every form of spirituality.
The second difficulty concerns the understanding of the term traditional. Which tradition is being referenced? Are there religions that are not traditional?
For these reasons—and many others—I will gladly use the expression relationship with God, and I will refer to the concept of religion only when necessary for clarity or when making comparisons with the institutions of revealed religions.
The Relationship with God Is Connatural and Coextensive with Each Individual
Among the Bamiléké, there are no initiation ceremonies marking entry into a religion. Among Christians, for example, baptism marks the moment one becomes a Christian. One can therefore identify the moment when a person entered the Christian faith. Such an event does not exist among the Bamiléké.
The relationship with God begins even before birth, because the child comes from God. In fact, when a woman is pregnant, people say that God has laid His hand on her. The multitude of theophoric names given to children also reflects this relationship with God at the moment of their birth.
This relationship with God also extends throughout a person’s life. Since there is no entry ritual, there is also no exit. Being baptized into a Christian denomination, becoming Muslim, becoming atheist, or joining another religion does not exclude a Bamiléké person from maintaining their relationship with God as practiced in their culture. At this level, the Bamiléké demonstrate a remarkable acceptance of the coexistence of different relationships with God—something not found in revealed religions, where belonging is exclusive.
The Relationship with God Is Not Governed by Hierarchy
The Bamiléké are not bound by a set of limited truths about God enforced by an institutional hierarchy.
There is no creed to memorize or recite.
There are people dedicated to God who offer sacrifices in specific places, but in general, anyone can speak to God, and from any location.
Every head of family offers sacrifices on behalf of their family, and every village chief offers sacrifices for the village. The relationship with God is characterized by great flexibility.
And you—how is the relationship with God lived in your culture? Share your story in the comments.
It’s important to know our history to make sure we give credit where credit is due!
