Badimo Paranormal Belief

Badimo Paranormal Belief is similar to traditional religion of the Africa. This religion is centered in the country of Botswana and those who practice this religion believe in Gods who came from the sky. Some interpret this as alien intervention.

The term “Badimo may be understood as ancestors but is also understood to mean the living dead. Dead ancestors continue to be present and are active in the daily lives of people and tribes.

Prior to the missionaries arrival the Batswana believed in a Supreme Being, Modimo, a creator and director, but also distant and remote. However, more present and having a greater influence on daily life were the ancestors, the Badimo.

Ancestor worship was shown in the respect accorded elders and their ability to influence the young. After death their spirits left their bodies to join other Badimo.

They were venerated and invoked, appeals are addressed to them and they are placated with sacrifices, prayers and appropriate behavior. Badimo intervened actively in daily life and could withdraw their support making descendants vulnerable to disease and misfortune.

Most Botswana today also belong to African independent churches that teach Christian and non-Christian practices, beliefs and symbols.

Badimo Paranormal Belief as with African traditional paranormal belief includes deities and spirits which are honoured by the sacrificing and offerings of animals, vegetables and precious metals. It is believed that the living exist between the family ancestors and unborn.

To contact deities and spirits which exist in the realm of the paranormal the method of casting or throwing of bones small objects including shells, stones, pieces of leather or flat pieces of wood are used and the technique of such vary by tribe and culture across the whole of Africa. This casting is done by diviners and these people are used on a regular basis by much of the population. These folk are also used for advice and their knowledge of herbal medicine.

The Badimo as with other African traditional religions are difficult to research, as there is an absence of scriptures or the written word. These oldest religions of the world, have had their history and traditions handed down orally and preserved in the culture and religious artifacts of the African people.

The three essential features of Badimo Paranormal Belief within African traditional religions are belief, worship and morality.

Belief

In the African traditional religions, the main beliefs are, God, the divinities, spirits and ancestors. The belief in God as a supreme being is central to all the traditional religions but there are a few where this is not so.

Next to God are the divinities which are spiritual beings who owe their origin to and are dependent on God and are messengers of God. The divinities although recognized as being demanding are considered as good and just.

There is also a class of innumerable spiritual beings who may be good, mischievous or evil. Some are the spirits of people who have died but perpetrated some evil deed in their lives.There is also a belief that the spirits of witches and wizards are able to leave their bodies and inhabit lower animals in order to harm other people.

It is also believed that there are good spirits known as “living-dead” who are members of the family who have passed and now live in a state that allows them a special relationship with God, the divinities and good spirits. They protect the family from harm as they have power over the evil spirits.

Worship

Only God and the divinities are worshiped through sacrifices, offerings, prayers, invocation, praises, music and dance. There are an abundance of temples, shrines, altars and groves used for private and public worship.

Sometimes special trees, rivers, forests and mountains are considered sacred and are used as places of worship. God is worshipped at the location not the location.

The veneration of ancestors is not to be confused with the worship of God. This veneration takes the form of libations, offerings and prayers.

Morality

Human conduct is most important within African traditional religions and the belief in God implies a certain type of conduct. Conduct that respects that established by God and watched over by the divinities and the ancestors.

Those who practice this religion have a sacred reverence for life as it is believed to be God’s greatest gift to man. living in harmony within a community is a moral obligation ordained by God for the promotion of life. Religion provides the basis for community and not only is a religious need but a religious obligation.

Badimo Paranormal Belief

Religious Paranormal Belief

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