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Opinion

Exordium To Exodus

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6 years ago

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Based on biblical tradition of obfuscation through metaphors, parables, fables, proverbs, allegories and other “dark sayings,” this article contends that the highly histrionic narrative of mass movement of Israelites from Egypt to the Land of Canaan as contained in the Book of Exodus is an allegory. Yes, it is another symbolic representation, which abundantly yields to critical analysis and interpretations that arrive at a deeply hidden spiritual meaning; a meaning that contains moral and behavioral codes that hold the key to the age-old mystery of man’s purpose on earth and the path to atonement (at-one-ment) with God.
To understand the essence of this paper, the reader is implored to approach the enterprise with a thawed mind: consciousness that has transcended the inhibitions as ininely acquired over the years from the creeds and dogmas of institutional religion; a mind that realizes that God cannot implant the mysterious instrument of unimaginable potency called the human brain in man’s head yet give humanity religions that discourage critical intelligent thought; and a mind that has come to know that institutional religion, as practised, is a human fabrication for the purposes of anesthetizing, subjugating and politically and economically exploiting humanity.Do not get the author wrong, the Bible is a highly spiritual roadmap to oneness with God; however, to appreciate the plentiful spiritual lessons contained therein requires reading between the lines, burrowing beneath the dark sayings and going beyond the spiritually infantile act of drinking the milk or the adult chewing the meat to cracking the bones and savoring the marrow of the knowledge contained therein. The reader should note that reliance on biblical references here is only a reflection of the author’s background; this presentation is universal, it is beyond the bounds of any one religion.
Given the lack of archeological evidence of the mass movement that lasted for forty years as chronicled in the Book of Exodus, it is natural to conjecture that Egypt, in the narrative, is not the geographical location in the North-East of Africa. Rather, it is metaphor for a state of mental enslavement from which man is expected to liberate himself and journey to the Promised Land of Canaan, which is also a metaphor for a state of global harmony, based on sharing the abundance of nature by all. Both Israeli and Egyptian researchers of various academic disciplines agree that at the time of the exodus, the Province of Canaan was firmly under Egyptian control; so, it could not have been the land of freedom for the Israelites; this further emphasizes the metaphoric essence of the narrative.
In the same vein of dark sayings, Manna from heaven is metaphor for a spiritual, mental and physical state when man is able to utilize the unimaginable powers of his brain to generate the Sacred Manna, which has nutrients that nourish the body “without waste.”Also,heaven is metaphor for the human head wherein the human brain is contained. Given this biological state of existence, man will have no need for animal protein with its health hazards; he becomes herbivore. At this point, man will live in harmony with his other neighbours in this animal kingdom and will then learn to communicate with the animals and avail himself of the boundless knowledge and wisdom they harbour.The Book of Job (12:7&8) enjoins man to “ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you…speak to the earth, and it will teach you and the fish of the sea will explain to you.”For instance, from the avocation of agriculture, the earth has taught the discerning mind that you reap what you sow; (Gal 6:7) this means that vicarious remission of sin is ludicrous. Again, give watermelon cut for more than twenty-four hours to a rabbit and it will reject it because it knows that the watermelon has lost its nutritional value. Observe the maneuvers of a bird in flight and watch it apply the breaks and land on the ground; then observe an airplane in flight and land and you would realize that Wilbur and Orville Wright took Introduction to Flying tutored by the birds. Further, the calisthenics of assault planes in battle are mimicry of the hawk hunting for food; watch a wale surface from the deep of the ocean and note the uncanny similarity with a submarine in the same act. With this consciousness, man will also learn the language of his innumerable green neighbours (herbs, plants and trees) and therefore benefit from their incredible medicinal properties and propensity to cure all ailments, including those that are yet to manifest. Lao and Walter Russell, Tibetan monks and other highly evolved humans in history including herbalists across the world before the advent of Western civilization achieved this capacity. This harmonious coexistence with the elements is akin to what obtained in the equally metaphoric Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony with the animals and the environment until the transgression.
At the above point of interrelatedness, planet earth morphs into a land of abundance in which its yields are made available to all according to individual needs irrespective of colour, creed, station or location; this is the symbolism of Land of Canaan. It is this state of consciousness that inspired Mahatma Gandhi’s concise yet comprehensive poetic and sociopolitical classic: “there are enough resources for every one’s need; but not enough for one man’s greed.” This philosophy is also at the roots of the “from each according to his abilities and to each according his needs” ethos of communism.
In an incisive assessment of the essence of the various books of the Bible, Genesis was referred to as “The Beginning of ALL things” while Exodus was referred to as “Redemption of Human Race.” In the same assessment, Leviticus was referred to as “Holiness/Atonement” while Numbers, Deuteronomy and Joshua were referred to as “Wandering,” “Covenant” and “Conquering Land of Canaan,” respectively. A deep thought into the sequence of these books vis-à-vis the labels, shows that they contain the spiritual essence of the Bible, which is exiting from mental slavery and arriving at Canaan; This is the big picture. The rest of the Bible expatiates on the precepts for arriving at Canaan, the Kingdom of God here on earth; this is what Plato referred to as the Ideal State and St. Augustine of Hippo called it the City of God.
Restated, exit from the mental and spiritual slavery in which humanity is neck deep requires learning the lessons and abiding by the precepts in the other sixty-four books of the Bible and other books of life and adhering to the relevant attitudinal and behavioural prescriptions for man to arrive at the metaphoric Land of Canaan. Here, the issues of absolute faith in God as exemplified by various dramatis personae in numerous dark sayings and the universality of religion as repeatedly preached by Jesus Christ, St. Paul and the other Apostles in the New Testament, constitute the guide to the actualization of oneness with God. Here again, the essence of the acronym ASK, which is obfuscated in the Biblical injunction “Ask and it shall be given unto you; Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you” (Matt 7:7) comes alive along with the essence of the lamentation “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea, 4:6).
Dr Osai is an Associate Professor in the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

These and many other portions of the Holy Books emphasize the need for man to seek the pristine knowledge of the Divine, which wells from within each individual; knowledge untainted by ossified creeds and dogmas of institutional religion. Further, the emphasis is on Gnosticism; of vital note in this regard is Jesus’ averment that “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot hear them now.”(John 16:12) More than two thousand years after Jesus, man should be ready for the gospel truth and spiritual essence of his being.
In this eternal spiritual journey from slavery to the point God’s “will is done on earth as it is in heaven,” every individual is on hisher own; “be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth; that shall he reap also” so said St. Paul (Gal 6:7) and the Man from Galilee says “I come quickly with my rewards to give each man according to his works.” (Rev 22:12)Eternally, there are all sorts of guides that cut across every religious persuasion and belief; they roam planet earth and other corporealities and dimensions in the Divine anatomy seeking for souls to either save or destroy depending on what sort of guide they are. The decision to accept and follow a particular guide or otherwise is an individual thing and so is responsibility for the outcome of that singular and personal decision. The golden rule and the greatest law of all is “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Mark, 12:31) In its disarming and, perhaps, deceitful simplicity, this commandment, like most Biblical sayings, has deeper meaning than meets the eyes. The depth of the statement is in the essence and import of the word “neighbor.” While this belongs in another narrative, suffice it to say that by “neighbor,” the Bible refers to a wider,more intellectually, spiritually and cosmically tasking field of relationships than family, relatives and those living next door.
Where does humanity belong in this journey? Accepting the spirituality of the Bible, man should come to terms with the fact that from”Redemption of the Human Race” to “Conquering Land of Canaan” is all about arriving at the Grand Design of God for man, which is living harmoniously in His abundance. As an introduction to the Book of Exodus, this article calls for the narrative to be subjected to greater studies from multidisciplinary perspective to uncover the hidden meanings and as they apply to human existence. A spirited attempt has been made in the book titled From Rule of Law to Rule of Love: The End of Western Thought and the Death of Leviathanto present, in contemporary terms, the material and spiritual requirements of this journey from enslavement to universal oneness and the abundance of God.
What is the significance of the repeated use of the number forty in the Bible? What is Shakespeare doing deep inside Psalm 46? What other hidden codes are there in the Bible and what is their meaning? Where are the Book of Jasher and the other books excised by King James? This call for further studies on the essence of the Book of Exodus is so that man may be appropriately guided in his search for oneness with God.The multiplicity of religions in humanity now constitutes a source of protracted bitter conflict and spiritual confusion unto man. Here, Gnosticism and the essence of Huist Thought are imperative. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
Dr Osai is an Associate Professor in the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

 

Jason Osai

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Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

Published

2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”
In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.
One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.
As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.
 Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.
 Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.
These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.
Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

2 weeks ago

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June 17, 2026

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Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”
Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.
Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.
Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.
Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.
Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.
 The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.
By;  Confidence Adoo
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Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’  Prescription 

Published

3 weeks ago

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June 8, 2026

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Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”
The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.
Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,
when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.
Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?
Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.
Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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