Re-reading African Creation Stories An Imperative for the Creation of Environmental Consciousness

Résumé

In Africa, especially among the Ibos of Southern Nigeria, a parable is the o1l with which speeches are eaten. In the same vein, life is understood as a parable laden with meanings, full of interpretations. To understand nature's mysteries is a wisdom open to a few, it means understanding ones world and place in nature. Hence understanding humanity's relation to his world and the God-human relation is a mystery laden with interpretations. In Africa, these mysteries are hidden in the myths. The African world is a world of myths and each reality has a myth associated with its origin. God, the author of the universe is seen as the origin and sustainer of existence. This concept has been expressed in different myths of origins. Thus this article explores the 'African myths of origins (divine parables) as an imperative towards creating environmental consciousness. It begins with a brief guideline that should accompany any discussion into the relationship between nature and humanity in African religions.