I can never separate my culture from my beliefs because everything I believe about the spiritual realm comes from my cultural background. I want to introduce the presence of good and evil spirits as we understand their existence in Garifuna culture.
Observations on Beliefs About Evil Spirits
Before I do so, I want to share an observation based on people I have encountered and spoken with about the spiritual realm. From what I have observed, most people accept the existence of evil spirits. They believe that these evil spirits, unseen by us, are soldiers or followers of the devil and the cause of chaos on earth. I must point out that I have talked to people from different cultures and beliefs, and this is a common theme they believe in the presence of evil spirits in the spiritual world.
Questioning the Existence of Good Spirits
However, when I ask if they believe that good spirits, such as our ancestors, exist in the spiritual world, the responses are often different. Many believe that once you are gone, you are gone, and some even quote the Bible, stating that after death, you will know nothing until Judgment Day. I cannot recall the exact quote, but I understand their perspective. I have never researched this further because I base my beliefs on personal experience.
Critical Thinking and Spiritual Beliefs
These conversations often occur during discussions with friends when we engage in critical thinking. I often find myself questioning why people readily believe in the existence of the devil and his followers but are hesitant to acknowledge the existence of good spirits, like our ancestors, in the spiritual realm.
According to the Bible, wasn't the breath of God put into the body made from dust to create the first man? What do you think that breath was? Most people would say it was life, but I was taught that it was a soul, and this makes perfect sense to me. When the soul enters the body, it infuses it with consciousness and vitality. When the body weakens and can no longer heal, the soul is required to return to the spiritual realm. I find this idea logical, but I understand it might not make sense to everyone.
The Immortality of the Soul
I believe that our bodies may perish, but the soul remains eternal and cannot be destroyed. I am yet to find anything convincing enough to make me think that only evil spirits or demons have the privilege to exist indefinitely in the spiritual realm. I believe that after we die, we move on to the spiritual realm, where our souls endure forever. In my culture, we believe our ancestors can come to us to offer advice and share messages. They have shared many insights during these visits, which I will elaborate on in future posts.
The Dual Nature of Life and Spirit
In simple terms, our bodies reside on Earth, while our spirits dwell in the spiritual realm. To navigate this physical life, both the spirit and the body are necessary. However, in the spiritual realm, only the spirit is required. This makes sense to me, but it might be puzzling to some. It's okay if it puzzles you because it will prompt you to start thinking critically.
Belief in the Unseen
I understand that it is very hard to believe in something you cannot see. If people didn't believe in evil spirits because they cannot see them, I would understand their thinking. However, to believe in one and not the other seems biased to me. It's like someone telling you there is only one way to do something without considering other possibilities. Eventually, someone will believe there is another way to do it.
Dreams and Spiritual Experiences
I have heard someone describe a dream about an angel, only to have another person attribute it to the devil. If people understood that the devil himself is not almighty, they would realize that Satan and the other fallen angels do not know their beginning nor their end. If Satan had known how things would turn out, he wouldn't have dared to challenge God for the throne.
The things we witness in a dream should prompt us to question if there is a spiritual aspect to us. During dreams, we find ourselves functioning in a different dimension while our bodies remain at rest. This is the power of the soul, and God knew exactly what he was doing when he created humans; every design was done perfectly.
Recognizing Good Spirits in Garifuna Culture
In my culture, we see good spirits as God, the angels who serve God, and our ancestors. We identify evil spirits as the devil and the angels who assist him. I believe that recognizing the existence of good spirits in the spiritual life can bring comfort and reassurance. It reminds us that the spiritual life is not just a place of darkness or unconsciousness but one of light and hope.
Encouraging Critical Thinking and Belief
I always stress that God never created humans to believe without thinking. We were created to make choices, and making choices requires decision-making and thinking. When someone tells you something is right, you must be able to think critically about it and, after being convinced, make a decision. Don't be afraid to use your mind to think; it was a gift given by the Almighty.