EXPLORING THE BIBLICAL ARTS AND GENERAL AESTHETICISM IN AFRICAN (YORUBA) CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: THE SIGNIFICANCES ON THE YORUBA CHURCHES AND COMMUNITIES IN AFRICA

Abstract

The Yoruba evolved in situ from Mesolithic Volta-Niger populations by the 1st millennium BCE, with Ile-Ife emerging as a city-state by the 8th century CE. Oral traditions trace Yoruba origins to Oduduwa, while the indigenous religion, Isese, dates as early as 500–300 BCE. The Yoruba homeland extends across present-day Southwest Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. This paper explores The Biblical Arts and General Aestheticism in African (Yoruba) Cultural Experience: The Significances on the Yoruba Churches and Communities in Africa. African (Yoruba) aesthetics denote the perception of beauty, spirituality, and moral value in artistic expressions. Art is both ethical and functional, linking ancestors, gods, and the Supreme Creator. Colonialism disrupted these traditions, eroding cultural heritage and impeding holistic development. This study contextualizes Biblical Arts and General Aestheticism in Yoruba Africentrism to enhance moral, economic, and communal growth, promoting African (Yoruba) theology and decolonizing Christianity from western dominance. Using Yoruba experience in Nigeria as case study, the paper stresses contextualization in missionary work, adapting gospel methods to African realities. Before western Christianity, Africans worshipped Olodumare and expressed aesthetic values through clothing (e.g., Aso Oke), beads, and marriage ceremonies that upheld modesty and morality, contrasted with western garments that expose the body and encourage corruption. The research identifies parallels between Ancient Israelites and Ancient Africans, authenticating Biblical roots of African (Yoruba) Churches and challenging Eurocentric claims that African Arts are pagan. It examines Africentric influence on Judaism, including Israel’s Africanization during 430 years in Egypt, their role with Africans in the wilderness (Exod. 12:38), and shared participation in the Redemptive Drama. Findings propose African and Jewish traditions as a model for global Christianity and holistic development. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening African Arts in contemporary theology. Methodology combines socio-historical analysis, interviews, internet sources, and narrative approaches.