|
|
In traditional African life the mediator plays the most integral role in society. Mediators, also known as prophets, seers, and diviners, form the link between past, present, future, and Deity. In African society, people believe in a Creator. If that Creator wants to instruct His people He chooses certain individuals to relay His message. To understand the importance of mediators in African life we must understand the definitions and responsibilities associated with the title. In the English language, the term prophet is associated with relaying the word of God to men. One responsibility of a mediator is to prophecy. Charles Ambler in his essay on prophecy and colonialism in central Kenya, titled, “What is the World Going to come to,” said, “The notion of prophecy in the societies of central Kenya apparently encompassed much the same ambiguity that the English-language term embraces. Prophets were individuals who could predict future events; yet they were also women or men who possessed a vision of how communities should face those events and thus shape the future.” A prophet communicates with God, and makes God’s will known unto men on earth. African prophets received instruction or knowledge through visions and dreams. It is important to note that not only were these seers respected for their visions, but also the people looked to them for guidance or protection. Mediators not only received visions for the entire village, but they would also give guidance on an individual basis. Ambler also said, “People rarely made significant changes in their lives without consulting specialists for advice on the wisdom of such actions.
|
