THE DYNAMICS OF HUMAN WILL

THE DYNAMICS OF THE HUMAN WILL

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

 

Human Dynamics is the way and manner people decide to act. The decisions of human beings are guided by mental andemotional faculties before the physical operations that are manifested externally. In law, an accused person is guilty if it can be established that the action in question was carried out after serious conception, reflection, premeditation and voluntary execution. The action of the will can affect a person and a whole community. The will of the human person is therefore an outward dynamic of the human mind. Peace and harmony in the community depend on the good will of each individual. It is the negative will of human beings that causes chaos, anarchy and insecurity in the society. Bad will makes human beings mischievous and mischief makers do not will what can make others happy. According to Sandra Seagal and David Horne, “Human Dynamics provides the necessary framework of human understanding, together with developmental tools based upon it, for enabling the organization’s members to recognize, appreciate, and optimally utilize their diverse capacities, and work together harmoniously and productively”(https://thesystemsthinker.com/human-dynamics-for-the-21st-century). 

 

The divine nature of God in the human person goes with the responsibility to make meaningful moral choices (Gen 1:26-27 ; 2:16-17). One of the unique characteristics of the human person is that he / she is a moral agent who is endowed with the freedom and the capacity to choose between good and evil. The freedom to choose between obedience and disobedience; love and hate; life and death with the attendant knowledge of good and evil have become a serious challenge to human will. The eyes of Adam and Eve opened to the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:5). God expelled them from the Garden of Eden because they preferred the evil of disobedience (Genesis 3:22). Externally, evil looks attractive with quick results and immediate material gains just as the forbidden fruit was delightful to the eyes of Eve (Genesis 2:16-17). The consequences of evil are grave hence every action must havegood intention (Genesis 20:5-6). The universal will for humanityis to love God (Deuteronomy 6:5). This love is manifested in human relations. 

 

The heart is the inner nature of the human person that generates thoughts, emotions, and will hence decisions are the setting of the heart (2 Chronicles12:14). Peace which is a core value in revealed religions could be attained, preserved and restored with voluntary transformation of the heart and the will of each human being. There is therefore need for each person to pray that his or her will may be tuned to the will of God. It is easy for a well formed conscience to confirm if an action is in accordance withthe will of God (Psalm 86:11-12). The dynamics of the will of the human person is possible because God allows human freedom to flourish. It is the option of each person to carry out the actions that would benefit humanity. God does not will evil. It is human beings who will and execute evil to satisfy their materialistic and egoistic desires. Some people who prefer evil to good have some abnormal traits. The proliferation of all types of drugs are destroying many youths in the world today. Those under the influence of alcohol may not have the mental capacity to take right decisions. Others who choose evil do so as a result of brainwashing and mental manipulation as in the case of suicide bombers who prefer death to life. Sometimes, evil communications and relationships could corrupt people with good intentions. 

 

Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are! The first book of the Psalms presents those with healthy relationships as blessed while those who keep bad companies are cursed. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish (Psalm 1:1-6).” Even though God gives freedom to each person, everybody will give account of how he or she uses the freedom at the dusk of life on earth. 

God freely willed the choice of Israel to be his own people (1 Samuel 12:22). He did not abandon them when they preferred to do their own will in opposition to the will of God (Nehemiah9:17; Hosea 5:11; Zechariah 7:11-12). This is because God is patient and he gives human beings enough time to return to him. Jesus is a model of perfect obedience to God’s will (Luke 22:42). Divine will leads to salvation hence humanity is called to respond to the will of God. In deciding, willing or choosing to carry out an action, the following considerations are relevant. “Does what I am intending to do gives happiness to me and the people around me?” “Does it deviate from the societal norms?” “Will the action be pleasing to God and humanity?” “Christians believe in the formation of true conscience to do the will of God” (Colossians 4:12). Christians who are not trained in the will of God are regarded by Paul as foolish (Ephesians 5:17).

The will of God is not fatalism such that we ascribe every misfortune to the will of God. For instance, can we accept as the will of God the acts of terrorism, kidnapping, raping innocent women, ritual killings, electoral fraud and all forms of criminal activities? These things do not happen because God allowed them. They happen because the perpetuators are abusing the freedom God has given to humanity. Mischief makers are not in good relationship with God (Mark 3:35). True worshippers of God listen to God and do his will (John 9:31). Human beings are not created to conform to this material world. Paul wrote to the Romans, “be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (I John 2:17).

The good will of a person can bring about renaissance, change and development. The will of a leader makes a lot of difference hence it is wise to enquire the intention of whoever is interested in religious, traditional and political leadership. If the followers or the citizens key into the will of a good leader, everybody will enjoy peace but if the leadership has a hidden agenda, then the penury of the people will cry to the heavens. “He who has a crooked mind finds no good” (Proverbs 17:20). “A man will be praised according to his insight, but one of perverse mind will be despised (Proverbs 12:8). “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them” (Proverbs 11:13). Every good leader knows that “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than the rich who walks incrooked ways” (Proverbs 28:6). It is amazing and shocking that some leaders the people entrusted their political destiny could aid and abate crime in the same society they vow to protect. They feel secure in their wickedness because they think no one sees them (Isaiah 47:10). The situation in the various nations of the world today call for a renewed human will to genuinely change the world for good. The insecurity we are facing today calls for a renewed political will on the side of government to protect the innocent citizens who are suffering, dying, displaced, raped, exploited and dehumanized by people who have willed hell in preference to heaven. May God help us to do his will. Amen!

Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua is the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) (nirec.ng@gmail.com) 

THE POWER OF THE HUMAN MIND

THE POWER OF THE HUMAN MIND 

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

 

When I was growing up, my father used to say to me, “my son, the mind makes a man.” My mother made me believe that malice and jealousy are obstacles to growth and the development of the human mind. As an adult, I came to understand why my parents debriefed me of some things that could have destroyed my peace of mind. Life experiences have given me a deeper meaning of these biblical counsels: “Do not let your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 6-7). “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Given that what makes a human person different from other animals is intellectual capacity and reasoning faculty, we need to examine the power of the human mind. The aim is to examine how the mind is formed to build authentic character in human development. This may help us in our various relationships and learn to coexist with a person with abnormal personality. This is important because human beings did not grow with equal opportunities. This also explains why you need to love even those who do not wish you well and those who hate you. 

 

In Neuropsychology, the brain controls the mind, which has no independent existence outside of the chemical reactions and patterns which constantly fire inside our brains. Neuro-biologists have long held that the brain exclusively drives the mind, and that the mind serves only the individual self (https://www.bing.com/search). The power of the mind dependson the development of the brain at different stages of growth. Nancy Guberti classifies the brain development into five stages. The first stage is from pregnancy to the age of two. At this stage the neurons and connections are growing. The pregnant woman is therefore advised to stay away from stress as much as possible. Nancy recommends that the pregnant woman could take folic acid, B6 and B12 to stimulate the young developing brain with sounds and sensations. At this stage mothers should avoid toxins, cigarettes, heavy metals, alcohol, drugs and anger.This time also calls for the tender loving care of the husband and the people around the pregnant mother.

 

The second stage is from the age of two to six years. This is the development of voluntary movement, reasoning, perception, frontal lobes active in development of emotions, attachments, planning, working memory, and perception. A sense of self is developing and life experiences shape the emotional wellbeing. By the age six, the brain is ninety-five percent its adult weight and peak of energy consumption. The need for a nurturing environment and daily individualized communication is indispensable for the proper development of the brain. Negative or harsh treatment may come with emotional consequences in the future. Parents have a lot to do at this stage. In ancient Africa, this is the time to tell children stories of brave ancestors, wise sages who have made great contributions to the community. Children must not be left alone at this stage. They need practical lessons on different ethics of life. Parents should not leave their children for the whims and caprices of house maids, and nursery / primary school teachers.  

 

The third stage is from the age of seven to twenty-two years. At this stage, the neural connections or ‘grey’ matter is still pruning, wiring of brain still in progress, the fatty tissues surrounding neurons or ‘white’ matter increase and assist with speeding up electrical impulses and stabilize connections. The prefrontal cortex is the last to mature and it involves the control of impulses and decision-making. This is why teenagers need to learn to control reckless, irrational and irritable behavior. Avoiding drugs, alcohol and unprotected sex at this stage would save the society from kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities. This is the age where teachers in higher schools need to handle the students in a way and manner that transcends mereknowledge to real formation that can inspire wisdom. Efficient training gives value to life and the dignity of the human person. 

 

The fourth stage is from the age of twenty-three to sixty-five years. This is the stage when the brain reaches its peak power. The last to mature and the first to go are the brain functionality of executive control occurring in the prefrontal and temporal cortices. Memory for recalling episodes start to decline, processing speed slows and working memory is storing less information. At this stage, the best approach is to stay mentally active, learn new things, stay physically active and eat a very healthy diet. At this stage it is important to avoid toxins, cigarettes, alcohol and mind-altering drugs. The fifth stage is above sixty-five years. This is when the brain cells are lost in the critical areas such as the hippocampus responsible for processing memories. Here it is necessary to learn new skills, practice mediation to promote neutral emotions, exercise to improve abstract reasoning and concentration. Those at this stage need to avoid stress or incorporate stress reducing mediation and exercises. It is important to eat a healthy diet with foods to nourish one’s level of dopamine at this stage of life (https://nancyguberti.com/5-stages-of-human-brain-development/)

 

Looking at the above stages of growth, we may be able to identify the stage some of the criminals in our society deviated from authentic life in the process of growth. We can also discover the point of our awareness or the stages we made mistakes in life. Among the comments on my article “THE MAMMAL AND THE HUMAN ANIMAL” that was published on Sunday, June 16, 2019 by Daily Trust and other print media was that of my friend, Imondu Adodo. He agreed that humans have unique characteristics and a number of similarities with other mammals. The special attachment to instinctively care and nurture extends to a sense of security and feeling of biological connection. He sees in human beings love put into action. That means being really present and available. He emphasized a firm foundation for human capacity that must begin with child formation with the expression:  "Feed the young with the milk of life, the type that will not depart from the mouth even at old age."  Bring up your children and family in such a way that the values, vision and principles of life will continually be their guard and guide. 

 

Given the importance of developing the mind, we must examine in our world today the quality of socialization especially in African nations. Do we value our unique gifts and appreciate the gifts of others? Is it not the case that instead of developing our minds, we waste our energies on trying to bring down those we think are doing better than us? What are we doing about the failing family institution and falling standard of education?  We ought to be living the good life in thought and action, selfless devotion to the world and humanity. The Church of today must make available the milk of life because we are dwarfed by the semblance of organized hypocrisy. We have been pulled apart from one another and from our communities.  Everyone is just off doing their own thing. We seem to be in a strange and contradictory moment in history. The brain does not function in a vacuum.  It is what one puts in that one gets out. May our secular and religious institutions appreciate the audacity of themind such that merit, proficiency and efficiency will be considered in accordance with individual capacity and competence in assigning duties and positions. “You are your mind” so we must use the power of our minds to build and not to destroy. 

Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua is the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) (nirec.ng@gmail.com)

 

 

THE MAMMAL IN HUMAN ANIMAL

THE MAMMAL IN HUMAN ANIMAL

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

 

Some scholars have opined that living beings could be divided into animals and vegetation. If we accept this opinion, it means that the human being is also an animal. The difference is that the human being is a rational animal with spiritual orientation to share in the divine nature. However, the traits of the irrational animal could be exhibited by some human beings who have no control over their reasons and temperaments. As long as some human beings could act with animal instincts, it remains true that both brutes and humans probably belong to the ancestral family. Humanity is in contact with the external universe hence the human person has a close relationship with the entire creation. The human being has some vegetative elements such as the growing of nails and hair that could be cut to size like flowers. Some characteristics are common to humans, brutes and vegetation such as growth, respiration, reproduction, sensitivity and others. Plants turn towards light to grow properly (photosynthesis) while the roots grow towards water for nourishment (Hydrotropism). 

 

Evolutionary theory affirms that Humans and Chimpanzees evolve from a common ancestor. For the philosopher, the human person is rational with a will to discern between good and evil. For the creationist theory, the human being is directly created by God. He has the divine nature infused in him hence he could control and tame the wild animal that is physically stronger. In metaphysics, all animals are categorized as living beings because “to be” is to exist. Every being exist for a reason. The major concern of the brutes is survival. This entails feeding, attack and self-defence. The wild animal has no mission and vision. They live to eat and they eat to survive. The animals have no formal training. Even the dog cannot be trained to a point of communicating like human beings. On the other hand, a human animal who live solely with the dogs without interaction with human beings could behave like a dog. 

 

Children acquire language through active demonstration and repetition of sounds. The brain of the child gets adjusted to the sounds in the first six years with the cognitive capacity. A child easily learns the language of his environment with the attendant culture and tradition. This is why a child who grows with wild animals in the jungle could behave like the savages. Love begets love just as a child who never experience parental love does not understand the pains he is inflicting on others. Pain is normal for a child who has not parental care and love and does not feel any remorse while tormenting a person. The characteristics of the brute mammal for survival are the passion for food and sex. This is perhaps why a kidnapper who has co-habited from birth with animals only hunger for ransom and sexual assault on women. In potency, the rational capacity is infused in the human person but the actualization of the latent potentials depends on the formation that is acquired through contact with people who value life with a mission, vision and hope. 

 

The essence of governance is to create an enabling environment for the citizens to aspire for greatness and build hope through self-actualization. This hope for the future is provided by a healthy society with a functional system and structure. This calls for an ideal society, environment and family that are conducive for human formation to tame the beast in the human person. Those who do not have access to credible human formation resort to the use of force and powerinstead of creative relationships. Education enables the mammal in man to be controlled and conquered. The stages of development of the human person are infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood and old age. “Early child development (ECD) encompasses physical, socio-emotional, cognitive and motor development from the ages of one to eight. Every child has the right to truth.

The child grows by processing information available through vision, audition, listening and language. As the child develops, he learns the value of truth. In the words of Albert Einstein, the child grows into an adult who should look for what is and not for what he thinks should be. Truth prevents hate and war whereas ignorance puts a person at the level of the savage mammal. Einstein thinks that the truth will free us from the animal world. This is because energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be changed from one form to another. According to Isaac Newton, there are no exceptions to the laws of nature. They apply to all matter and energy. Human beings are matter and energy, thus you and all humans are governed by the same laws. For Henry David Thoreau, it's not what you look at that matters; it's what you see.You have to know true life to know your true self. Very often, we do not see things the way they are; we see things the way we are.

 

To objectively perceive reality, there is need for formation and reformation. This is why a country like Nigeria should make education a priority. This form of education should be all embracing in a way and manner that even nomadic education should be given a serious priority to change the orientation of children who have lived with cows since birth. Otherwise the herdsmen would continue to value cows more than human beings. The street children are human beings who deserve human dignity. It is injustice to leave them at the level of the Old Stone Age. They too have the right to education which any government could give freely for the sanity and security of the nation. Truth should not be hidden from these children for fear that they might gain their freedom and liberty to self-determination instead of being used as thugs and terrorists. Truth has the power to transform a mortal person into an immortal spiritual being. According to Winston Churchill, the truth is incontrovertible; malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, only truth can make us truly human. 

 

I doubt if any religion forbids education in arts, science and technology. Islam is known to have had a great influence on Western Civilization. Islamic scientists and scholars contributed immensely to the renaissance. Because Islam values child development, the Holy Quran says, “Kill not your children because of poverty” (Quran 6:151). One may say further that Islam forbids the institution of street children because a man is like a shepherd of his own family and he is responsible for them (Bukhari and Muslim). The first message to the Prophet of Islam is “Iqra - read” (Quran 96: 1-5)! God teaches the human person what he does not know through human agents. The philosophers talk about infused and acquired knowledge. The parents are the first teachers to awake in the child the potentials for self-awareness. The child takes to the school the foundation that had been laid by the parents. The Religious teachers assist the child to grow in vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationship with fellow human beings. 

 

In the Bible, the Sages counsel: “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). The bible expressed clearly the role of fathers in parenting: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 31:12-13). Paul was advising the parents not to allow the children to degenerate to the level of animals. Anger is emotions that can make a person behave like a wild animal. The sages recommend discipline to tame the beast in the child. Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die (Proverbs 23:13).Every family is happy to see the children grow gracefully in strength and wisdom. Saint John expressed this sentiment in his third letter. “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth (3 John 1:4). To create a normal human society, we appeal to government at all levels to promote education and provide jobs to graduates to tame or eradicate the mammal in human animal. May God assist us to have a society that is peaceful and secure! 

 

Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua is the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) (nirec.ng@gmail.com)