religion as a way of life

2.21.09
here in ghana the religious (christian) influence is vast and permeates every aspect of life. it's certainly a much different approach than i am used to and has given me lots to think about. church signs are more prevalant here than starbucks in seattle and the reach includes businesses as well. taxis and buses proudly display their beliefs with stickers covering their rear windows with saying like "yes, lord", "clap for jesus" and "finger of god" (i have no idea what that means). stores have names like "god first fashion shop" and "touch not my anointed (in god we trust) jonas motor parts". god is praised by the people here for everything from good weather, good health, fortune, or even the right card drawn in a game. for a nation of people with far reaching poverty, corruption, and trials & tribulations they are also very thankful and grateful as a nation. the focus seems to be on what is good and positive rather than the negative or what they are lacking. the pervasive belief here is that god will provide for them. from the discussions i've had with locals they find it impossible to comprehend life without god or church. these people put god first in their lives with a passion and fervor that i can only (somewhat) liken to a die hard sports fanatic. not believing in god or even not being christian (there us a minority muslim population here) is just unfathomable. coming from a much more secular society it's sometimes hard to comprehend how someone can believe that god wanted a team to win a football (soccer) match or a card game but it's been a fascinating part of the culture to explore!