Perhaps, because I had been involved in the financial community for so many years, the latest stock market debacle involving World Com made such a large impression on me. The financial community had hoped that the Enron fraud, which cost thousand’s their life savings and security, was simply a one time event, the kind of chance occurrence, or statistical anomaly, that while disturbing in itself, does not force larger areas of examination. World Com, whose scope of fraud makes Enron look like a Pick Pocket compared to a Bank Robber, put that lie to rest. It pointed out massive illegalities that undoubtedly permeate numerous others of our biggest financial institutions.

Yet, no one should be surprised. In a culture that worships short term gratification and possessions rather than long term accomplishments and character, this was an inevitable outcome. Morality and Values take a back seat to money.

In a similar respect, the recent scandal which has rocked the Catholic Church, stems from similar structural flaws. “How can you equate pedophilia with stock fraud?,” you might ask. The answer is that both actions stem from a Supremacist world view that places the perpetrator above the “rules.”

From the individual Priest who used his position and power to satisfy his short term sexual gratification, to the Unit Manager who decided to hide a few losses in order to still get his performance bonus, the theme is the same. It is a short step from there for the hierarchy of both , the Church ( whose basic tenet places it above and apart from secular rules as well as “in charge of the universe” ) and the Business (whose reason for existence has become not only profits, but stock price), to attempt to hide the moral failures so they will not impact badly on them or the institution.

Concepts like right, wrong, moral and immoral, take a back seat to short term fixes!
By the way, you will hear cries of “too much de-regulation” by government causing this. Or, “more regulation is needed.” But the problem is a societal view, a cultural view, and a society that believes that good character is decided by who has the most toys...it is not a problem that can be solved by government. You cannot legislate morality...you can only teach it!

Singular among the major philosophies of the world, Ifa has maintained a different world view. Ifa has never viewed itself as “in charge of the universe..” Rather, Ifa has correctly seen our relationship, responsibility and interdependence on the Universe as part of the energy complex Oludumare created. Theologians throughout history have searched their scriptures for passages that stress the primacy of an unseen and unknowable God who has conferred authority specifically on them. Singular, among the world religions, in its lack of participation in this behavior, is the philosophy of IFA. Through the corpus of the ancient Odu, IFA has, for thousands of years, remained constant in its views of the universal dignity and empowerment of all men.

This empowerment flows, and is dependent upon Iwa Pele...good character. The recent society wrenching events both in our Corporate and Religious giants are evidence of the failure to teach and understand it. As an aside, it seems logical to me that you will soon hear of Nuns who have used their office and power for the same short term gratification as their male counterparts.

Nevertheless, one must look not to short term fixes, but to long term solutions. It must be your own life that stands as an example of genuine good character, of understanding the necessity of long term gratification based upon our relationship to the whole. It must be our children we teach about behavior...that we steer away from short term gratification into long term meaningful fulfillment. In this way, and only in this way, will Oludumare’s latest experiment ( man) have a chance of surviving.

Blessings