Describe seven attributes of God and seven importances of dowry in traditional African societies.

6a) Here are seven attributes of God as understood by African people:

• God is the Creator of the universe and all living things.
• God is Omnipotent (all-powerful), having ultimate authority and control.
• God is Omniscient (all-knowing), aware of everything past, present, and future.
• God is Transcendent, existing beyond human comprehension and the physical world.
• God is Immanent, actively involved in the affairs of humanity and nature.
• God is Just, punishing evil and rewarding good.
• God is a Sustainer, providing for and preserving life.
• God is Eternal, without beginning or end.

6b) Here are seven importances of payment of dowry in traditional African societies:

• It legitimized the marriage and the children born from it, making them recognized members of both families.
• It served as a token of appreciation from the groom's family to the bride's family for raising her.
• It strengthened the bond between the two families, creating an alliance and mutual respect.
• It demonstrated the groom's ability to provide for his wife and future family, showing his commitment.
• It acted as a form of security for the wife, as its return could be demanded in cases of mistreatment or divorce.
• It symbolized the value and worth of the bride, acknowledging her importance to her family and her new family.
• It was a cultural practice that upheld tradition and ensured the continuity of societal norms and values.

7a) Here are six ways in which attitudes towards birth and naming have changed in society today:

• Reduced emphasis on large families: Modern society often prioritizes smaller families due to economic pressures and changing lifestyles, unlike traditional views that valued many children.
• Increased medical intervention in birth: Birth is now largely medicalized, with less reliance on traditional birth attendants and more on hospitals and doctors.
• Decline in traditional naming rituals: Many traditional naming ceremonies and practices are less common, with parents often choosing names based on personal preference, modern trends, or religious beliefs rather than strict lineage or events.
• Influence of global cultures on naming: Names from various cultures and languages are now widely adopted, moving away from exclusively indigenous names.
• Gender preference changes: While some traditional societies preferred male children, modern attitudes often emphasize gender equality, with less overt preference for a specific gender.
• Individual choice over communal decision: Naming decisions are increasingly made by the parents alone, rather than involving extended family or community elders as was common traditionally.