The Place of Meteorology and Prophetism in Sustainable Development

Abstract

Meteorology and Prophetism are universal phenomena which as a result of their significance and relevance had from time immemorial engaged the interest of scholars. Discourses on meteorology and prophetism had however revealed and undeniable fact that they are stabilizing agents and effective tools for arresting the tide of misfortune and misery. They are also being used to enhance creativity and increase productivity for the common good. Unfortunately, as important and interesting as discourses on meteorology and prophetism are, they are often been studied in isolation development which has consequently made it  impossible to examine the benefits they have in common and how they have contributed to sustainable development. This paper therefore aims at doing comparative study of meteorology and prophetism with the purpose of exploring their common benefits to humanity by paying special attention to their points of convergence and divergence. Being an historical study, historical method of analysis is employed. The study reveals that meteorology is a branch of science that is concerned with the process and phenomena of atmosphere especially as a means of forecasting the weather while prophetism is a spiritual method or act of foreseeing and foretelling events. While a meteorologist employs scientific principles to observe, explain and forecast weather, a prophet or prophetess relies on inspiration to predict events. Meteorology and prophetism help people to plan what to wear, when to travel or which products to stock in supermarkets. An accurate forecast and prediction may mean the difference between life and death. Hence, their role in sustainable development and how they can enhance national interaction with the dynamic of globalization cannot be overemphasized. The paper however recommends that persistent comparative studies of both science and religion should be done since this will entrench progressive human development.